NEWS
Government regulation of aesthetic procedures: industry reaction
The UK Government has confirmed it will introduce a licensing scheme to regulate aesthetic and non-surgical cosmetic treatments, aiming to improve public safety and raise professional standards.
Announced by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), the UK measures will mean only qualified healthcare professionals can perform the highest-risk procedures, such as non-surgical Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs). Businesses offering botulinum toxin and fillers will also have to meet strict licensing conditions, and under-18s will be banned from certain treatments unless approved by a healthcare professional.
“This Government is taking action to protect those seeking treatments, support honest and competent practitioners, and root out the cowboys,” said Minister of State for Health Karin Smyth.
“This isn’t about stopping anyone from getting treatments – it’s about preventing rogue operators from exploiting people at the expense of their safety.”
What’s changing?
The new framework will be tiered according to risk:
• High-risk procedures (e.g. non-surgical BBLs) must be carried out only by healthcare professionals in Care Quality Commission (CQC)-registered premises.
• Fillers and botulinum toxins will fall under a local authority licensing scheme, with practitioners needing to prove training, insurance, safety and hygiene standards.
• Age restrictions will apply for under-18s on high-risk procedures.
Practitioners breaking the rules will face CQC enforcement and financial penalties. The regulations aim to increase public safety and reduce NHS burdens from botched procedures, with a public consultation on medium- and low-risk treatments planned for early next year.
Separately, the Scottish Government has reclassified treatments such as HIFU, radiofrequency and cryolipolysis as low-risk, allowing trained practitioners to perform them without healthcare oversight. A Non-surgical Cosmetic Procedures Bill will be introduced before May 2026.
Industry reaction
The British Beauty Council welcomed the move, with chief executive Millie Kendall OBE saying, “The Council is dedicated to ensuring that people can engage with beauty safely… Any measures to protect this safety are highly welcomed.”
Caroline Larissey, NHBF chief executive, added, “These findings represent a significant step forward in bringing clarity to the regulation of the aesthetic industry… ensuring that legitimate, qualified practitioners can continue to operate while addressing the serious safety concerns posed by unqualified operators.”
Some professionals raised concerns over how certain treatments were categorised in earlier consultations.
Diane Hey, chair of the Beauty Industry Group’s licensing task and finish group, said, “These new measures will help safeguard the public, uphold professional standards, and reinforce the importance of regulated, high-quality education and training within the sector.”
Caroline Hirons, skincare expert and founder of Skin Rocks Pro, supported stricter controls for injectables but stressed, “We deserve a level playing field for those advanced treatments that a suitably qualified and professional beauty therapist is equally – if not, in some cases, arguably more – skilled to perform.”
Lesley Blair MBE, chief executive and chair of Babtac and Cibtac, commented, “In recent years, the lack of regulation has meant that consumers have been exposed to unnecessary risk… we hope that what follows in legislation will help to mitigate those risks.”
Next steps
While no immediate changes apply, practitioners have been advised to review their training, avoid panic-buying courses until clearer standards are released, follow updates from professional bodies, and contribute to future consultations to help shape the final regulations.
News in brief
Online retailer and advanced skin clinic Face the Future has announced UK skin cancer charity Skcin as its official charity partner. The collaboration with Skcin underpins Face the Future’s commitment to protecting skin from one of the most preventable causes of skin damage and disease: the sun.
Your True Reflection – a community interest company founded by facialist Abi Oleck and dedicated to supporting vulnerable people recovering from traumatic events – has introduced a scholarship programme, supported by Skin Group International, which will see 10 people awarded up to £5,025 each for use on Skin College Level 2 & 3 Ofqual Qualifications.
Smart Group’s Smartdiode laser hair removal platform has now delivered over one million treatments in the UK across the last five years. Hair removal remains one of the most searched-for aesthetic services in the UK, and the treatment numbers here are a practical indicator of where client spend is going.
