Korean nail art is renowned worldwide for its creativity, precision, and exquisite detailing. One of the signature elements that sets Korean manicures apart is the use of charms and stones, adding depth, dimension, and sparkle to every design.

At the heart of Korean nail trends, charms and crystals are more than decorations — they are a way to express individuality, luxury, and artistic craftsmanship.

Nail Art Charms: Small Pieces, Big Impact

Nail charms come in many forms:

• Tiny metallic pieces
• Miniature 3D shapes (bows, hearts, flowers)
• Chains, studs, and framed ornaments

They are applied after the gel color layers are cured, usually embedded into a thin builder gel or attached with a special nail gel for long-lasting hold.

Why choose Korean nail charms?

• Superior craftsmanship: Finely detailed and lightweight, avoiding bulky results.
• Artistic flexibility: Easily integrated into minimalistic as well as extravagant designs.
• Trend-forward designs: Reflecting seasonal and high-fashion Korean beauty trends.

Nail Art Stones: The Sparkling Finishing Touch

When it comes to nail stones, Korean nail art sets the standard for brilliance and delicacy. Nail stones come in a variety of materials (glass, resin, crystal) and finishes, each creating a different visual effect.

 Here’s a breakdown of the main types you will encounter:

Type	Description	Visual Effect
Crystal	Clear, transparent stones with maximum light reflection.	Pure sparkle, sharp light refraction, diamond-like brilliance.
AB (Aurora Borealis)	Special coating applied to clear crystals, creating a rainbow effect.	Iridescent glow, changing colors with movement and lighting.
Opal	Stones with a milky, semi-opaque appearance.	Soft, elegant shimmer; pastel-toned beauty.
Colored Crystals	Stones fully colored during manufacturing (e.g., sapphire blue, ruby red).	Bold color accents; luxury gemstone look.

 

Choosing the Right Stone for Your Nail Art

• Crystal stones are perfect for classic, elegant designs — think bridal nails, minimalistic luxury.
• AB stones are ideal for glamorous, dynamic looks, catching the light in different ways with every hand movement.
• Opal stones create a dreamy, soft aesthetic, suitable for romantic or delicate designs.
• Colored crystals make strong statements, ideal for vibrant, bold nail art or matching fashion accessories.

 Professional tip:

In Korean nail design, it’s common to mix different types (e.g., AB + clear crystal) on the same nail to add multidimensional sparkle.

Application Techniques for Charms and Stones

1. Preparation:

After curing your color or design layers, select your charm or stones.

2. Attachment:

Use a thicker builder gel or special rhinestone gel to secure the stones or charms in place.

3. Curing:

Flash cure for 10–20 seconds to hold placement, then fully cure under UV/LED.

4. Sealing:

For stones, avoid covering the entire surface with top coat — apply around the base to ensure longevity without dulling the shine.

5. Finishing:

Apply a strong top coat to surrounding areas to reinforce the design and prevent lifting.

Why Korean Nail Art Charms and Stones?Choosing authentic Korean nail art materials guarantees:

• Higher-quality materials that resist discoloration.
• Perfect sizing for delicate nail designs (especially important for smaller European nail beds).
• Trends that are always ahead of global markets, offering your clients unique and exclusive styles.

 Korean craftsmanship means that your final manicure will not only last longer but also sparkle more brilliantly, making a real statement of beauty and artistry.

Discover Korean Nail Art AccessoriesAt Pretty Yeppuda, we proudly curate a collection of the finest Korean charms, crystals, and stones.

Elevate your nail art with accessories that bring Korean luxury and innovation to your fingertips.

Explore our full collection of Nail Art Charms and Nail Art Stones and find the perfect finishing touches for your next masterpiece.

✅ Professional quality.

✅ Trend-forward Korean designs.

✅ Exclusive selection for true nail artists.

