The European Union has banned a key ingredient found in many gel nail polishes , effective Monday, Sept. 1.

The ingredient, trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO), helps gel and hybrid polishes harden under UV light.

While it had previously been restricted to professional use only, regulators say it is now prohibited in all settings, according to the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA).

TPO remains allowed in the United States and the ban is expected to go in to effect in the U.K. in 2026.

European regulators cited animal studies suggesting a potential safety concern.

However, it is not clear that gel nail polish poses a threat to human health given current exposure levels.

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Still, European re

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