Europe prohibits two toxic substances in nail polishes due to health danger

A regulation of the European Commission It restricted the use of certain chemical components present in enamels and nail gels. The decision was based on scientific studies that warn about the dangers of exhibition for human health.

The two prohibited compounds, according to the regulations that govern since Monday, are: Dipenylphosphine (TPO) oxide and dimethyl-p-toluidine (DMTA).

Both are included by the commission in the list of agents vetoed after classifying them as Carcinogens, mutagens or toxic for reproduction (CMR).

Europe prohibited two usual toxic substances in nail polish

This categorization means that science demonstrated its ability to produce cancerboost genetic mutations or cause fertility problems. The prohibition was formalized through Regulation (EU) 2025/877, approved in May 2025.

This standard updates the General Law of Cosmetics (Regulation 1223/2009) and adds the TPO and the DMTA to the list of prohibited ingredients.

He Tpo it’s a “photoiniciator”Very common in semi -permanent gels, while DMTA it’s a “Conditioning” that improves adhesion and resistance of enamel.

The Emeritus Professor of Medicine at the University of Granada, Nicolás Oleahe explained: “When they make this type of artificial nails, professionals apply the products and put an ultraviolet light to produce a polymerization, with which it solidifies.”

What are health risks

The Professor of Toxicology at the University of Murcia, Miguel Motasdetails that the two compounds belong to the CMR 1B category, the second most dangerous classification. It indicates that they are “carcinogens and mutagens, that is, that they alter the sequence in the DNA and cause mutation and cancer”.

• The tpo irritates the skin, produces allergies and oxida molecules In DNA. From there the reproductive problems and cancer risk arise.
• The DMTA is even more dangerous. Motas warns that “Inhaled DMTA can cause intoxication, it is toxic to the skin and carcinogenic”An inhalation in large quantity transforms hemoglobin and prevents it from transporting oxygen, which could generate a Acute poisoning. DNA also damages and is very Toxic for liver and kidney.

Olea adds that both the TPO and the DMTA are endocrine disruptors. These substances alter the hormonal system and can cause problems of fertility, diabetes, obesity and cancer.

“They prohibit them as CMR, because the authorities have a hard time talking about disruptors, since they would have to ban many more products”Says the professor.

The greatest risk of these chemicals are taken by those who work with them daily, such as “Manicure professionals”, Underline Motas. Continuous exposure, by inhalation or skin contact, increases the chances of suffering adverse effects.

The Tpo It presents its biggest problem when applied, because you can inhale and get in touch with the skin. Once the enamel hardens, the risk decreases. The DMTA, being an activator that does not need light, polymerizes in contact with the air, which makes it dangerous during its manipulation.