1. Why Is TPO Being Banned?

As of September 1st, 2025, the European Union will prohibit the use of TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide) in cosmetic products, including nail gels. TPO is a photoinitiator used in UV-curable systems that ensures fast and even curing of gel products. However, under EU Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, substances classified as Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or Reprotoxic (CMR) are not allowed in cosmetics unless specifically exempted. TPO has recently been classified as a Category 1B CMR substance (¹) due to concerns regarding its long-term health effects, leading to its inclusion in the ban. While the actual risk during proper use may be low, the EU applies a precautionary approach, and this classification mandates its removal from the cosmetics market.

 

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2. Impact on the Nail Industry

The upcoming ban has led to a significant shift in the professional nail products market. Some manufacturers—both large and niche—have proactively reformulated their products to remove TPO. Others, including some well-known US,UK,European, and Korean brands, have decided not to reformulate, as the EU market may represent only a small part of their global sales. As a result, certain popular gel lines are being discontinued in the EU. Additionally, some brands are still in the process of reformulating, meaning product availability remains uncertain in the months leading up to the ban. The market is undergoing a shake-up, and nail professionals may find that some long-trusted products are no longer available or are being replaced by new formulations.

 

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3. Understanding the Key Dates and Scenarios

From a regulatory perspective, there are three main cases nail technicians should be aware of:

• Products manufactured before 01/09/2025 can still be sold up to that date and may be used afterward. These are considered legally placed on the market before the ban takes effect.

• Products manufactured before 01/09/2025 but not sold before that date can no longer be legally sold or distributed within the EU after 01/09/2025. However, if you bought them before the deadline, you may still use them.

• Products manufactured after 01/09/2025 that contain TPO are strictly prohibited. These products may not be sold nor used within the EU under any circumstances.

Correct documentation, batch tracking, and awareness of manufacture dates will be essential to determine what is still allowed post-ban.

 

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4. What This Means in Practice

For our customers, this regulation means that any TPO-containing products will no longer be restocked after April 2025, in anticipation of the September deadline. If you rely on specific TPO-based gels, we recommend stocking up before summer. After 01/09/2025, you may continue using these products only if they were purchased and manufactured before the cutoff.

We strongly advise against attempting to circumvent the ban by purchasing TPO-containing products from non-EU sellers after the deadline. Importing and using such products would be illegal under EU law. Should you be inspected or reported, you may be required to justify your product’s compliance, including manufacture date, purchase documentation, and batch traceability.

For a detailed explanation of your legal responsibilities as a nail technician, we recommend reading our related blog post: “Why Nail Technicians Should Order Korean Nail Products from an EU-Based Webshop.”

 

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5. Transition Support and the Road Ahead

If your favorite brand is no longer available, reach out to us. We are currently preparing an overview of TPO-free alternatives, where we’ll list commonly used products alongside recommended substitutes, so you can make an informed switch with minimal disruption.

For the rest, we ask for a bit of patience, as a number of Korean brands are still finalizing reformulations, and others are likely to follow in the future—especially as the TPO ban is expected to expand to other regions beyond the EU.

In fact, several Korean manufacturers are now actively promoting TPO-free formulations, clearly marking them as “TPO-Free” to demonstrate compliance and awareness. This is a strong signal that TPO-free is the future, and the industry is moving in the right direction.

 

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(¹) Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide (TPO) has been officially reclassified by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) from a Category 2 reproductive toxicant (Repr. 2; substances suspected of impairing fertility) to a Category 1B reproductive toxicant (Repr. 1B; substances presumed to have adverse effects on fertility or reproduction based on animal studies). This upgrade in classification reflects stronger toxicological evidence obtained from animal studies, indicating that TPO may damage fertility and is also suspected of potentially harming the unborn child at higher exposure levels. Consequently, under EU Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, substances classified as Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or Reprotoxic (CMR Category 1A or 1B) are strictly prohibited from use in cosmetic products unless explicitly exempted. Although acute toxicity studies have indicated relatively low immediate health risks (oral and dermal toxicity), repeated-dose and reproductive toxicity studies demonstrated significant adverse effects, particularly reproductive harm at higher dosages. This has led the EU to adopt a precautionary approach and mandate TPO’s removal from cosmetic products, including UV-curable nail gels.

