Are gel manicures safe? Experts explain health risks and precautions
Gel manicures have become a beauty staple for millions seeking glossy, long-lasting nails. However, recent regulatory changes and expert warnings are prompting consumers to ask: Are gel manicures safe?
In September 2025, the European Union (E.U.) banned trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO) — a key ingredient in gel polishes — due to concerns over reproductive toxicity in animal studies. The decision has reignited global debate about the safety of gel manicures and the potential risks associated with UV exposure, chemical ingredients, and improper nail care routines.
Understanding the E.U. ban on TPO
TPO acts as a photoinitiator, triggering the chemical reaction that hardens gel polish under UV or LED lamps. The E.U. classified TPO as “toxic for reproduction” after lab studies linked high doses to harmful reproductive effects in animals.
However, cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos from the University of Cincinnati explains that human exposure levels in gel manicures are extremely low. “Most of the research involved feeding or injecting TPO into rodents, which doesn’t reflect how it’s used in nail products,” she says. “During curing, most of the compound reacts away, leaving minimal residue.”
Dobos notes that alternative photoinitiators, such as TPO-L, offer safer formulations now approved in Europe. Concerned users can look for gel polishes that use these substitutes.
UV exposure: What you need to know
Both UV and LED lamps used in curing emit ultraviolet radiation, which has been linked to skin aging and cancer risk. While exposure during a manicure is brief, cumulative damage over time may be a concern.
Dr. Michele Green, a New York-based dermatologist, recommends applying broad-spectrum sunscreen on hands or using fingerless gloves before a manicure. Similarly, Dr. Phoebe Rich, a dermatologist specializing in nail disorders, adds, “Both options are protective — and if nothing else, they help keep your hands from aging.”
Application and removal can damage nails
Frequent gel manicures can lead to nail thinning, cracking, and white spots, according to Dr. April Schachtel from UW Medicine. The combination of acetone-based removal and mechanical filing can erode nail structure.
“There’s no question that soaking nails in acetone for 20 minutes is harsh,” says Dr. Rich. “Then using a drill to remove leftover polish causes additional trauma.”
Experts strongly advise against peeling off gel polish, as it strips away the top nail layer, leading to long-term damage. “Once the nail is thinned, you can’t repair it,” says Rich. “You have to wait for it to grow back, which takes about six months.”
Chemical concerns: Check the ingredients
In 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned several brands for using methylene chloride in gel removers — a probable carcinogen banned in the U.S. Dobos recommends asking salons to show product packaging to verify ingredients before use.
“If you’re concerned, ask to see what they’re applying,” she says. “Clients often don’t realize what’s in those bottles.”
DIY gel kits: A hidden risk
Since the pandemic, at-home gel kits have surged in popularity. Yet improper curing or overexposure can trigger acrylate allergies, causing rashes, pain, and even lifted nails.
“An acrylate allergy is serious,” warns Schachtel. “It can affect future medical treatments, since acrylates are also used in dental fillings, implants, and surgical materials.”
Experts recommend visiting licensed salons where exposure levels are better controlled, and technicians are trained to avoid direct skin contact with uncured gel.
The bottom line: Moderation and protection
Experts agree that gel manicures are generally low-risk if done occasionally and with proper precautions.
“I don’t tell people to never do it,” says Schachtel. “But it should be done in moderation — and always with awareness of the products and methods used.”
Simple steps such as using sunscreen, choosing TPO-free formulas, avoiding harsh removers, and not peeling off polish can go a long way in keeping your nails and skin safe.
Stay informed and protect your health!
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