Has your feed been full of “gel nails are banned” headlines this week? We’re here to tell you to breathe easy, because your Saturday manicure appointment is still safe. Gel manicures themselves haven’t been banned, but a single ingredient in their formulation has. Below, we cover everything you need to know about the UK’s new gel nail polish ban and offer some affordable TPO-free brands you can switch to before your salon does.
In this blog, we’ll share:
- What the new regulations are all about
- What TPO is and why it's been banned
- What the real dangers of gel nails are
- Our favourite TPO-free gel nail polish recommendations
- Some quick answers to your gel nail polish questions
Is gel nail polish banned in the UK?
As we’ve mentioned, the ban targets one particular chemical: trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (aka TPO). TPO is used in gel polish as a photoinitiator to help it cure under UV or LED light. As of 15 August 2026, manufacturers can no longer introduce products containing TPO in England, Scotland or Wales.
That’s the ban. Gel manicures, overlays and other UV-cured treatments are still completely legal. It's the formula (not the service) that's being phased out.
Why has TPO been banned?
Recently, TPO has been reclassified as a Category 1B reproductive toxicant following animal studies that linked high exposure to fertility issues. This prompted regulators to act on a cautionary basis. However, ITV News held an interview with Caroline Rainsford (Director of Science at The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association), who noted that “the amount of TPO used in nail products is over a thousand times less than the amount which could have any negative effect on fertility”. She further stated that the absorption of the ingredient through the nail is minimal to begin with.
TL;DR: The ban of TPO in gel polish is a “worst case exposure” precaution implemented into a chemical safety law. It doesn’t necessarily mean that your last gel manicure did you harm.
Key dates to know
- 15 August 2026 - Manufacturers can no longer introduce products containing TPO into the GB market.
- 14 February 2027 - TPO products can no longer be made available for sale at all. Salons and retailers may sell through existing stock until then.
Are gel nails safe? What are the real dangers of gel nails?
The honest answer is that gel manicures carry the same low-level risks they’ve always had: UV exposure, nail damage from overfiling and the occasional allergic reaction to acrylates. According to Geo News, industry experts have “clarified that gel manicures themselves have not been outlawed” and many salons have already switched to TPO-free formulations well before the ban.
So if you want extra peace of mind, the simplest fix is opting for a TPO-free polish. We have more on that below.
Best TPO-free gel nail polish brands to try
The good news is you don’t need to splurge when switching to a gel polish with a compliant formula. The EU actually banned TPO in September 2025, so plenty of brands have already reworked their gel ranges. So if you’re after the best gel nail polish in the UK but are on a budget, below are a few of our favourites:
- 14 Day Manicure - A fan favourite for at-home gel kits that rival salon results. Did we mention they have a big colour range and a truly reliable wear time?
- MelodySusie - Known for their affordable gel polish sets that are plant-based and TPO-free. Plus, they offer starter kits if you’re a newbie to at-home gel application.
- Nails.INC - A high street staple that’s leaned into cleaner formulas. Would rather skip the UV? Their polishes still give you that gel-effect but don’t require a lamp to cure.
- Mylee - A favourite among Brits for their at-home gel systems that offer TPO-free polish, lamps and tools. So you can do your own manicure yourself for a fraction of the salon prices.
And just because we love nothing more than to help you save, here’s a friendly tip from our budget beauty advisor, Jessica Pinker:
Pair any of these with a verified voucher code from Love Discount Vouchers and you have yourself an easy way to try out a TPO-free formula without having to wait for your salon to make the switch (or pay the salon prices).
FAQs
Is gel nail polish getting banned in the UK?
No, the chemical TPO is being phased out of new products. Gel manicures are still completely legal.
Can I still get a gel manicure?
Absolutely! Nothing about the treatment itself has changed. Salons can still use their existing stock but cannot purchase products containing TPO after 14 February 2027.
What is TPO in gel nail polish?
TPO is a photoinitiator used in gel polish to help it cure under UV or LED light.
Why has TPO been banned?
TPO in gel nail polish has been banned because it has been classified as a reproductive toxicant.
How do I know if my gel polish contains TPO?
- Find your gel polish’s ingredients list either on the back of the bottle or on the packaging it came in.
- Look for the ingredient: trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide.
- Don’t assume that the product is “TPO-free” solely on its marketing.
- If you’re having a hard time finding the ingredient list or are truly unsure the product is TPO-free, contact its manufacturer.
- If you’re getting your manicure done professionally, check with the salon what products they use.
The gist of it
So, despite the headlines, gel manicures are not coming to an end. The UK’s gel nail polish ban is merely a slow phase-out of one ingredient. But if you want to get ahead of the curve (and save some money while you’re at it), now is a great time to try out one of the affordable TPO-free brands we listed above with one of our codes in hand.
