Is gel nail polish being banned?

Who wants shiny, glossy nails in their favourite colour? Judging by socials, a lot of us! There are almost 52m Instagram posts and millions of TikTok videos using #gelnails.

While there are many different ways to paint your nails, gel nails can last the longest. One application can stay put for three weeks following a process where they are dried under ultraviolet (UV) light in a professional salon.

Although popular, some gel nails are now banned in the UK, following a similar ban in the European Union (EU) last year. But does that mean all gel nails are now forbidden? BBC Bitesize Other Side of the Story did some digging to find out more.

What is TPO in gel nail polish?

On 15 August, England, Wales and Scotland banned a chemical called trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (or TPO). This substance gives gel nail polish its glossy look and enables it to set quicker under LED or UV lights.

Scientific research into TPO has suggested it could be harmful to people, especially when it comes to fertility. It has been banned in the European Union (EU) and Northern Ireland - which follows EU rules on cosmetics - since September 2025.

What does the TPO ban mean?

Any business in the UK which sells or offers gel nail products containing TPO cannot sell new stock from the date the ban started. They have until 14 February 2027 to sell any stock they bought before the ban came in. From 15 February 2027, no nail items containing TPO can be sold.

This does not mean that gel nails are being banned altogether. There are alternatives that do not contain TPO, and it is only these that should be offered by nail salons after 14 February.

Are gel nails banned in the UK?

In 2025, when the EU ban came in, Other Side of the Story contacted Dr Naila Dinani, a consultant dermatologist at the Royal United Hospital in Bath. Dr Dinani also appeared on the BBC Sounds Sliced Bread podcast to discuss nail polish and gels in August of that year.

She explained further about the TPO ban: “TPO is being banned in the EU because scientists found it could be harmful if used in very high amounts over a long time. The actual risk from having your nails done is probably very low, but EU law says if a chemical is labelled as possibly harmful, it can’t be used in cosmetics.

“This doesn’t mean gel nails themselves are banned. Salons can still offer gel manicures – they just have to use different ingredients that don’t contain TPO. Many companies already have these alternatives.”

The UK ban is also based on research linked to fertility issues. It is based on guidance carried out by the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) who worked with the National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) and Trading Standards.

What other concerns are there about nail gels?

Dr Dinani said that there have been concerns about gel nails from a dermatology point of view “for some years”.

She explained that acrylates - chemicals which cause the gel to harden - can cause allergies. Also, anyone who regularly has their nails set under a UV light for a long period of time needs to take precautions to cut down the risk of skin cancer.

How do I remove gel nails safely?

Dr Dinani gave Other Side of the Story some tips for anyone who is concerned about having gel nails applied safely.

These include going to a salon with a good reputation and uses trusted products, not to share nail equipment with friends in case it spreads infections and to avoid using home kits where possible. She also advised wearing sunscreen on hands that go under a UV lamp, or wearing fingerless gloves.

When it comes to removing gel nails, Dr Dinani's advice is to make sure it is done gently, using the correct chemicals, such as acetone. If they are removed with force, it can damage the real fingernail below.

When something is banned, such as TPO, there is always a reason behind it. So it’s important to find out the facts for yourself, and not rely solely on information found on social media. Find out more here about fake news and the difference between disinformation and misinformation.

This article was updated in August 2026

Not sure if the news you’re seeing on social media is true or false? Can you always tell if the things you see online are real or fake? Learn how to get the other side of the story with our quizzes, videos and explainers.