TPO ban in Europe

TPO Ban in Eyelash Adhesives in Europe – What Professionals Need to Know

In the world of professional eyelash extensions, safety and quality always come first. In 2025, the European Union made the decision to ban the photoinitiator TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl-diphenylphosphine oxide) in cosmetics and beauty products — including eyelash extension adhesives.

This ban affects many manufacturers and professionals, which is why it's important to understand:

•  what is TPO

• what replaces it

•  how to continue working safely while maintaining high-quality results

What is TPO and why is it banned?

TPO is a photoinitiator – a substance that helps glue polymerize and cure under UV or visible light. It ensures fast and stable adhesive curing. However, research has shown that TPO can be:

• Sensitizing (may cause allergic reactions),
• An endocrine disruptor,
• Potentially harmful to human health in the long term.

The goal of European regulators is to protect both professionals and clients, which is why TPO has been added to the list of banned substances in cosmetics.

Which photoinitiators are allowed?

Following the TPO ban, safer alternatives that provide similar efficiency without health risks have become the focus.

Approved photoinitiators in eyelash adhesives include, for example:

• TMO (Trimethoxyphenyl acetophenone)
  
• Used as a modern alternative to TPO,
• Provides stable and fast curing,
• Lower risk of allergies compared to TPO,
• Well-suited for lash adhesives, as it also works under low light conditions.
• TPO-L (Ethyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phenylphosphinate)
  
• Similar to TPO but with a lower toxicity level,
• Ensures rapid polymerization,
• Safer for both the lash artist and the client.

These components help maintain adhesive quality while fully complying with European regulations and safety standards.

Why choose RZ Lash?

RZ Lash is the choice of professionals because we:

✅ Offer next-generation lash adhesives that are TPO-free,

✅ Use only safe, EU-approved photoinitiators,

✅ Ensure strong retention, fast curing, and comfortable work,

✅ Stay up to date with the latest regulations and trends so you can work with confidence.

By choosing RZ Lash, you can be sure that you:

• Work with a safe and certified product,
• Protect your own health and your clients' safety,
• Maintain the highest work quality even after regulation changes.