As of September 1, 2025, the European Union has officially banned TPO (trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide)—a chemical that helps gel nail polish cure under UV or LED light.
Self-tanning agents work by tinting the uppermost skin layer with the active ingredient DHA, a sugar molecule that reacts with the amino acids in the upper skin layer.
A first-of-its-kind law in California requires all ingredients to be disclosed on the labels of professional beauty products. Lawmakers also toughen cruelty-free cosmetics regulations.
According to a survey commissioned by all-natural beauty brand Kari Gran, American women care about what goes into their beauty products, but natural nail product ingredients are less of a priority.
From tosylamide/formaldehyde resin to stearalkonium bentonite, ingredient names can sound more like a top secret formula for NASA than a recipe for regular old nail polish. Each of these ingredients, however, has a purpose and plays a part in the overall performance of the polish.