Great Britain will ban trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO) in cosmetics products from 15 August 2026. This follows an EU ban enforced in September 2025.
TPO is a photoinitiator essential for UV-curing gel nail products and maintaining colour stability. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) confirmed the ban through a Statutory Instrument amending UK Cosmetics Regulations. Manufacturers have until 15 August 2026 to stop placing TPO-containing products on the market. Distributors must cease making these products available to purchase by 14 February 2027. Nail technicians in England, Scotland, and Wales can use existing stock after this date.
This regulatory divergence highlights the UK's independent chemical and cosmetics framework, distinct from the EU's. Northern Ireland already aligns with the EU ban. While TPO is banned, the CTPA states that its rapid breakdown during the curing process and entrapment within the nail polymer make residual exposure highly unlikely. Caroline Rainsford of the CTPA notes that the ban stems from TPO's potential hazardous properties in extreme, high-exposure scenarios, not its typical use in nail products.
The CTPA asserts that the ingredient's low concentration in nail products and limited absorption potential mean current TPO-containing products are not unsafe. An independent 2014 safety review by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) concluded its use in cosmetics was safe. The new ban reflects a precautionary approach by regulators.
