How to check the substances banned by Anvisa in gel nail polish?

What are their risks?

The prohibited substances are TPO (diphenyl oxide (2,4,6-trimethylbenzol) phosphine) and DMPT (N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine). International studies on animals have shown that they can harm fertility and cause cancer, respectively.

In Europe, the use of TPO has been banned since the beginning of September. According to regulators in the region, the product is classified as “carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction”. A chemical used in gel polishes, TPO reacts to LED/UV light to solidify the gel. The ingredient is used in artificial nail products in concentrations of up to 5% and offers durability and shine to the final result, shielding the enamel.

Tests with this substance brought worrying results in relation to the fertility of rats. Research still in progress associates the product with fertility problems and potential damage to reproductive organs: results indicated complete infertility in female rats and effects such as reduced testicular size and sperm depletion in males.

TPO is also used in the dental industry as a photoinitiator in fillings and dental resins. The substance may be present in other cosmetics, such as makeup (lipsticks, glosses and eyelash glue, for example). It is also applied in industry in the composition of paints, varnishes, adhesives, sealants, fillers and plasticizers. Anvisa’s ban, however, only applies to cosmetic and hygiene products.

It is important to emphasize that not all gel polishes contain the substance. This is the case with top coats, which often use the word “gel” in their commercial names.