Confused by the gel polish ban news? Here’s how it actually affects your at-home mani kit
If you’ve seen the headlines about gel nail polish being ‘banned’, you might be wondering whether your trusty and money-saving at-home kit needs to be put away. The short answer is no. You can still get glossy gels at home, but one specific ingredient (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide )is being phased out, so it might mean you need a few new nail shades.
TPO, a chemical that helps gel polish harden under UV or LED lamps, is set to be banned from late 2026. Why? Regulators in the EU decided it should no longer be used after studies suggested it could negatively impact fertility in women. From an unspecified date next year, salons and brands in Europe won’t be able to sell or use formulas containing TPO. But don’t panic, the gels themselves aren’t gone forever, and plenty of nail brands are already ahead of the curve with new, reformulated ranges.
It’s worth noting that in the UK, there’s no immediate ban. Salons and at-home kits can still use their existing formulas, but experts expect we’ll follow Europe’s lead by late 2026. That gives brands time to catch up and, in the meantime, means your current collection isn’t suddenly off-limits.
What this means for your home mani
So can you still do your bi-weekly Sunday night gel mani? Absolutely. If your kit doesn’t contain TPO, you’re in the clear. Even if it does, many nail experts say the small amounts used in gels aren’t harmful when the polish is cured properly. The bigger issue is making sure you use your kit safely: follow the instructions to the letter, use the right lamp and don’t be tempted to peel polish off (we’ve all done it).
It’s also worth noting that allergic reactions to other gel ingredients, like HEMA, are more common than issues with TPO. These can leave people with red, itchy, cracked fingertips. If you’ve ever had a bad reaction, it’s worth swapping to brands known for gentler formulas or even trying hybrid polishes that give a gel-like finish without UV curing.
Shop TPO-free gel polishes
If you’re thinking of refreshing your nail kit, here are some solid TPO-free and safer-to-use options to keep on your radar:
Manucurist Green Flash
A vegan, eco-friendly gel system that cures under LED and was TPO-free long before the ban.
Shop the LED kit for £75, which includes a 24W LED Nail Lamp, Base Coat, Top Coat, Poppy Red Nail Polish, Solvent and Nail Polish Remover.
14 Day Mani
Another home gel brand that’s ahead of the curve, every product in the brand’s collection is TPO-free, HEMA-free and formulated with clean, safe ingredients.
Shop the HEMA-free Gel Polish Kit for £71 (on sale from £165), which includes three trendy colours to cure, as well as all the starter essentials.
Classic long-wear polishes
If you’re not fussed about lamps, brands like Essie and OPI have 7–10 day wear polishes that feel like an easy switch.
We love Sally Hansen Miracle Gel, available for £19.98 in dozens of bold and neutral shades
So, in conclusion, no, your gels aren’t gone forever. Think of this moment as a shake-up rather than a shutdown, and a chance to explore safer formulas, try fresh brands and keep your mani low-cost.