Manucurist, the nail polish brand without TPO.

Since September 1, 2025, the EU has banned the use of TPO in cosmetics, particularly in semi-permanent nail polishes. This new regulation marks a step forward in the fight for more responsible beauty and a victory for Manucurist, which has always excluded risky ingredients from its formulas.

Effective but not without risk

What is TPO and why is it so controversial?

A key ingredient in semi-permanent nail polishes

TPO, or Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide, is a widely used photo-initiator in cosmetics, particularly in semi-permanent nail polishes. It is thanks to TPO that the polish polymerizes when exposed to a UV or LED lamp. A “magical” ingredient that enables fast drying and creates that hard, durable film on the nail which has made semi-permanent polish so popular.

Effective but not without risk

A substance classified as CMR for several years

While its chemical properties have made the cosmetic industry very happy, TPO also has a much less glamorous side. Since 2019, it has been classified at the European level as a CMR substance—that is, a chemical agent with medium- or long-term carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive toxicity effects.

Until 2025, it was placed in the CMR 2 category, meaning it was “only” suspected of being toxic to human reproduction. Its use under certain conditions (maximum concentration of 5%) was therefore permitted.

Effective but not without risk

Towards a European ban in 2025

In May 2025, the European Union decided to classify TPO as a CMR 1B substance. It is now considered proven toxic to reproduction (Regulation No. 2025/977, also called “Omnibus VII”).

The consequences were immediate: European authorities decided to permanently ban TPO in cosmetics starting September 1, 2025 (Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009).

From that date, it will no longer be possible to:

  • Market cosmetic products containing TPO,
  • Make such products available, including to professionals,
  • Use these products, notably in professional services (nail application, manicures, etc.).

While not a surprise, this ban is nevertheless a significant victory in the eyes of Gaëlle Lebrat-Personnaz, founder of Manucurist, who has long fought to offer non-toxic nail polish formulas:"This shows that the fight for more responsible beauty, respectful of women’s health, is worthwhile and that we are right to pursue it."

Indeed, TPO-free nail polish exists, and Manucurist is one of the pioneering brands in this field.

Green Flash™: the semi-permanent nail polish without compromise.

By choosing Green Flash™, you are opting for a next-generation nail polish that guarantees a manicure safe for your nails without compromising on performance. This is supported by several key commitments:

The formulas of Manucurist nail polishes

🌿 A bio-sourced nail polish formula up to 84%

This approach aims to replace synthetic chemical ingredients with plant-based alternatives wherever possible, in order to offer a biodegradable product and a formulation that is gentler on the nail.

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The formulas of Manucurist nail polishes

🐶 Vegan Nail Polish

Like all Manucurist products, Green Flash™ contains no animal-derived ingredients and is certified by The Vegan Society.

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The formulas of Manucurist nail polishes

💅 Quick and safe application and removal

Green Flash™ is the perfect proof that a bio-sourced nail polish can maintain fluidity and flexibility while drying quickly under a LED lamp. The same goes for removal, which—thanks to the Green Flash™ Gentle Remover—takes just one minute without damaging the nails.

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The formulas of Manucurist nail polishes

⏳ Flawless wear for up to 12 days

Thanks to the patented KeraHCE+ technology contained in the Vitamin-Enriched Base Coat, which strengthens nails with each application and extends the wear of the polish.

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At Manucurist, we continuously innovate to offer high-quality products that respect the health of those who use them. Transparency in our formulas is essential to maintain the trust of the many consumers and professionals around the world—and we are committed to keeping it that way for a long time to come!