Rebuilding Brooklyn
News12 New York
Where to Watch
Download the App
Local
Crime
Weather
Taking Action
beWell
The East End
Crime Files
LIRR latest

EU ban on gel nail polish raises concerns for local salons

The ingredient is still allowed in the U.S. But some salons in NYC, like Tsou Beauty Lounge in BedStuy, are already turning to safer alternatives.

Melissa Rose Cooper

Sep 3, 2025, 6:00 PM

Updated

Share:

More Stories

A new ban in Europe is raising concerns about a chemical found in some gel nail polishes.

Trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide, known as TPO, is commonly added to gel polishes to help them harden and shine. But the European Union recently banned it, citing possible risks to reproductive health.

The ingredient is still allowed in the U.S. But some salons in NYC, like Tsou Beauty Lounge in BedStuy, are already turning to safer alternatives.

"I am an advocate for the environment," said Kieu Tran, the salon's manager. "I want something that's better for the environment, something that could be biodegradable.

News 12 reached out to the FDA to see if there are any plans to ban polishes containing TPO in the U.S. , but has not heard back yet.

More Stories

More From News12

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices