The latest TPO update for UK nail techs
If you’re a nail tech, TPO probably isn’t a new topic. Over the past year, there has been plenty of conversation around changing regulations, product reformulations and what these developments mean for professional nail products.
But as the transition progresses, there is now clearer guidance on what nail professionals in Great Britain can expect, particularly when it comes to important deadlines and existing TPO-containing stock.
So, consider this your latest TPO update. Here’s what has changed, what happens next and what you need to know for your salon.
What is TPO?
TPO stands for Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide. It’s an ingredient traditionally used in some UV and LED-cured nail products as a photoinitiator.
Put simply, a photoinitiator helps kick-start the chemical reaction that takes place when a gel product is exposed to your nail lamp. This polymerisation process turns the gel into the hard-wearing, durable finish we know and love.
Not every gel product contains TPO, and many professional nail brands have already been adapting their formulas in preparation for regulatory changes..
So, what’s the latest TPO update?
The UK Government has amended the UK Cosmetics Regulation to ban TPO in cosmetic products placed on the market in Great Britain.
There are two dates nail techs need to know.
15 August 2026
From this date, manufacturers can no longer place new cosmetic products containing TPO on the market in Great Britain.
14 February 2027
From this date, products containing TPO can no longer be made available on the market in Great Britain. For nail professionals, this means you will no longer be able to purchase TPO-containing products after this date.
This gives salons and nail techs a transition period to understand what is currently in their kit and prepare for TPO-free alternatives. At Pure Nails, we already offer TPO-free products across our professional range, making it easier to start introducing alternatives into your kit ahead of the deadline.
Can nail techs still use existing TPO products?
This is perhaps the biggest question surrounding the latest guidance, and one that has caused some confusion.
The answer for professionals in Great Britain is yes.
According to guidance from the NHBF and CTPA, if you purchased TPO-containing products before 14 February 2027 and they remain in your possession, you can continue using them professionally on clients after the deadline.
The important distinction is between using existing products and buying new ones.
After 14 February 2027, professionals will no longer be able to purchase additional TPO-containing products in Great Britain. However, products purchased before the deadline do not need to be automatically thrown away.
This interpretation has been discussed with Trading Standards, which is responsible for enforcing the UK Cosmetics Regulation. The NHBF and CTPA guidance states that Trading Standards is aligned with the position that professional users can continue using products obtained before the deadline.
Why is TPO being removed?
TPO received a classification under chemicals legislation known as CLP, or Classification, Labelling and Packaging.
Under the relevant regulations, substances receiving certain classifications must meet strict criteria to continue being used as cosmetic ingredients. These include the substance being safe when used in cosmetics, there being no possible alternative ingredients and the substance being used as a food ingredient.
According to the NHBF and CTPA, while TPO is considered safe when used as a cosmetic ingredient, the industry could not meet the other two requirements. As a result, TPO is being banned from cosmetic products.
Does this mean TPO products are unsafe?
This is an important distinction to understand, especially if clients ask you about the changes.
The NHBF and CTPA guidance states that TPO-containing nail products are still considered safe.
The classification relates to how TPO might behave under a worst-case scenario. When ingested in very large quantities, it may have effects on fertility. However, this is very different from how TPO has been used in cosmetic nail products.
The amount traditionally used in nail products is more than a thousand times lower than the amount associated with harm when ingested. It is also applied to the nail, meaning there is only a very small amount of possible absorption into the body.
So, if a client asks about TPO, there is no need to create unnecessary concern around previous gel manicures. Instead, you can explain that the industry is transitioning in response to changing cosmetics regulations.
How can I check whether my products contain TPO?
If you haven’t already, now is a good time to carry out a quick product audit.
Check the ingredient lists on your gel polishes, builder gels, base coats, top coats and other UV or LED-cured products. The ingredient you’re looking for is:
Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide
If you’re unsure whether a particular product contains TPO or whether its formula has recently changed, always check directly with the manufacturer or your professional supplier.
When shopping with Pure Nails, you can also look out for our TPO-free products when choosing new additions to your professional kit. This can help you gradually transition your collection rather than feeling like you need to replace everything at once.
It’s also worth keeping track of the products you currently have and when they were purchased. With the February 2027 deadline approaching, having clear records will make managing your existing stock much easier.
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What about builder gel and other professional nail systems?
The TPO changes are also a good reminder to check the ingredients across your wider professional nail kit.
If you regularly create builder gel nails, for example, check the formulation of your builder in a bottle, professional builder gel and other UV or LED-cured products rather than assuming every product contains the same ingredients. This also applies to products such as rubber base gel and self levelling builder gel.
Whether you prefer a clear builder gel, nude builder gel, cover pink builder gel or tinted builder gel, always check the individual product’s ingredient list and follow the latest guidance provided by the manufacturer.
If you’re looking to update your kit, explore the TPO-free options available from Pure Nails and choose the products, shades and systems that best suit the services you offer. As formulations continue to evolve, staying familiar with the products you use every day will help you make informed choices for both your kit and your clients.
What should nail techs be doing now?
There’s no need to replace your entire kit overnight.
Instead, use the transition period to understand what you already have, identify any TPO-containing products and familiarise yourself with the alternatives available. You can also start introducing TPO-free products into your kit now, so you have plenty of time to find the formulas and shades that work best for you before the new purchasing rules come into effect.
If one of your favourite products is being reformulated, take the time to understand the new formula too. Always follow the brand’s individual application and curing instructions rather than assuming a replacement product will behave exactly like the previous version.
The latest guidance provides some welcome clarity for nail professionals. If your TPO-containing products were purchased before 14 February 2027, current guidance for Great Britain means they can continue to be professionally used after that date until your existing stock is naturally exhausted. What you won’t be able to do is purchase additional TPO-containing products after the deadline.
Looking ahead to the TPO changes? Explore our TPO-free nail products and find the right products for your professional kit.
Don't forget to tag @purenailsuk in your creations. We love seeing your work and could even feature your nails on our socials!
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