Gel Nail Polish and UV Dryer Health Risks
September 24, 2025
Gel manicures deliver gorgeous, long-lasting results with vibrant colors and a durable finish that outlasts traditional nail polish. Today's acrylic-based gel formulas cure under UV light to prevent smudging and chipping, unlike regular nail polish whose roots date back to early 20th-century automotive paint. However, recent regulatory changes in Europe have raised questions about the safety of these popular cosmetic products.
The European Union has officially classified TPO (trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide) as a CMR (carcinogenic or mutagenic to reproduction) due to its reproductive toxicity in animals, leading to its ban in cosmetic products. Starting September 1, 2025, nail salons can no longer use or sell gel nail polishes containing TPO, and must dispose of any products containing the chemical.
While large-scale clinical studies on TPO's long-term health effects in humans are currently lacking, the EU's precautionary approach has already sparked changes across the beauty industry. For nail salon clients and at-home manicure enthusiasts, this development highlights the importance of staying informed about product ingredients and considering safer alternatives, as the EU’s decision stems from concerns that TPO may function as an endocrine disruptor that can interfere with body’s reproductive systems.
If you've ever had a gel manicure, you've likely encountered TPO without even knowing it. It's incredibly efficient with a key molecule that causes the gel to transform from liquid to solid when exposed to ultraviolet light. Fragments start a chain reaction with the monomers and oligomers in the gel, turning it into a hardened three-dimensional structure. During this curing process, the TPO is completely used up and locked into place. This means that when properly applied, it cannot evaporate, move, or come into contact with your skin.
TPO use has changed across the EU...
Regardless of the popularity of gel nail polish, the use of cosmetic products containing TPO has already changed. Based on animal studies from almost a dozen years ago, TPO was recently re-classified by European Union authorities as potentially “toxic” to reproduction (CMR Category 1B). As a result, TPO-containing cosmetic products will be banned starting September 1, 2025. Health authorities have also mandated that professional nail salons must stop using any existing inventory of products containing TPO. However, it is important to note that TPO is not classified as a carcinogenic or mutagenic, but as an ingredient that is potentially toxic to reproduction.
European Union Hazard vs Risk
The European Union recently announced the ban on the ingredient often found in gel nail polish citing concerns about a possible link of TPO to infertility. When exposed to UV light, this chemical generates free radicals that start the polymerization process that is critical for creating a hard, durable layer on the surface of nails. The EU's ban is based on animal studies that found a link between high doses of TPO and reproductive issues, such as infertility and reduced sperm count. But, these studies administered TPO orally to rats.
The difference in regulation of TPO by the EU and the United States comes down to how regulators assess safety. The EU operates on a "hazard-based" model, which means they may ban a chemical if it has the potential to cause harm, regardless of the dose or how someone is exposed. In contrast, U.S. and Canadian regulators use a "risk-based" approach, which considers the actual likelihood of harm by considering whether or not the risk of an incidence is believed to be extremely low or much higher by scale.
However, even though many experts view the European Union’s ban as just a precautionary measure, women who are trying to conceive, or are in the first trimester of pregnancy, may want to consider avoiding nail gel products that contain TPO (as well as unnecessary exposure to UV light sources) until more research is available. After all, the golden rule for a woman during childbearing is to prioritize the health and safety of both herself and her baby, which includes avoiding harmful substances like alcohol, tobacco and recreational drugs.
U.S. and European Position on TPO
Like many daily household products, TPO is associated with certain risks and dangers including reproductive toxicity, allergic skin reactions, and environmental harm. This caused the regulatory bodies in the European Union to ban its use in cosmetics, while US regulators have not implemented any ban on gel nail polish ingredients. Nonetheless, the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) originally stated TPO was safe for professional nail products at a maximum concentration of 5%, provided it did not come into contact with the skin.
EU Ban of TPO – As of September 1, 2025, the EU will prohibit the sale and commercial use of cosmetic products containing TPO. The ban stems from the EU's "hazard-based approach," which regulates chemicals based on their intrinsic harmful properties, regardless of the calculated risk. The decision was influenced by studies where high-dose oral consumption of TPO in rodents was linked to reproductive issues, including infertility in females and reduced sperm counts in males. It's important to note that these studies don't reflect the limited, non-oral exposure that occurs with the proper use of gel nail polish. In fact, before the ban, the EU considered TPO safe for use in gel nail polishes with low concentrations.