References:

• European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), Substance Information: Diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide (CAS No. 75980-60-8).

• Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), Safety Assessment of Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide.

Korean nail products are globally admired for their innovation, vibrant colors, and lasting performance. For European nail technicians, incorporating these products into salon services offers a competitive edge. However, many professionals unknowingly place themselves—and their clients—at serious legal and health risk by ordering directly from non-EU suppliers.

Contrary to what many believe, the European Union does not perform safety assessments on cosmetic products. Responsibility lies entirely with the importer and their designated Responsible Person (RP). When you order directly from Korea or outside the EU, and use those products in your salon, you become the importer—and legally responsible.

This article explains why EU-based nail technicians should only purchase Korean nail products from a compliant EU webshop, and what is at stake when they don’t.

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1. EU Law: You Are the Importer and the Responsible Party

Under EU Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, all cosmetic products—including professional-use nail gels and builder gels—must:

• Be notified in the CPNP (Cosmetic Products Notification Portal)

• Have a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) by a qualified cosmetic safety assessor

• Be linked to an EU-based Responsible Person (RP) who ensures legal and toxicological compliance

• Be properly labeled with ingredients, batch numbers, and warnings in accordance with EU standards

When you buy from a non-EU website or import products personally, and use them on clients, you are the importer—and you also assume the role of the Responsible Person by default.

This means you are legally liable for:

• Ensuring a safety assessment was performed

• Correct labeling and traceability

• Adverse reactions or injuries caused by the product

If you cannot provide a CPSR or proof of CPNP notification during an inspection, you are using the product illegally under EU law.

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2. The Misconception: “The EU Takes Care of Safety”

Many technicians assume that if a product is on the market, it must already be tested and approved. This is a dangerous misunderstanding.

The EU does not evaluate cosmetic products before they reach the market. Instead:

• The importer must ensure a safety assessor has completed a CPSR

• A Responsible Person must register the product in the CPNP

• The product must comply with ingredient restrictions and labeling rules

When you order from a trusted EU-based webshop, these obligations are met. When you import yourself, no one is doing this work for you, and you are fully exposed—legally and professionally.

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3. The Real Risks for Nail Technicians Using Non-Compliant Products

Using non-notified and non-assessed products from outside the EU carries serious consequences:

Legal & Regulatory Risks

• You are using products illegally under EU law.

• If inspected by authorities, products can be confiscated, and you may face fines or formal warnings.

• In the event of a client injury, you may be held liable in civil court.

Insurance Invalidity

• Most professional liability insurance policies require that products used are compliant with EU regulations.

• If your product was not notified and assessed, your insurance might not cover damage or injury.

• You could be personally responsible for legal costs, medical bills, and compensation.

Health Hazards

• Imported cosmetic products that are not properly notified or safety assessed according to EU regulations may contain substances restricted or banned in the EU due to allergenic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic concerns.

• Without proper labeling or batch tracking, you cannot trace ingredients or respond to adverse effects.

• Improperly formulated products can cause permanent allergies, skin sensitization, and chemical burns—not only for clients, but for you as the technician too.

Over time, sensitization from repeated exposure can mean you are no longer able to work with nail products at all—a career-ending health outcome.

