When talking about gel polish ingredients, one of the most important terms you’ll come across is TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide). It plays a crucial role as a photoinitiator in gel polishes, UV-cured resins, and inks – meaning it helps the gel cure properly under a UV/LED lamp.
But with the latest European Union Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, TPO is officially banned after August 31, 2025. This rule has already started reshaping the nail industry, pushing brands to adopt TPO-free formulas for safer, compliant products.
What is TPO Exactly?
Full Name: Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide
Other Names:
Diphenyl (2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) phosphine oxide
(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide
CAS Number: 75980-60-8 (always the same, regardless of the name variation)
If you want to confirm whether a material is real TPO, always check the CAS number 75980-60-8.
Similar but Different Ingredients
Recently, some suppliers have been using alternative ingredients that look similar to TPO in name but are different chemicals with different CAS numbers:
Di-p-tolyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide – CAS No.: 270586-78-2
Ethyl trimethylbenzoyl phenylphosphinate – CAS No.: 84434-11-7
While they may function in a similar way, they are not the same as real TPO.
Why is TPO Banned in the EU?
TPO has raised safety concerns regarding potential skin sensitization and toxicity under long-term exposure. The European Commission decided to ban it under the Cosmetics Regulation, making TPO-free gel polish a new standard in professional nail products for the EU market.
Ban effective date: August 31, 2025
Impact: All nail gel brands selling in the EU must remove TPO from their formulas.
Alternatives to TPO in Gel Polish
With the ban in place, manufacturers are introducing new-generation photoinitiators that provide the same curing performance with improved safety.
One of the most discussed substitutes is TMO (Trimethylbenzoyl Oxide derivative) and other phosphinate-based photoinitiators. These ingredients comply with EU rules while maintaining high curing efficiency under LED/UV lamps.
Why Choose HEMA & TPO Free Gel Polish?
In addition to TPO, another ingredient under scrutiny is HEMA (2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate), often linked to allergic reactions. Many nail brands are now switching to HEMA-Free & TPO-Free formulas to ensure:
Better safety for nail technicians & clients
Compliance with EU regulations
Stronger market acceptance in Europe & beyond
Build Your TPO-Free Nail Brand with Tenteu
As a professional nail manufacturer, we stay ahead of regulatory changes. At Tenteu, we provide:
✅ TPO-Free Gel Polish – fully compliant with EU standards
✅ HEMA-Free Options – for safer, hypoallergenic nail systems
✅ Custom Formulations – build your private label nail brand with EU-compliant ingredients
✅ Wide Range of Products – color gel, cat eye gel, builder gel, glitter gel, and more
Final Thoughts
If you’re a nail distributor, salon supplier, or beauty brand, it’s crucial to stay updated on the EU ban of TPO in 2025. Choosing HEMA & TPO Free gel polish is no longer just a trend – it’s the future of the nail industry.
�� Contact Tenteu today to explore our TPO-free, HEMA-free gel polish collections and build a safer, compliant, and market-ready nail brand.