US Position on TPO – By comparison, U.S. regulators use a risk-based approach, taking into account statistical risk and time of exposure. TPO remains legal and unrestricted in the U.S. The FDA follows a more mathematical approach that considers both the chemical's hazards and the likelihood of exposure during an intended use. Experts believe the risk from gel nail polish is minimal due to the small amount of TPO and its limited absorption after curing. Just because something may be dangerous does not mean it is actually dangerous in the way we use it. The CLP classification explains that although scissors are dangerous and can inflict injury, they can be used safely by professionals in a controlled environment.
When gel polish containing TPO is properly cured under a UV or LED lamp, the TPO transforms into a solid, inactive state. This process locks it into the nail coating, preventing it from evaporating or being absorbed through the skin. The main risk of exposure happens before the gel is cured. If the liquid, uncured gel comes into contact with your skin, it can lead to irritation or allergic reactions. However, due to repeated dose toxicity studies in rats, women who are pregnant or considering pregnancy should consider other nail polish options.
UV Light Source is Another Concern
On one hand, gel nail polish is celebrated for its durability and quick drying time. After all, when placed under a UV lamp, a chemical reaction hardens the polish. However, recent studies have raised concerns about the safety of these UV nail dryers. Research from University of California San Diego suggests a link between the UV radiation emitted by these devices and cellular damage. The study found that prolonged exposure could lead to DNA damage and mutations that may increase the risk of skin cancer, including a rare type that forms under the nails.
“Healthy nails are a good indicator of a person’s overall health,” says Michael Steppie, Orlando Mohs cancer surgeon and director of Associates in Dermatology. “So, just like skin care, it is important to be proactive in caring for your nails, and just like your skincare, regular nail checks by dermatologist can deliver an early diagnosis of a rare, but life-threatening type of skin cancer called acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM).” Although subungual melanoma is rare, ALM was the cause of death for legendary reggae artist Bob Marley, and people of color have a disproportionately higher burden as the most common subtype of melanoma.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your hands at least 20 minutes before your manicure can help shield your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. You can even were fingerless gloves as an added layer of protection. Alternatively, consider switching to traditional nail polish or letting your nails go bare occasionally to prevent brittleness and minimize UV exposure. If you do your own gel nails at home, be careful to keep the polish on the nail itself, avoiding the surrounding skin and cuticles.
How Does Gel Nail Polish Actually Works?
Unlike regular nail polish that air-dries, gel polish requires a special process to harden. It contains acrylic polymers that, when exposed to a UV or LED lamp that emits ultraviolet rays, bond together to form a tough, glossy film on your nail. This process, known as curing, takes only about 90 seconds and is what gives gel polish its impressive longevity. The key ingredient is called a photo initiator and it helps absorb energy from the light to speed up the hardening process.
As is the case with most things in life, moderation is likely the key. It is also important not to pick at gel nail polish once it begins to come off, or to use a tool to remove it. Instead, make an appointment with your manicurist to have the polish safely removed. Between gel nail polishes, you can apply a moisturizing product to nails and cuticles several times a day to minimize brittleness and help prevent nails from chipping.
If you have been experiencing recurring nail problems of any kind, it is particularly important to discuss your treatment options with a dermatologist. Moreover, between manicures, try to apply a rejuvenating product to your nails and cuticles multiple times a day, as this will help combat brittleness and prevent unnecessary chipping. Natural oils, balms, nail creams, or a petroleum jelly can help to restore and maintain natural nail health. Remember, the UVA rays needed to harden gel polish have a longer wavelength with increased risks of nail-related skin cancer.
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The safety of gel nail polish is a topic of debate and more clinical studies with humans are needed. But being proactive in taking steps to protect against reproductive issues and skin cancer is an important consideration, especially as more brands now offer at-home gel nail kits that include UV curing lamps. If you have any questions regarding your nails, call 800-827-7546 today or schedule your appointment online at one of our sixteen Central Florida offices in Orlando, Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Celebration, Clermont, Davenport, Dr. Philips, Hunter's Creek, Kissimmee, Mount Dora, Ocoee, Poinciana, Sanford, or St. Cloud for effective treatment options.
