Côte Beauty vs. Gel Polish: The Safer Choice for Nails

Why the EU Banned TPO in Gel Nail Polish (and What It Means for Healthier Nails)

On September 1, 2025, the European Union officially banned TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide), a common chemical in gel nail polish. Classified as a reproductive toxin and potential carcinogen, TPO is no longer permitted in any cosmetic products sold across the EU.

For Côte Beauty, this moment only confirms what we’ve stood for since day one: beauty should never come at the expense of your health. If gels are raising red flags, what’s the alternative? Let’s explore why this ban matters, and how Côte Beauty offers a healthier, safer way forward.

Why the EU Banned TPO

TPO is a photoinitiator, meaning it helps gel polish harden when exposed to UV or LED light. While it works well for long-lasting shine, the EU determined that TPO presents serious risks:

Classified as CMR 1B (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or toxic for Reproduction) under EU law
Evidence from animal studies linking it to reproductive toxicity
Lack of long-term safety data for repeated human exposure

As of September 1, 2025, any nail product containing TPO is banned in Europe, whether sold in salons, retail, or online (European Commission Q&A).

The Hidden Downsides of Gel Polish

Beyond TPO, gel manicures have long raised concerns among dermatologists and health professionals:

UV lamp exposure: Gel curing lamps emit UVA rays linked to premature aging and skin cancer (Nature, 2023).
Harsh removal: Soaking and scraping weakens nails, leaving them brittle and prone to infection.
Allergy risks: Monomers and photoinitiators can trigger contact dermatitis and skin sensitivities.
Toxin exposure: Many gels contain other ingredients not aligned with clean beauty standards.

A Healthier Alternative: Côte Beauty Nail Care

At Côte Beauty, we’ve proven that you don’t need gels to enjoy strong, chip-resistant nails with glossy shine.

Our Nail Strengthener Base Coat fortifies weak nails while creating a smooth foundation for color.
The Quick Dry Top Coat delivers salon-level shine and protection, without toxins, UV exposure, or aggressive removals.

Shop Nail Strengthener Base & Top Coat

Keeping Nails Nourished Between Polishes

One overlooked consequence of gel polish is how drying it can be. Removal often strips natural oils, leaving nails fragile. Côte Beauty takes a different approach, focusing on nourishment and repair.

Argan Oil restores hydration to both nails and cuticles.
Hydrating Hand & Body Lotion locks in moisture for hands exposed to acetone or environmental stress.

Clean polish starts with healthy nails, and these treatments ensure every manicure looks and feels its best.

Discover Nail Tools & Treatments

Color Without Compromise

For many, the appeal of gels is bold, glossy color. Côte Beauty offers the same vibrance, without any of the risks.

Our polishes are:

Toxin-free: formulated without TPO, formaldehyde, toluene, and other harmful chemicals
Vegan & cruelty-free: never tested on animals, no animal-derived ingredients
High-performance: chip-resistant, breathable, and available in 120+ shades

With Côte Beauty, you can enjoy the artistry of nail color and the confidence of safer ingredients.

Shop Toxin-free Nail Polish

What the Ban Means for the Future of Beauty

The EU’s decision is already reshaping the nail industry. Brands that relied on TPO must reformulate, while consumers are asking harder questions about what’s in their products. For Côte Beauty, nothing changes, because we’ve always prioritized clean, mindful formulas.

This ban proves that clean isn’t a trend. It’s the future.

The EU ban on TPO is a wake-up call: beauty should never require compromise. At Côte Beauty, we’ve been leading with that philosophy for more than 12 years. Our polishes and treatments deliver chic, long-lasting results, without the toxins, UV damage, or harsh removals.

Healthy, beautiful nails are always in style. Choose the safer option. Choose Côte Beauty.

Shop Cleaner, Safer Nail Care

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