Doctor Reveals The ’Toxic’ Nail Polish Chemical To Avoid, And It’s Banned In Europe: Hormone Problems, More

If you love a quick-dry gel manicure, it might be time to rethink your nail routine. Dr. Pompa, a wellness expert, recently revealed a chemical in many nail polishes that is considered so risky it’s banned in Europe, yet still widely used in the U.S.

The culprit is TPO (trimethylolpropane triacrylate), a chemical commonly found in quick-drying UV gel nail polishes. “Hormone problems, reproductive problems, fertility problems—all linked to this chemical,” Dr. Pompa explained in a recent video. He added that while the European Union officially banned TPO as of September 1st, it remains legal in the U.S., meaning many gel manicures could expose users to these health risks.

TPO works as a photo-initiator, helping gel polish harden quickly under UV light. While convenient, the downside is serious: the chemical has been linked to endocrine disruption and reproductive issues, making it a hidden risk in what many consider a routine beauty treatment.

According to Dr. Pompa, many popular UV gel manicures use TPO under the pretense of convenience. “You’re going to have to go back to the old-fashioned nail polish that takes forever to dry,” he warned. But even traditional nail polishes aren’t risk-free—some still contain chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate, which can also be toxic over time.

A 2021 review in Environmental Health Perspectives highlighted that frequent exposure to nail polish chemicals can potentially affect hormone function and reproductive health, especially with repeated salon visits.