 

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4. Korean nail products sold from a trusted EU webshop must be:

• CPNP-notified products, as required by law

• Products underwent a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) by a certified cosmetic safety assessor

• A clearly designated EU-based Responsible Person (RP) who ensures regulatory compliance

• Products are correctly labeled in the official EU language(s), with the required warnings and ingredients

• In the event of an incident, you can prove you used a legally placed product—protecting you in front of authorities and insurance companies

 

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5. Even If You’re Just Starting Out—It Matters

Even beginner or part-time nail techs using products on friends or for training purposes are not exempt:

• If someone reacts badly to a non-compliant product, you are liable

• You may not be able to get insurance at all without proving the use of registered, compliant products

• Using illegal or misbranded products can damage your professional reputation, client trust, and ultimately your business growth

 

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Conclusion: Your Safety, Clients, and Career Deserve Protection

Korean nail products are powerful tools for creativity and client satisfaction—but only when they are legally placed and professionally assessed. As a nail technician in the EU, your clients’ safety, your legal liability, and your insurance coverage all depend on using compliant products.

By purchasing from a trusted EU-based webshop, you protect:

• Yourself from exposure to hazardous substances

• Your clients from health risks

• Your business from legal and financial loss

Hope to have informed you sufficiently, but feel free to reach out if you have additional questions.

In this blog post, we'll delve into what CPNP certification is, why it's crucial, and how it ensures that our Korean nail gels are safe, high-quality, and fully compliant with European regulations.

Table of Contents

1. What is CPNP?
2. Why Buying Within the EU Matters
3. The Importance of CPNP Certification
4. PrettyYeppuda: Your Trusted Source for Korean Nail Gels
5. Compliance with EU Cosmetic Products Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009
6. Safety Assessments and Ingredients
7. Check the Label: Responsible Person and Ingredients
8. Our Commitment to Quality and Safety
9. Frequently Asked Questions
10. Get in Touch

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What is CPNP?

The Cosmetic Product Notification Portal (CPNP) is an online system established by the European Union (EU) to regulate cosmetic products sold within its member countries. The primary objective of the CPNP is to ensure that all cosmetic products on the EU market are safe for consumers. This includes a wide range of products, from skincare creams to the Korean nail gels we offer at PrettyYeppuda.

Breaking It Down

• Cosmetic Product: Any substance intended for application on external parts of the human body (skin, nails, etc.) for cleansing, beautifying, altering appearance, or keeping them in good condition.
• Notification Portal: A centralized online platform where manufacturers or their EU representatives submit detailed information about their cosmetic products before they are marketed.

By registering products on the CPNP, companies provide authorities with all the necessary information to monitor compliance with EU regulations and take action if needed.

Why Buying Within the EU Matters

Purchasing your nail gels from within the EU is crucial for several reasons:

1. Regulatory Compliance: Products sold within the EU must comply with strict regulations, ensuring they meet high safety and quality standards.
2. Safety Assurance: EU regulations mandate rigorous safety assessments, so you can trust that the products are safe to use.
3. Ingredient Transparency: Products must disclose all ingredients, allowing you to make informed choices.

At PrettyYeppuda, all our Korean nail gels are imported and sold within the EU, ensuring they comply with all European regulations.

PrettyYeppuda: Your Trusted Source for Korean Nail Gels

At PrettyYeppuda, we're passionate about bringing you the finest Korean nail gels. We have curated a selection from over 25 top Korean nail brands, each renowned for innovation, quality, and style. Our mission is to make these exceptional products accessible to you while ensuring they meet all European safety and quality standards, and this is close collaboration with those brands.

Compliance with EU Cosmetic Products Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009

A critical aspect of CPNP certification is adherence to the EU Cosmetic Products Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. This comprehensive regulation governs the safety, labeling, and marketing of cosmetic products in the EU.

Key Elements of the Regulation

• Safety Assessment: Every cosmetic product must undergo a detailed safety assessment by a qualified professional.
• Ingredient Restrictions: Only approved ingredients may be used; certain substances are banned or restricted.
• Product Information File (PIF): Importers assign a Responsible Person, or act as Responsible Person, who must maintain a PIF for each product, containing detailed information about its composition, safety data, and manufacturing processes.
• Labeling Requirements: Products must have clear and specific labeling, including the name of the Responsible Person, ingredients, usage instructions, and warnings.
• Responsible Person: A designated individual or company within the EU is responsible for compliance and serves as the contact point for authorities.

