💡 Nail Science: The Truth About TPO

Hi friends!

You may have seen people online warning about TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide) in gel polish or builder gels. Let’s clear this up together so you can make informed choices without the fear.

✅ What TPO Is

TPO is a photoinitiator—basically, an ingredient that helps gel products harden properly under UV/LED light.

🧪 How Testing Was Done

Here’s the important part:

Safety studies that flagged TPO were not done in the way humans actually use it.

Rats and hedgehogs were forced to drink large quantities of pure TPO, or had it applied directly to their skin in unrealistically high doses.

In nail products, TPO makes up less than 0.1% of the formula and is fully cured into the hardened material. Once cured, it’s inert—meaning it doesn’t leech into your skin.

🚫 Fear vs Facts

Using properly formulated, regulated nail products with safe curing = minimal risk.

The idea that “all TPO causes cancer” comes from testing methods that don’t reflect real-world use.

Brands choosing to go TPO-free or HEMA-free isn’t wrong—it’s often about making products easier to ship and sell globally.

💅 What This Means for You

If you’re using gels with TPO from reputable brands, you don’t need to panic.

If you prefer to avoid it, that’s fine too—just know the reasoning should be about choice and convenience, not fear.

Always: avoid skin contact, use proper curing lamps, and stick to professional-quality products.

✨ Bottom line: There’s no one “bad” ingredient—only bad information. Safe use, regulation, and proper application matter more than fear-mongering.

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