TPO in Nail Products: What You Need to Know
At Certified Nails, we believe in more than just beautiful nails we believe in safety, transparency, and keeping our clients informed. A hot topic in the nail world right now is TPO (Triphenylphosphine Oxide), a chemical that has recently been banned in Europe. Understandably, many clients are asking: What is TPO? Should I be worried? And what does this mean for my nails at Certified Nails?
Let's break it down together.
What is TPO?
TPO is a photoinitiator, which means it helps gel products harden when cured under UV or LED light. It has been used for years in many professional and consumer nail gels.
The concern? Scientific studies have shown that TPO can cause skin sensitization and allergic reactions, and in some animal studies at high doses, it has been linked to reproductive toxicity. Because of these findings, the European Union banned TPO in nail products, forcing brands to reformulate.
Is TPO Really That Dangerous?
Here's where it gets interesting. Nail scientist Doug Schoon, a respected voice in the industry, points out that the EU decision was made on a hazard-based approach rather than a risk-based approach. In other words: regulators looked at what TPO could do in theory (at very high exposures), not necessarily what happens at the levels used in nail products.
Schoon emphasizes:
The studies that triggered the ban involved rats fed high amounts of TPO not the same as how gels are used on nails.
When applied by trained professionals, exposure to TPO is very low, and adverse reactions are rare.
Safe application (avoiding skin contact, ensuring full cure) matters more than just the ingredient list.
So, while the risks are real, they may not be as severe in practice as the headlines suggest.
Where Leading Nail Brands Stand
This is where product choice comes in:
Bio Sculpture: Already TPO-free and fully compliant with EU regulations. They've been ahead of the curve for years, focusing on health-first nail systems.
Kokoist: Some gels currently contain TPO, but the brand has publicly announced that their R&D team is working on converting the entire line to be both TPO-free and HEMA-free without sacrificing quality or wear. Importantly, Kokoist maintains that their current products are safe when applied properly by professionals.
What This Means at Certified Nails in Noblesville
We know safety matters to you. That's why at Certified Nails we:
Use trusted brands like Bio Sculpture and Kokoist, chosen for their innovation and high safety standards.
Stay updated on ingredient changes and regulatory news so you don't have to worry.
Apply all products correctly and safely, minimizing unnecessary exposure.
The Bottom Line on TPO Safety
Is TPO "bad"? It depends on how you look at it. The EU believes any potential risk is too high, while experts like Doug Schoon say that with proper use, risk is minimal. Either way, the nail industry is moving toward TPO-free formulas and at Certified Nails, we're already making sure our choices reflect the highest level of safety.
With us, you can enjoy gorgeous nails and total peace of mind. Because beauty should never come at the expense of your health.