Gel Polish Market Changes - EU TPO ban

Gel polish has become a cornerstone of the beauty industry worldwide—and Poland is no exception. As the EU phases out TPO (trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide), a key photoinitiator, for safety reasons, nail brands in Poland are facing both challenges and opportunities.

What Is TPO and Why the Ban?

TPO is a photoinitiator that enables rapid curing under LED or UV lamps, prized for low yellowing and strong performance in pigmented gels. However, after the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) identified it as potentially reprotoxic, the EU moved to ban its use in cosmetic gel polish in 2025. Brands across Europe, including in Poland, must reformulate products before fully complying with the ban.

The Polish Gel‑Polish Market at a Glance

• The global gel nail polish market was valued at roughly USD 2.8 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 4.6 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of around 5.8 % 

• Poland plays a significant role in Europe’s beauty manufacturing sector, and gel polish brands have both strong domestic demand and export presence.

• Although precise figures for Poland alone are scarce, the country’s economy (nominal GDP approx USD 980 billion in 2025) and its dynamic cosmetics industry suggest a local market size in the hundreds of millions PLN annually—especially considering Poland’s export strength in consumer goods 

  Market giants like Indigo (Indigo Nails), Neonail (NeoNail), and Semilac dominate the Polish professional and at-home gel polish segment with strong salon loyalty and online sales.

Polish Brands Leading the Market

• Indigo Nails - A high-end Polish brand known for salon-grade gel polishes and award‑winning training programs focused on safe, quality cosmetic products

• NeoNail - Popular for its intense colours and long‑wear hybrid formulas enriched with nail‑strengthening nutrients. Strong presence both domestically and in e‑commerce channels 

• Semilac - Produced by Nesperta Europe, Semilac is a leading hybrid and gel polish brand in Poland, offering professional cosmetics and accessories. It’s widely used in salons and home nail-care setups 

These brands must now tackle the TPO transition head-on—balancing performance, safety, and customer assurance.

What the TPO Ban Means for Polish Brands

1. Reformulation at Scale

Indigo, Neonail, Semilac—the big players—must overhaul their formulas. With large production volumes, formulating alternatives to TPO (like benzoyl‑based photoinitiators) without compromising curing time or durability is critical.

2. Regulatory and Supply Chain Shifts

Full compliance with EU Cosmetic Regulation (EC 1223/2009) means updating safety assessments and CPNP submissions. Companies with internal R&D (e.g. Indigo) may adapt faster; others may face substantial delays or cost increases.

3. Market Communication and Trust

Consumers are increasingly ingredient‑aware. Brands need transparent messaging—explaining why formulations changed and reinforcing that quality and longevity haven’t been sacrificed.

4. Competitive Edge in “clean” positioning

By pivoting to TPO‑free, safety‑focused formulations, Polish brands can promote themselves as clean beauty leaders in Europe.

If you're considering expanding your beauty brand into Europe or looking for a trusted partner to distribute professional nail products—Poland is a market full of potential, with rapidly growing demand for hybrid and gel cosmetics. With strong local players, a loyal customer base, and rising online sales, Poland has become one of the most attractive destinations for international beauty brands.

At Svitez Group, we specialize in launching and scaling international cosmetics brands in the Polish market. We offer comprehensive support—from regulatory consulting and import logistics to sales strategy, influencer partnerships, and e-commerce execution. Our network includes the largest drugstores, pharmacies, mass-market retailers, and selective distribution channels—ensuring your brand reaches the right audience, at the right time, in the right place.