From September 1, TPO (TRIMETHYLBENZOYL DIPHENYLPHOSPHINE OXIDE), a substance used in many cosmetic nail products will be prohibited in France. A serious change for consumers … but also for professionals.
A carcinogenic substance and dangerous for the fetus
From the beginning of September, the TPO chemical (the oxide of Triméthylbenzoyldiphenylphine) will be prohibited in all cosmetic products in France. Excellent news for the health of the French, since this chemical compound – which allowed nail polish to harden quickly – was classified as CMR substance of category 1B (carcinogen, mutagen or toxic for reproduction) by the European Union. The TPO could indeed harm the fertility and the development of the fetus, if one is based on the studies carried out on this subject.
“TPO (Diphenyl oxide (2.4.6-Triméthylbenzoyl) phosphine; INCI name: TRIMETHYLBENZOYL DIPHENYLPHOSPHINE OXIDE-N ° Case 75980-60-8), currently authorized only for professional use in artificial nails preparations at a maximum concentration of 5 %, will be prohibited from its classification As long as CMR 1B substance (toxic for reproduction) “, confirms the Ministry of Economy on its site.
This prohibition comes into force at 1er September 2025 “and does not provide for a time to flow from stocks of products on the market, regardless of their stage of detention (manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and professional users) “, continues the government site.
From this date, it will therefore be prohibited:
- To put cosmetic products containing TPO on the market;
- To make these products available, including professionals;
- To use these products, in particular by professionals as part of their services (installation of varnishes, manicure, etc.).
There will therefore be no transition period to sell the old bottles.
A decision that is not to everyone’s taste. “”I have a hundred bottles that will end up in the trash and that I will have to replace“, regrets a nail prosthetist, interviewed in the columns of Imaz Press magazine.”Manufacturers say everything can be made so that the products are in the nails by September, but that remains unclear, we do not know if all suppliers will have time to adapt“, She worries.
TPO varnish: what alternatives for consumers?
Many alternatives exist such as:
- TPO-L or Bapo varnishes, other photo-initiators deemed safer.
- Water -based varnishes: biodegradable and suitable for sensitive skin, they are also better for health.
- It is finally possible to create homemade varnishes with natural pigments, although their outfit can leave something to be desired.