The Hidden Dangers of Gel Nail Polish: 4 Ingredients to Watch Out For

The EU’s recent ban on TPO in gel nail polish has people asking: just how safe are manicures?

Here’s the good news: most gels sit on top of your nails, so the risk is relatively low. But if you’re using traditional polish—or products with harsh ingredients—you could be exposing yourself to chemicals linked to irritation, respiratory issues, or worse.

Here are 4 ingredients you should watch out for in nail polish and gels:

1. TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide)

Banned in the EU for its potential toxic effects, TPO is a photoinitiator that helps polish harden. The problem? Studies have flagged risks when it’s not handled properly—and it’s been linked to health concerns over time.

2. HEMA (Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate)

Common in gels, HEMA is a frequent cause of allergic reactions and skin irritation. It’s small enough to penetrate skin, which makes it more concerning for sensitive users.

3. The “Toxic Trio”: Toluene, Formaldehyde, and DBP

These three are infamous in traditional polish.

Toluene can impact the respiratory system.
Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen used as a nail hardener.
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) has been linked to hormone disruption.
They’re cheap, effective, and harmful—which is why many clean beauty brands have cut them for good.

4. Acetone & Harsh Removers

Even if your polish formula is “clean,” removal matters. Acetone and drills can thin your nails, cause brittleness, and damage the nail bed over time.

The Livi Promise

At Livi, we believe your beauty routine should feel effortless, not dangerous. That’s why our manicures are:

21-Free: no TPO, no HEMA, no Toxic Trio, no harsh chemicals.
Non-toxic & cruelty-free—because clean beauty should be kind to you and the planet.
Damage-free: no acetone, no drills, just easy peel-off removal.
At-home & stress-free: salon-quality nails in minutes, minus the fumes and appointments.