Gel polish without TPO: everything you need to know about safe manicures

In short: As of 1 September 2025, the ingredient TPO is banned in the European Union for use in cosmetics, including gel polishes. TPO-free gel polish is a product whose formula does not contain this substance and is safe for professional and home use. FREYA Nails gel polishes are developed without TPO, without compromising pigmentation or durability.

What is TPO and why was it banned in the EU

TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide) is a photoinitiator - the ingredient that makes gel polish harden under a UV or LED lamp. For many years, it was a standard component in most gel polishes on the market.

In 2025, the European Commission classified TPO as a substance hazardous to reproductive health and added it to the list of banned ingredients in cosmetics. The ban took effect on 1 September 2025 and covers both sales and use in salons throughout the entire EU, including Bulgaria.

In practice, this means that any gel polish, builder gel, or acrylic gel that contains TPO is now illegal to use. The responsibility falls on the nail technicians and salons that work with these products - that is why choosing a safe, TPO-free system is more important than ever.

Why TPO-free gel polish is the better choice

Switching to TPO-free gel polish is not only a matter of legal compliance - it is an investment in the client’s health, the technician’s reputation, and the durability of the result.

Safety for the client and the technician

TPO-free formulas reduce the risk of irritation and allergic reactions. For a nail technician who works with these products every day, this means a healthier work environment in the long term.

Peace of mind during inspections

A salon that works entirely with TPO-free products has nothing to worry about during inspections. The entire system - from base coat to top coat - complies with European requirements.

No compromise on quality

There is a myth that TPO-free gel polishes do not last as long. This is not true for quality brands. Modern photoinitiators achieve the same depth of polymerization. The real difference in durability comes from the quality of the base coat and the application technique, not from the absence of TPO. FREYA NAILS products contain the ingredient TMO (TRIMETHYLBENZOYL DITOLYLPHOSPHINE OXIDE), which has much better polymerization performance in products.

How to check whether your gel polish is TPO-free

1. Check the INCI list on the label or the manufacturer’s website. Look for “Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide".
2. Ask the supplier for information – reputable brands provide ingredient details without any problem.
3. Don’t rely on the label alone – for reformulated products, ask from which batch onward the formula was changed.
4. Take old stock out of use – products with TPO should not be used, even if they were purchased before the ban.

The TPO-free system by FREYA Nails

One of the most common mistakes when switching to safe manicure products is combining products from different brands and guessing about compatibility. FREYA Nails offers a complete TPO-free system in which all products are designed to work together – TPO-free, with a quality guarantee.

TPO-free gel polishes

A wide range of professional TPO-free gel polishes with high pigmentation and full coverage. It also includes the popular magnetic collections with a “cat eye” effect – learn more about them in the section below.

Rubber bases without primer

One of the brand’s key innovations: FREYA’s rubber bases have such excellent adhesion that no PH Bond, primer, or dehydrator is needed to use them. Less harsh chemicals on the nail plate and a faster workflow.

Builder gels and acrygel

For strengthening and lengthening nails – a full range of builder gels and acrygel, all TPO-free and compatible with one another. Ideal for both beginners and experienced nail technicians.

Glass-finish top coats

Finish the manicure with a professional top coat that creates a glass-like finish with no stickiness and no scent.

Cat eye gel polish – safe and striking

The magnetic “cat eye” effect is among the most sought-after manicure techniques, and FREYA Nails’ TPO-free collections make it safe too. With the help of a manicure magnet, the metal particles in the formula align and create the signature 3D light effect.

Explore the magnetic collections: Galaxy Cat Eye for cosmic dark shades, Red Queen Cat Eye for classic red drama, Lux Cat Eye for luxurious copper-pink tones, and the new summer Pastel Cat Eye for a clean girl aesthetic.

How to do a safe manicure with TPO-free gel polish step by step

1. Clean the nail plate and lightly buff the surface for good adhesion.
2. Apply a thin layer of rubber base coat and cure under a UV/LED lamp.
3. Apply two layers of TPO-free gel polish, curing each layer.
4. For a magnetic effect – bring the magnet to 1-3 mm for 1-2 seconds before curing.
5. Seal with a professional top coat for shine and durability.

For complete polymerization, it is important to use a quality UV/LED lamp with sufficient power – undercured product is the main cause of allergies, regardless of the formula.

Frequently asked questions

What is TPO-free gel polish?

TPO-free gel polish is a product whose formula does not contain trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide, a photo initiator banned in the EU as of September 1, 2025. It cures with approved alternative photo initiators and is safe to use.

Are gel polishes dangerous after the TPO ban?

TPO-free gel polishes, cured with approved photo initiators, are considered safe when used correctly. The risks come mainly from old stock containing TPO and from improper use.

Does TPO-free gel polish last less?

Not with quality brands. Modern photo initiators achieve the same polymerization. Durability depends on the quality of the base and the application technique.

Is primer needed with FREYA Nails gel polishes?

No. FREYA bases have excellent adhesion and do not require PH Bond, primer, or dehydrator.

Make the transition to safe manicures

The TPO ban changed the gel polish market, but for salons that already work with TPO-free products, it is simply confirmation that they made the right choice. With the complete FREYA Nails system – gel polishes, bases, top coats, builder gels, and acrylic gel, all developed without TPO – you can offer your clients a safe, long-lasting, and impressive manicure.

Explore the full range of TPO-free FREYA Nails products and take the next step toward uncompromising quality and safety.

Do you want to learn how to make TPO-free cat eye gel polish?