Watch out! These are the ingredients banned in Europe that are circulating in nail polish; Invima has issued a warning.
The National Institute for Food and Drug Surveillance (Invima) issued a strong warning about the presence in Colombia of semi-permanent nail polishes containing ingredients banned in the European Union.
Concern is growing over the possibility that these products, considered high-risk for health, are circulating freely in the Colombian market without adequate health controls.
The warning focuses on TPO and DMTA, two chemicals banned in Belgium due to their toxicity to fertility and carcinogenic potential.
Invima warns about prohibited ingredients in nail polish. Photo: Charlotte Cosmetics
In Europe , the use of these substances in commercial products for the general public has been banned , allowing them only in products for professional use, provided that the user has the necessary training and protective equipment.
The call made by Invima
Invima warns about prohibited ingredients in nail polish. Photo: iStock
In light of this situation, Invima (National Institute of Health) issued an urgent call to the public to join the health surveillance process and report any suspicions regarding the presence of formaldehyde-containing straightening products in beauty salons or other retail outlets.
Additionally, they recommended that users check the labels of products applied in beauty salons to ensure they do not contain prohibited ingredients.
The Invima warning not only underscores the importance of health regulations, but also the need for beauty professionals to stay up-to-date on safety regulations and the risks of the products they use. This measure is expected to stem the flow of these dangerous nail polishes and ensure safer service.
What is TPO and DMTA? 
Invima warns about prohibited ingredients in nail polish. Photo: iStock
According to the PurpleBeauty website, TPO (2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) and DMTA (4,4'-bis(diethylamino)benzenephenone acid) are photoinitiators, components that are activated by ultraviolet (UV) light to harden the polish, a fundamental process in semi-permanent manicures.
The concern about these compounds lies in their ability to be absorbed through the skin and nails, which could lead to long-term problems.
According to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) , exposure to these photoinitiators is linked to an increased risk of infertility and reproductive disorders . Furthermore, DMTA, in particular, has been classified as a substance with possible carcinogenic effects. In this regard, the Invima alert seeks not only to warn beauty professionals but also the millions of users who opt for this technique.
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