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With the EU banning a toxic ingredient in gel nails, beauty experts are calling for safer choices.
News18
The glossy, salon-perfect finish of gel nails has been a beauty staple for years. But the recent European Union ban on the chemical TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide) has brought long-standing safety concerns into sharper focus. While gel manicures deliver durability and shine, the hidden risks, chemical exposure, UV curing, and nail damage are now impossible to ignore.
The Cultural Shift: Beauty Without Sacrifice
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According to Aastha Chhabra Shingala, Founder of ROS Beauty, the ban highlights a deeper shift in beauty culture, “If there is so much awareness around what goes on the face and skin, why are nails often overlooked? Beauty is no longer about painful, high-maintenance routines. People want convenience and safer alternatives that do not compromise health.”
This is where nail stickers step into the spotlight. Unlike gel or acrylic extensions, they require no UV lamps, harsh chemicals, or aggressive removal processes. Easy to apply and change, they deliver the same polished look without long salon visits. “At ROS Beauty, we see nails as fashion accessories, not commitments,” adds Chhabra Shingala. “The emphasis is on designs that are stylish, damage-free, and accessible. The future of nails is about fun, safety, and sustainability.”
The Science Behind the Ban
While the EU ban made headlines, it’s not an outright ban on all gel polishes. Dr. Janaki K Yalamanchili, Consultant Dermatologist & Cosmetic Physician, Zennara Clinics, Hyderabad, explains the specifics, “It’s only TPO that’s banned, because it is classified as a Category 1B reproductive toxicant. Studies in animals have shown it may damage fertility and harm the unborn child. In addition, dermatologists have long cautioned about UV lamp exposure during gel procedures.”
TPO helps polishes dry faster and last longer, but research suggests it can disrupt hormones and reduce reproductive performance. Still, Dr. Yalamanchili clarifies that other regulatory bodies outside the EU, including in the US and Asia, allow its use in safe concentrations of 5% or less. “Exposure is minimal since gel sits on the nail plate and isn’t absorbed by the body. But yes, we expect more countries to review these regulations soon.”
Smarter Choices for the Future
Does this mean giving up gel nails forever? Not necessarily. “Consumers should look for TPO-free formulas and take longer breaks between gel applications,” advises Dr. Yalamanchili. “Safer alternatives are already in development, and I’m confident the market will soon adapt.”
Meanwhile, for those who want a zero-risk option with maximum style, nail stickers are emerging as the chicest substitute. As Chhabra Shingala concludes, “The ban isn’t just a regulatory change—it’s a cultural turning point. Beauty is finally aligning with what women everywhere are asking for: safe, expressive, and effortless solutions.”
About the Author
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
September 15, 2025, 16:30 IST
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