Semi-Permanent Nail Polishes and Gel 2025: from September 1st Stop to TPO and Dimethyltolylamine throughout the European Union
MdP editorial staff – 31 August 2025
From 1 September 2025, EU Regulation 2025/877 comes into force, radically changing the world of professional manicures. In nail gels, semi-permanent nail polishes and primers, it will be forbidden to use two substances that have been very popular until now: Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide (TPO) and Dimethyltolylamine (DMA).
Why semi-permanent nail polishes and nail gels change in 2025
The European Commission has classified TPO and Dimethyltolylamine as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction.
- TPO is the photoinitiator that allows semi-permanent gel polishes to cure under UV lamp.
- Dimethyltolylamine is used in nail primers and gel polishes to ensure adhesion and durability.
From 1 September 2025, no cosmetic products containing these ingredients can be sold or used in EU countries, including Italy.
EU Regulation 2025/877: what changes for beauticians and hairdressers
The ban does not only affect new products, but also those already purchased or opened.
Those who manage a beauty salon or a hairdressing salon that also offers nails services will have to:
- check the INCI of all builder gels, primers and semi-permanent nail polishes,
- immediately eliminate non-compliant stock,
- replace them with “TPO free” and “DMA free” formulations.
Ignoring the regulations can lead to legal penalties and damage to customers’ image.
The alternatives: new semi-permanent gels and nail polishes without TPO and DMA
Many nail brands have already launched TPO-free semi-permanent nail polishes and Dimethyltolylamine-free nail gels, which can guarantee:
- the same duration,
- intense brilliance,
- rapid curing under LED/UV lamp.
The market is already replacing old formulations with safer and more legally compliant versions.
Why this change is important
The new EU Regulation 2025/877 is not only an obligation, but a protection for customers and professionals. Eliminating substances classified as hazardous means offering safer manicure and pedicure services, improving the perception of quality and strengthening customer trust in salons.
For beauticians and hairdressers who also do nail reconstruction or semi-permanent nails, it is the right time to communicate this change as an added value: safer products = more professional service.
