We’ve compiled the information on this webpage specifically for clients in the European Union, providing a resource to help you stay informed on the TPO ban which came into effect on September 1, 2025.
At Akzéntz®, we began early to prepare and thoroughly test TPO-Free reformulations before the restriction came into effect. As reformulations were completed, these products began shipping to our distribution partners and clients in Europe, starting in March 2025.
We’ve extensively tested the TPO-Free formulas and can confidently say there is no noticeable difference in wear, curing performance, shade/colour, gloss, or overall durability.
The European Union has banned the use of TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide) — a UV/LED photoinitiator — in Europe. This includes cosmetic products such as nail gels. The ban is effective September 1st, 2025. While not considered dangerous or related to product safety or allergies, the EU is implementing this ban as a precautionary measure.
Markets outside the EU are not affected by the restriction on TPO. However, due to strong demand, we will now be making our TPO-Free formulations available worldwide.
To ensure the fastest possible roll-out of TPO-Free formulas, an updated ingredients label is applied during production. This label covers the original ingredients list containing TPO and correctly identifies the new, TPO-Free formula.
Producing entirely new packaging would result in significant delays and unnecessary environmental waste. Applying a secondary ingredients label ensures that clients receive updated formulas as efficiently as possible.
The secondary ingredients label reflects the official, registered ingredients and should not be removed.
You can review the ingredients list to confirm a product does not contain Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide (TPO).
We’ve added a bold “EU” next to the product name on the bottom label to help identify TPO-Free formulas at a glance. Not every TPO-Free jar on the market has this marker yet — it was introduced as production rolled out.
We’ve replaced TPO with EU-compliant alternatives that have similar names: Ethyl Trimethylbenzoyl Phenylphosphinate and Trimethylbenzoyl Ditolylphosphine Oxide. These can easily be mistaken for TPO, so read the ingredients list carefully.
We began shipping TPO-Free products to the EU as reformulations were finalized, beginning in early 2025. Currently only TPO-Free products are being shipped to clients and distributors in the EU.
Options™ Colour gels will not be reformulated to be TPO-Free and are discontinued for the EU market. Select Gel Play products are also discontinued for the EU market.
No noticeable difference in wear, cure, shades, gloss or durability. Our lab team is committed to global compliance without compromising the performance Akzéntz® is known for.
No. You can continue using and purchasing products as normal. TPO is a safe, highly researched ingredient. To streamline manufacturing we will phase into TPO-Free formulations for worldwide markets.
The UK is following the EU TPO restriction in a phased approach.
15 August 2026: manufacturers and importers could no longer newly place cosmetic products containing TPO on the UK market.
14 February 2027: cut-off for commercial supply of existing stock by distributors and brands. After that date professionals may use remaining purchased stock until it runs out, but cannot buy new TPO-containing inventory.