As a professional nail technician, you may have heard about TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide) and recent news from Europe as of September 2025. This FAQ will help you understand TPO, gel polish safety, and how it affects your professional practice in Canada.

Gel polish with TPO and TPO-free alternatives are available in Canadian salons. Experts say proper application and curing are key to safe use for professional nail technicians.

1. What is TPO in gel polish?

TPO is a photoinitiator used in many gel polishes to help them cure evenly under UV and LED lamps. It provides long-lasting, vibrant colour and smooth, glossy finishes, making it a trusted ingredient among professional nail technicians. Gel polish with TPO is widely used in Canada and continues to meet professional and Canadian safety standards.

2. Why is TPO being banned in Europe?

The European Union banned TPO in cosmetic products, effective September 1, 2025. The ban is based on animal studies that classified TPO as a potential carcinogen or toxicant. These studies involved high doses through ingestion or prolonged skin exposure, which do not reflect typical human use. In nail salons, gel polish is applied only to nails and cured under UV or LED lamps, limiting systemic absorption. Experts note that the risks observed in animal studies are unlikely to apply to professional nail use. When applied correctly, TPO-containing gel polishes remain safe, and adherence to proper techniques further minimizes any potential risk.

Important context:

• The studies involved high doses or prolonged skin exposure, which is very different from real-world gel polish use
• In salons, gel polish is applied only to the nails and cured under UV or LED lamps, which greatly limits absorption. "TPO is part of the gel formulation, and the main exposure risk occurs from skin contact while the gel is still wet. Once the polish is fully cured under UV or LED light, most of the TPO is chemically locked in and no longer poses a risk" Dr. Jacqueline Watchmaker, a cosmetic dermatologist in Arizona notes

What this means for you:

• TPO gel polishes remain safe for professional use in Canada
• Following proper application and curing guidelines keeps your clients safe
• TPO-free gels are an optional alternative, not a replacement for trusted TPO formulas

3. Why isn’t TPO banned in the U.S. or Canada?

The EU often takes a precautionary approach, issuing bans based on early data or worst-case scenarios. The U.S. and Canada tend to act only when a product is clearly proven harmful to humans, backed by data-based studies. 

The concentrations of TPO in gel polish are far lower than the doses linked to problems in animal studies. Research shows very high doses in rodents can cause reproductive or organ effects, but the nail surface does not readily allow absorption, and salon exposure is minimal.

Professional nail techs applying TPO gels in salons continue to do so safely, following proper application and curing techniques.

4. Are regular TPO gel polishes safe in Canada?

Yes. TPO gel polishes are considered safe and are still trusted by nail technicians across Canada. When applied correctly with proper curing, TPO gels provide reliable performance, consistent curing, and high-quality results for salon clients, explains Michelle Henry, MD, a board-certified dermatologist.

5. What are TPO-free gel polishes?

TPO-free gels use alternative photoinitiators instead of TPO but cure under UV or LED lamps in the same way. Many professional salons are choosing TPO-free gel polish as an optional alternative. Both TPO-containing and TPO-free gels meet professional-grade standards.

6. Should I switch to TPO-free gels?

Switching is optional. Many nail technicians continue to use TPO gel polish because of its proven reliability, colour range, and performance. TPO-free gels are available for salons that want EU-compliant formulations or want to offer clients an alternative, but neither option compromises safety or professional results.

7. How do I choose between TPO and TPO-free gels?

• For performance and trusted results: TPO gel polish remains an industry-standard choice for professional nail techs
• For EU-compliant or optional peace of mind: TPO-free gel polish is available and works well for salon use

You can offer both options to clients based on preference without sacrificing quality or durability.

8. Where can I buy TPO-free gel polishes in Canada?

We carry a wide selection of TPO-free gel polish brands alongside our regular gel polish collection. Check our TPO-Free Gel Collection online or ask our staff for recommendations tailored to professional nail technicians and salon use.

9. What is CM Nails Supply doing about TPO?

• We offer both TPO-containing and TPO-free gel polishes, so nail techs have full choice
• We provide education about safe gel application and industry trends
• We are testing private-label TPO-free gel polish lines to ensure professional-grade quality for Canadian salons

10. Key Takeaways for Professional Nail Technicians

• TPO gel polish is safe and trusted in Canadian salons
• TPO-free gel polish is an optional alternative for clients who want EU-compliant formulas or peace of mind
• Animal studies used for the European ban do not reflect real-world use on nails
• Both TPO and TPO-free gels deliver professional-quality results for colour, durability, and curing performance

Bottom line: Nail technicians in Canada can confidently continue using TPO gel polish while offering TPO-free alternatives for clients who request them. Both options meet professional standards and give salons flexibility to provide safe, high-quality nail services.

Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns!