Gel nail polishes could rise in price due to new EU ban

The European Union is now prohibiting the use of a key chemical ingredient in some gel nail polishes and other cosmetic products, CNN writes.

The ban, which went into effect this week, targets the use of trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide or TPO, which was classified as a type of “reproductive toxicant” by European regulators, according to the European Commission.

TPO works as a photoinitiator, meaning it responds to light. In gel nail polish, it helps the polish set under ultraviolet or UV light.

Some people may prefer gel nail polishes over regular nail polishes because gel products generally last longer, are harder in texture and dry more quickly after a manicure or pedicure.

The identified risks are particularly relevant to people who frequently get gel nail polishes or work in salons. Animal studies have shown the effects of TPO, including testicular problems and reduced fertility.

However, experts say people do not need to worry since those studies were from animal-feeding studies, while humans do not eat the nail polish. So, it’s a different route of exposure. Chemists note that TPO does not pose a great danger in the usual way of use, but there are alternatives.