Love gel nails? They may pose fertility and cancer risks

A chemical used in some gel nail products has now been banned from new cosmetic products in Great Britain over reproductive health concerns. But the chemical is not the only health issue linked to gel manicures, with dermatologists also raising questions about repeated UV lamp exposure.UK bans nail chemical over fertility concernsA chemical used in some gel nail polishes has become the focus of a fresh health debate after new restrictions came into force in Great Britain. From August 15, 2026, manufacturers and importers can no longer place new cosmetic products containing Trimethyl benzoyl Diphenyl phosphine Oxide, or TPO, on the Great Britain market. Existing salon stock has a transition period, with the products required to be phased out by February 14, 2027.The move does not mean that gel manicures themselves have been banned. Instead, the restriction targets one ingredient used in some UV- and LED-cured nail products. TPO acts as a photoinitiator, helping gel polish harden when exposed to light.The European Union had already prohibited TPO in cosmetics from September 1, 2025, after the ingredient was classified as a Category 1B reproductive toxicant. This classification raised concerns about potential effects on reproductive health and fertility.WHAT IS THE CONCERN ABOUT TPO?TPO is not something that makes gel nails dangerous simply because it is present in every manicure. In fact, it is important to distinguish between a chemical being classified as hazardous and proving that routine consumer exposure to gel manicures causes infertility. The regulatory concern comes from toxicological evidence used to classify TPO as harmful to reproduction. The EU says its prohibition followed its classification under the rules covering substances that are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction.For consumers, this means the main concern surrounding TPO is potential reproductive harm, rather than a proven link between ordinary gel manicures and infertility. The TPO controversy comes at a time when the health effects of gel manicures are already being discussed by dermatologists in India.In an earlier report, India Today spoke to dermatologist Dr Divya Sharma, who said there is currently limited evidence that gel manicures significantly increase the risk of carcinoma. She explained that the nail plate allows only a small amount of UVA radiation to pass through, with studies estimating around 0.5% to 2.5% penetration.However, the dermatologist also cautioned that UV exposure cannot be described as completely risk-free. This is particularly relevant because gel manicures require repeated exposure to UV or LED curing lamps.The concern is therefore different from the TPO issue. TPO is being restricted because of reproductive toxicity concerns, while the cancer question relates mainly to repeated UV exposure from nail curing lamps.CAN UV NAIL LAMPS CAUSE CANCER?UV radiation can damage DNA and is a known risk factor for skin cancer. The question is whether the relatively short and limited exposure received during gel manicures is enough to significantly increase cancer risk.Current evidence does not establish that occasional gel manicures cause skin cancer. The overall UV exposure during a typical manicure is relatively low.At the same time, dermatologists have cautioned that repeated exposure deserves attention. A separate 2026 report quoted a dermatologist warning that excessive UVA exposure from nail lamps can contribute to DNA damage, premature skin ageing and potentially skin cancer.This means the sensible message is not to panic, but not to dismiss the exposure either, particularly for people who get gel manicures very frequently.WHAT OTHER PROBLEMS CAN GEL MANICURES CAUSE?Cancer and fertility are not the only concerns associated with nail treatments.Dermatologists commonly see allergic contact dermatitis, hand eczema, lip eczema, nail damage and infections among people who frequently use acrylic and other nail products.Chemicals in acrylics, adhesives and removers can irritate the skin. Repeated filing and aggressive removal can also weaken the natural nail, making it brittle or damaged.Salon workers may face greater exposure because they can spend several hours each day around nail chemicals and fumes. Poor ventilation can further increase occupational exposure.SHOULD YOU STOP GETTING GEL MANICURES?The UK action does not mean that every gel manicure is unsafe. It highlights why consumers should know what products are being used and how often they are exposed to them.If you get gel nails regularly, ask your salon whether its products are TPO-free. Many manufacturers have already moved towards alternative formulations.For UV exposure, reducing how frequently you use curing lamps and protecting the surrounding skin may also be sensible. Most importantly, do not ignore persistent redness, itching, swelling, rashes or changes in your nails after a manicure.The bigger health message is simple: the UK ban is about TPO, not gel manicures as a whole. TPO raises reproductive health concerns, while repeated UV exposure raises a separate question about long-term skin damage and cancer risk. Current evidence does not justify saying that routine gel manicures cause cancer or infertility, but it does support paying attention to the ingredients, frequency of use and safety practices.- EndsPublished By: Smarica PantPublished On: Aug 19, 2026 13:04 IST