Kelly Dobos from the University of Cincinnati recently spoke to TIME about gel manicures and a new ban in the European Union. The EU has banned a chemical called trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO), which is found in some gel nail polishes.
Dobos reassured gel manicure fans that there’s no need for alarm. Most studies on TPO have tested its effects on animals, often through feeding or injecting it, which isn’t how we use it in nail gels. “Your exposure is very low since the chemical mostly reacts away when the gel is cured under a lamp,” she explained. Dobos is a cosmetic chemist and teaches at UC’s James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy.
For those who want to avoid TPO completely, alternatives exist. Some polishes use TPO-L, a safer version that the EU still allows. If you’re unsure about what’s being used during your manicure, Dobos suggests asking the salon staff to show you the product packaging. “If you’re concerned about what they’re using, just ask. It’s often not displayed clearly,” she said.
Interestingly, according to a recent survey by the American Academy of Dermatology, about 50% of people who get manicures regularly are unaware of the ingredients in their nail products. This highlights the importance of being informed about what you put on your body.
For those interested in learning more, you can read the full article here.
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