Cosmetic Regulation in the UK – Is Your Treatment Even Safe?

Beauty innovation is outpacing regulation – is your treatment even safe?

Beauty treatments, what could go really go that wrong?

Did you know that in Scotland and England, anyone can legally perform beauty treatments with zero qualifications? No training, no safety checks, nothing. Well, you might be surprised to learn that if your brows, lashes or even nails fall into the wrong hands, without adequate insurance or training to deal with complications, you may find you have nowhere to turn for appropriate support, and A&E your first port of call.

Worryingly with beauty innovation at an all-time high, and high-tech machines and equipment available to anyone, regulation is struggling to keep up. The truth of the matter is, that there is no industry regulation in the UK.

While botched cosmetics procedures cost the NHS an estimated £1.7 million in corrective procedures, with a certain level of risk to health posed by all modalities (yes even nails), its more crucial than ever that consumers are checking the credentials of their practitioner.

Which is why BABTAC (British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology) has expanded its T.I.M.E initiative. To help people know what to be aware of when booking in for treatments, last week saw BABTAC take T.I.M.E to The Scottish Parliament.

Caroline Hirons, industry expert, and founder of Skin Rocks and Beauty Backed Trust says there are cowboys in the system

“The speed of new treatments being developed makes it even harder to put industry regulation into place and modalities are ones where qualification must be checked. While it’s positive that therapists are upskilling, due to lack of regulation, we have cowboys in the system. Another challenge we’re facing is that trained beauty professionals are now competing with content creators who may be good in front of the camera, but don’t hold appropriate certification.”

Lesley Blair MBE, CEO at BABTAC says that even lower-level modalities can cause serious harm

“Even with a wealth of education at their fingertips, there’s still a critical need to educate the consumer on what they need to be asking in terms of safety. And we’re not just talking injectables - it’s lower-level modalities also. While treatments such as intimate waxing, lash lifts, and brow tints may seem low risk, if not performed correctly, they can do serious harm to health.

The rise of ‘TikTok’ 'tutorials' is also proving damaging, with unqualified people promoting themselves as experts on social media, which as well as risking consumer safety, can diminish the price point of treatments. With the media regularly reporting treatments going wrong, the industry is under scrutiny. It's therefore more important than ever for consumers to be able to identify and support true professionals.”

What can really go wrong?

Allergies – a ticking time bomb

In the past year, experts have warned of the growing cases of allergic reactions caused by allergens like HEMA (hydroxyethyl methacrylate) which can be found in certain adhesives including gel nail polish and eyelash glue. Due to the availability of products without required training and expertise, there’s been an increase in reported allergic reactions. From redness and swelling to serious risk of anaphylaxis, non-qualified professionals are unlikely to have the training required to deal with complications should they arise.

Low-cost beauty may equal a lack of insurance

With purse strings having tightened over the past year, the temptation to book in for low-cost treatments is understandable, but is insurance to cover the risks included in the cost? 

From chemically singed eyebrows to infected nail beds, the effects of botched beauty treatments can be serious and have long-lasting consequences, so insurance is crucial. With much of the beauty industry largely unregulated, it’s important to do proper research before trusting a therapist with your eyes, face, or any other area of the body.

The T.I.M.E Initative is here to make beauty safe for consumers

Following on from the launch of the initiative at UK Parliament in 2023 and supported by MPs, influential bodies and key figures across the industry, T.I.M.E is a regulatory checklist that helps consumers choose evidence-based, professional fit for purpose services, whilst minimising any risk:

• TRAINING– What training and qualifications, including continual professional development (CPD) do you and all your staff have?
• INSURANCE– Are you insured & who by?
• MONITORING– Do you carry out important pre and post-appointment processes such as patch tests, consultations & aftercare?
• EVIDENCE– Can you provide certified proof of training and insurance and client testimonials?