What is TPO and why is it used in nail products?

TPO is the acronym for Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide , a photoinitiator used to accelerate polymerization in gels and semi-permanent nail polishes.

Why TPO was banned

The European Union applies very strict rules on cosmetic safety:
An ingredient can only be used if it is safe, even in the long term.

Unlike other countries, where an ingredient remains on the market until it is proven dangerous, in Europe the opposite principle applies: better to ban if there is even a doubt .

 The evaluations were made on high-dose, ORAL tests, not on real-world conditions of use in nail products (where concentrations are low and contact is minimal).

 The “TPO case” starts from the use in food containers  , where there was the possibility of migration into food… and from there, due to the regulatory system, it was automatically extended to cosmetics as well, without making any specific assessment.

In these extreme conditions, some suspicions have emerged (so no certain proof) relating to possible side effects, such as skin irritation, hormonal interference and, in particular, alterations of the male reproductive system .

It should be underlined, however, that These effects have not been observed with certainty, and the tests have not been done at normal cosmetic doses , nor in the manner of cosmetic use.

As a precautionary principle, the European Union has chosen to to ban it starting from 1 September 2025 , applying the precautionary principle.

What does the EU regulation: TPO to be banned in nail products

Following the regulatory updates introduced by Regulation (EU) 2024/197, TPO is now included among the substances no longer permitted in cosmetics , in compliance with the evaluation criteria set out in the CLP regulation.

What happens from September 1, 2025

• Products containing TPO can no longer be produced, sold or used by professionals (i.e. in beauty centres) in EU countries.
• It will be mandatory to use safe alternatives, already present in many TPO Free products.

How to recognize TPO on product labels

The INCI name to look for :

TPO can be identified on the label with its full name: Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide

⚠️ You do Attention to don't confuse it with other photoinitiators with names similar but legal , such as:

DI-P-TOLYL(2,4,6-TRIMETHYLBENZOYL)PHOSPHINE OXIDE

→ This ingredient is safe and not included in the ban.

Our advice

Always read the labels of the products you use carefully, to avoid confusion or unnecessary alarmism .

Why LCI products are safe

Our company has always had a safety-oriented approach for its customers.

• The TPO , for some time now, it's almost nothing present in our formulations
• Our formulations have been reviewed and improved over time to ensure maximum safety.
• Many products, including some semi-permanent colors, have always been TPO-free.
• All our products on the site are now TPO-free .