EU Bans TBO and Dimethyltolylamine in Nail Products Starting September 2025
Starting September 1, 2025, a major regulation by the European Union (EU) will take effect, potentially impacting thousands of nail salons, technicians, and beauty retailers across Europe. The EU has officially announced a total ban on two widely used chemicals in gel nail products: TBO (Trimethylbenzoyl) and Dimethyltolylamine.
These substances have long been popular in gel systems for their fast-drying and long-lasting properties. However, they’ve now been categorized as hazardous to human health, and any business that continues to use or sell products containing them after the deadline risks heavy fines, legal consequences, and even criminal charges.
Let’s break down everything you need to know to protect your business and stay compliant with the new EU rules banning TBO and Dimethyltolylamine.
What Are TBO and Dimethyltolylamine?
Both TBO (Trimethylbenzoyl) and Dimethyltolylamine are chemical accelerators commonly used in:
- Builder gels
- Gel polish
- Poly gel systems
- Some adhesives and hardeners
These ingredients help initiate and accelerate the curing process under UV or LED lamps, ensuring that nails dry quickly and remain durable. That’s why they’ve been so heavily used across the nail industry for years.
However, recent toxicological research has revealed that prolonged exposure to these chemicals—especially in unventilated environments—may pose serious risks including:
- Respiratory irritation
- Skin sensitization
- Hormonal disruption
- Long-term health damage in nail technicians and clients
What Does the EU Ban Include?
The EU’s decision is clear: total prohibition of production, import, sale, and usage of cosmetic or nail products containing:
- Trimethylbenzoyl (TBO)
- Dimethytolylamine
Deadline: September 1, 2025
From this date onward:
- Products with these substances cannot be used or sold in any EU member country.
- Nail salons must remove them from inventory.
- Retailers must stop listing or marketing such items.
- Distributors and manufacturers must stop shipping them into the EU.
Failure to comply can lead to:
- Fines up to €22,000
- Temporary or permanent closure of the business
- In severe cases, criminal prosecution and jail time
What Should Nail Salons and Technicians Do NOW?
- Audit Your Inventory Immediately
- Review your entire stock of gel polish, builder gels, poly gels, and adhesives.
- Check the ingredient list on each product.
- If TBO and Dimethyltolylamine are on the label, it must be flagged for removal.
- Contact Your Suppliers
- Request updated Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all gel products.
- Ask about reformulated alternatives that comply with EU regulations.
- Stop New Orders That May Contain These Chemicals
- Do not restock items unless you’re sure they are TBO- and Dimethyltolylamine-free.
- Look for “EU-Compliant” or “Regulation 2025 Ready” labels.
- Switch to Safer Alternatives
- Many brands are already developing or offering TBO-free gel systems that are safer for both users and technicians.
- Popular replacements include gel lines that use BPO (benzoyl peroxide) or alternative photoinitiators with lower toxicity levels.
- Train Your Staff
- Hold a staff meeting to inform everyone of the regulation.
- Ensure nail techs know how to identify banned ingredients on packaging.
What About Glitter and Other Additives?
EU regulators have also turned their attention to glitter and microplastics used in cosmetic products.
While glitter is still allowed in nail products after September 2025, it must meet environmental safety standards, including:
- No shedding into the environment
- Must not break down into microplastics
This means your gel polishes with glitter should either:
- Use biodegradable glitter
- Be encapsulated within gel to prevent fallout
Expect tighter restrictions on cosmetic glitter from now until 2030. Smart salons will start transitioning to eco-friendly options early to stay ahead of future bans.
Legal Implications: Don’t Risk Your Business
This regulation isn’t just a suggestion—it’s enforceable law across all 27 EU member states. Authorities will conduct:
- Surprise inspections
- Compliance checks
- Random product testing
Businesses that ignore the ban could face:
- Fines of up to €22,000 per violation
- Revocation of business licenses
- Public blacklisting
- Criminal charges in cases of willful neglect
It’s not worth the risk. One bottle of non-compliant builder gel could cost you your entire salon.
A Special Note to the Vietnamese Nail Community in Europe
Thousands of successful Vietnamese-run nail salons across Europe will be affected by this change. Our community needs to share this information widely, especially with salon owners who may not regularly follow EU cosmetic law updates.
Spread the word:
- Talk to your friends, family, and colleagues in the industry.
- Repost this information in Facebook groups, Zalo chatrooms, and nail technician communities.
- Help fellow Vietnamese entrepreneurs avoid costly mistakes and legal issues.
No one should lose their livelihood over a banned ingredient they didn’t know about.
Summary: Take Action Now
| What You Should Do | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Audit all gel products | Immediately |
| Stop ordering items with banned ingredients | Before September 1 |
| Contact suppliers and ask for EU-compliant formulas | Now |
| Inform your team and retrain staff | ASAP |
| Transition to safe, compliant alternatives | Ongoing |
Final Thoughts
This regulation marks a new era of safer, cleaner, and more transparent beauty standards in the EU. While it may seem overwhelming now, it’s also an opportunity to upgrade your salon’s offerings and show clients that you prioritize health and safety.
- Stay informed
- Stay compliant
- Stay successful
If you’re unsure about a product, err on the side of caution. It’s better to remove it than risk a fine or worse. Reach out to manufacturers, stay updated with EU cosmetic regulations, and don’t hesitate to consult legal experts if needed.
Together, we can help ensure a safer and brighter future for the European nail industry.
