Why I’m Finished with Gel Nails, and Why the EU Is Banning Them

For years, gel manicures felt like the perfect solution: polished, durable, and seemingly effortless. But beneath the glossy surface, I began to notice the cost: thinning nails, hours under a UV or LED lamp, and the nagging question of what I was really exposing my body to.

Now, science is catching up. The European Union recently announced it will ban a chemical called TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide), commonly used in gel polishes. TPO is what gives gels their hard, glassy finish under UV or LED light. The issue? It has been classified as a reproductive toxicant, with potential risks to fertility and development. By September 2025, products containing it will no longer be allowed in the EU.

This decision is a reminder that wellness is not only about how we eat, move, or manage stress, it’s also about the everyday products we choose to put on and in our bodies. For me, the risk-reward equation is clear. Two weeks of perfect nails are not worth compromising long-term health.

The encouraging news is that the beauty industry is already shifting. Safer, TPO-free alternatives are coming to market, and cleaner formulations are gaining traction. This is progress, but it also underscores the importance of asking hard questions about what we normalize in the name of beauty and convenience.

My decision to step away from gel nails isn’t just about polish. It’s about practicing what I believe in: longevity, vitality, and prevention. Every small choice compounds over time; and this one feels like an easy step toward a healthier future - not just for me, but also as an example for my daughter to make better choices around beauty and wellness.

Sometimes, the shine just isn’t worth the hidden cost.

To your vitality,

Lizanne