There is new on nail polish: one of its components will disappear at the start of the school year. Explanations.
Back to school is often a sign of good resolutions. In any case, the European Commission has one: prohibit the sale of nail polish made up of a substance classified as dangerous. An evolution that does a lot of good.
Why is it so bad? We prefer to warn you, the effects have something to give you chills in your back. In fact, it is classified as a CMR substance of category 1B. So understand carcinogenic, mutagen, that is to say altering DNA and reprotoxic, which means toxic to reproduction. In the case of the Diphenyl Triméthylbenzoyl Phosphine (TPO) oxide, the deterioration of reproduction is the main motivation of its ban on the market. The harmful effects were observed during toxicological studies, and judged sufficiently worrying for the European authorities to classify it in this category.
The TPO is mainly used in gels or in hardening varnishes. So far, it was authorized only for professionals, and at low doses (maximum 5 %). So what changes concretely? According to the site of the Ministry of the Economy of Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, it will be prohibited to sell, use or even hold products containing TPO from September 1, 2025. This also concerns pros (manicure salons, hairdressers, etc.). No tolerance period is provided: stocks must be removed immediately, without a transitional period.
This decision is part of the European “Omnibus VII” regulation, which watches over our property and regularly prohibits substances deemed dangerous in cosmetics, depending on the latest scientific data. The Directorate General for Competition, Consumption and Fraud Repression recommends that professionals prepare for it now.
At home, do not hesitate to read the label of your nail polish and other cosmetic products to see if they contain them. If yes, head to the trash to preserve your health.