By complying with this regulation, we ensure that our Korean nail gels are as safe and reliable as any European-made products.

Safety Assessments and Ingredients

Your safety is our top priority. Here's how we ensure our Korean nail gels are safe for you to use:

Rigorous Safety Assessments through CPSR

Before any product reaches you, it undergoes a comprehensive safety assessment as required by the EU Cosmetic Products Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. This process culminates in the creation of a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR), which ensures that every product is safe for consumer use. The CPSR includes:

• Toxicological Profiles: Evaluating the potential toxicity of each ingredient to ensure they are safe for cosmetic use.

• Exposure Assessments: Assessing how the product is used, the amount applied, and the frequency of use to determine potential exposure levels.

• Risk Characterization: Identifying any risks associated with the product under normal or reasonably foreseeable conditions of use, ensuring that any potential hazards are mitigated.

By conducting these rigorous assessments and compiling them into the CPSR, we ensure that our Korean nail gels meet the highest safety standards mandated by EU regulations. This thorough process gives you peace of mind, knowing that the products you use are not only effective but also safe.

Use of Approved Ingredients

We strictly use ingredients that are approved under EU regulations:

• No Harmful Substances: We avoid banned substances like certain heavy metals or carcinogens.
• Consistency with EU Standards: Our products use the same ingredients permitted in European nail gels.
• Cruelty-Free: Our products are not tested on animals, adhering to the EU's ban on animal testing for cosmetics.

By aligning with European safety standards, we ensure that you're getting products that are both effective and safe.

Check the Label: Responsible Person and Ingredients

When purchasing nail gels, it's essential to check the product labels carefully. Proper labeling is not only a legal requirement but also a commitment to transparency and safety.

What to Look For

• Responsible Person: The label should mention the EU-based Responsible Person who ensures compliance with EU regulations.
• Ingredient List: All ingredients should be listed in descending order by weight.
• Usage Instructions: Clear guidelines on how to use the product safely and effectively.
• Warnings and Precautions: Any necessary warnings should be prominently displayed.
• Product Identification: Batch numbers and manufacturing details should be included for traceability.

Why It's Important

If a product lacks this essential information, it's likely that it doesn't comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation (CPR). Using such products could pose safety risks due to:

• Unknown Ingredients: Without an ingredient list, you can't identify potential allergens or harmful substances.
• Lack of Accountability: No Responsible Person means there's no one ensuring the product's compliance with safety regulations.
• Legal Risks: Non-compliant products are illegal within the EU, and using them could have legal implications.

Always ensure that your nail gels have proper labeling. If in doubt, choose trusted sellers like PrettyYeppuda who guarantee compliance and transparency.

Our Commitment to Safety

Education and Support

• Expert Advice: Our team is well-versed in nail care and ready to answer your questions.
• Resources: We provide tutorials, tips, and guidance to help you achieve the best results.
• Customer Service: Our support team is available to assist you with any concerns or inquiries.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why should I buy nail gels within the EU?

Purchasing within the EU ensures that the products comply with strict EU safety and quality regulations. It also provides you with consumer protections and legal recourse if needed.

2. How can I tell if a nail gel is CPNP certified?

Check the product label for the mention of the Responsible Person, ingredient list, and compliance statements. If this information is missing, the product may not be CPNP certified or might be imported illegally.

3. Are all Korean nail gels sold in the EU compliant with EU regulations?

Not necessarily. Only products that have been properly registered and certified are compliant. Always purchase from reputable sellers.

4. What should I do if a product doesn't have proper labeling?

Avoid using products without proper labeling. Using non-compliant products can pose safety risks.

5. Are PrettyYeppuda's products suitable for sensitive skin?

While our products are formulated to be safe, if you have sensitive skin or known allergies, we recommend conducting a patch test before full application.

Get in Touch

We hope this blog post has provided you with some valuable insights into CPNP certification and the importance of purchasing compliant nail gels.  If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out.