Gel polish: No, it’s not bad for you – as long as these 3 rules are followed

Google Trends has noted that a breakout number of people are searching ‘are gel nails bad for me.’ Here’s how to alleviate anxiety:

Learn the facts about TPO

The growing concern surrounding gel manicures has largely come from the 1 September 2025 ban of an ingredient found in gel nail products used and distributed in the EU. As Scratch has previously reported, Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide (TPO) ‘is a photo initiator that helps gel products to cure quickly under UV light.’

The EU ban came following scientific testing of large quantities of TPO, which linked the ingredient to long-term fertility impairment in animals. It is important to note that the quantity that the test subjects were exposed to was far higher than what is used within  gel polish products, and the ingredient has not been tested on humans. Francesca Rapolla, scientific affairs manager at the Cosmetic, Toiletry & Perfumery Association (CTPA), comments: “TPO received a harmonised classification as a Carcinogen, Mutagen, Reprotoxic (CMR) category 1B, under the EU Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation.” This meant the ingredient fell into the prohibited category under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (Article 15) and was subsequently banned.

To clear up the widely asked question: are gel manicures banned in the EU? No, gel manicures themselves have not been banned, only products containing TPO. There are a number of TPO-free gel products available, with a variety of well-known brands formulating without the ingredient. A ban of the ingredient in the UK is under review.

Check the quality of gel products

In today’s saturated nail market, quality is a complex issue that requires unpacking. From ingredients to in-house support and labelling to UK and EU law, it’s important to understand what to look for in a gel nail product to ensure its compliancy and that it is safe to use.

“A high-quality product is one that performs as expected without causing additional, unanticipated consequences,” comments Jim McConnell, co-owner & head chemist at Light Elegance. “A high-quality product will stay on a client’s nails with reasonable expectations and certainty, and not negatively impact the natural nail.”

The UK Cosmetics Regulation is a detailed law with the primary purpose of ensuring products are safe. “Products that do not meet its requirements will not have undergone strict processes to ensure their safety and effectiveness,” shares Caroline Rainsford, director of science at the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA). “The law also contains requirements for labelling, notifying the UK authorities about products, good manufacturing practice (GMP) and it protects consumers from misleading claims.”

“Common signs of a low-quality product are poor performance, such as short wear, an unusual and challenging consistency, patchy pigment and overpowering odour, as well as incomplete labelling and vague product claims,” explains Ifra Siddique, product & scientific director at The GelBottle Inc. “A high-quality product will be safe – and while safety starts in the lab, it also means education to ensure pros know how to use products as intended.”

Jim McConnell adds a note for nail pros: “If a brand does not offer education or technical support for its products, I would avoid it completely,” he says. “Also look at pricing: if you can order nail products for an extremely low cost, this is a negative sign.”

Ensure proper application and removal

Gel manis and pedis are not inherently bad or harmful to humans – as long as the products are of great quality and the nail professional is educated in safe application and removal practices. Improper use of gel products can carry risks, and incorrect application can lead to overexposure: subsequently increasing the risk of allergic reactions. Harsh removal methods can damage the natural nail, so it is highly recommended that gel products are applied and removed by adequately trained nail professionals.

Scratch’s previous articles about at-home removal of gel polish and the safe removal of nail enhancements contain useful information and advice about ensuring safe gel manicures.

Though a lot of the messaging online seems to suggest that gel nail services are not only bad for you, but are completely banned in the EU, it is important to sift through the scaremongering. Gel nail services are not banned – but it’s important to recognise the facts.