Recently, there has been a lot of fear based marketing in the media surrounding the ban of an ingredient called TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide).
We’re here to add some calm and context to the conversation.
The concerns surrounding TPO come from studies where rats were force fed very high doses over a period of time. At the highest levels tested, researchers found effects on fertility and the male reproductive system.
At the highest dose in the study, the animals were given 600 mg of pure TPO per kg of body weight, every day directly into the stomach. That’s approximately 56 full pots of gel every day — swallowed, not applied to the nails.
Because of these findings, TPO was classified as a reproductive toxicant. Under cosmetics legislation, this classification means it can no longer be used in cosmetic products unless an exemption is granted.
Interestingly, TPO is also still used as a photoinitiator in some dental materials and resins, so you may still come into contact with TPO during certain dental treatments.
SO IS TPO BANNED EVERYWHERE?
No.
The important difference is that nail products are classed as cosmetics, so they must follow cosmetics legislation.
An exemption for continued cosmetic use could have been requested, but this would have required an application supported by scientific evidence.
No derogation application was submitted for TPO in cosmetics.
Once TPO received its new classification, the cosmetics ban therefore followed.
CLICK BAIT HEADLINES
We’ve seen similar scary headlines within the nail industry before.
Not long ago, concerns circulated on social media claiming that UV/LED nail lamps cause skin cancer. However, the conditions used in research and the way the results were reported again did not reflect normal professional nail services.
Professional nail lamps primarily emit UV-A, studies assessing typical exposure from nail lamps have found the level of UV exposure during normal use to be as low as the equivalent of two minutes of natural sunlight each day.
This is why it’s so important to look beyond a scary headline and understand how a study was conducted and how that compares with real-life professional use.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR MAGPIE PRODUCTS?
Firstly — don’t panic and don’t throw away your products!
Magpie products are in line with the current Great Britain guidance.
The new rules began on 15 August 2026, with a transition period for products already on the market until 14 February 2027.
As always, we continue to monitor legislation and ensure our products meet the regulations and guidance that apply to them.
And most importantly…
As ALWAYS, we will continue to provide you with safe, high-quality products with nail health at the forefront of our formulations.
Much Love,
TEAM MAGPIE