British luxury lifestyle and wellness brand House of Grey Wolfe has launched at The Mayfair Spa at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane with its signature Solitude Collection of home, wellness and loungewear products.
Beauty Secrets is celebrating 40 years in business with events across its five salons in the South of England. Looking ahead, owner Karen Thompson plans to launch Beauty Secrets Academy in 2026 – a "finishing school" to give students salon-ready experience, plus a mentoring programme for salon owners, this year.
Beauty services contributed £5.9 billion to UK GDP in 2024
Beauty services such as salons, spas and clinics generated £5.9 billion for the UK economy in 2024, according to the British Beauty Council’s Value of Beauty 2025 report with Oxford Economics.
The report found that the UK beauty sector as a whole grew four times faster than the national economy in 2024, reaching £30.4bn.
This marked a 9% rise from 2023, compared to overall UK GDP growth of 1.1%. Over half of the industry’s GDP contribution (£15.9bn) came directly from beauty businesses.
The sector’s GDP impact exceeded that of sports, amusement, recreation, travel agencies, publishing and postal services.
In 2024, the personal care industry directly employed 496,000 people, up 11% from 2023, with 266,000 in beauty services.
Including supply chain and wage-spending effects, the industry supported 697,000 jobs. This is forecast to fall slightly to 681,000 in 2025 due to higher productivity, not reduced demand.
The industry generated £8.6bn in tax revenue in 2024, with £4.6bn directly from businesses.
UK exports of beauty and personal care goods reached £4.3bn, with 70% going to the EU, despite declining export volumes since 2021. The top markets were Ireland, Belgium, US, Germany and the Netherlands.
Acne is keeping nearly one in three teens from school, according to new stats
A new survey commissioned by The Skin Investment Clinic, in partnership with Luna, the health and wellness app for teens, has revealed a worrying link between acne and the UK’s rising school absenteeism.
Data from the survey showed that 32% of young people said their skin concerns make them less likely to go to school.
Social media appears to be worsening these struggles, with 54% of respondents saying it makes them feel more self-conscious about their skin. Meanwhile, recent reports have highlighted a concerning rise in school absenteeism across the UK; Parentkind recently revealed that 31% of children had refused to go to school more than once in the past year, with reasons including a lack of enjoyment, insufficient special educational needs provision and poor mental health.
Holly Mason, founder of The Skin Investment Clinic, commented “We see first-hand how acne can impact young people’s confidence and self-worth. These results reinforce just how much it can hold them back, affecting everything from social lives to education."
News in brief
Planning permission has been granted for Sakura Spa – a woodland wellness retreat set to open at Gisborough Hall, North Yorkshire, in spring 2026. The spa will feature an extensive thermal garden including a vitality pool, saunas, steam room and secluded outdoor relaxation spaces.
Nail brand Hona was invited to 11 Downing Street for a special reception hosted by the UK’s Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves. The event was designed to recognise the contribution of the UK’s 5.45 million small businesses to the country’s economy, society and communities.
From October 1-8, 2025, Brighton will debut the Brighton Wellness Festival – a community-powered celebration. The festival is about bringing together local practitioners, pioneering brands and community voices for a week of breathwork, mindfulness, movement, nutrition, therapy, live talks and an ethical marketplace.
Sweet Squared has acquired the brand Yours Cosmetics, known for its precision stamping plates and nail art tools. Both brands are united by shared values of creativity, community and commitment to education.
Luxury Skincare Brands has announced Amy Shaw as its partnership and growth manager. Shaw joins co-founder Misia Pearce in supporting the brand’s salons and spas across the UK. Shaw’s role will focus on nurturing client relationships and delivering product and treatment training.
Interest in men’s facials jumps 230% amid rise in male beauty and self-care trends
Pinterest’s 2025 Men’s Trend Report has revealed a surge in male beauty, self-care and wellness, with Gen Z and Millennial men driving demand.
Searches for “men’s facial” jumped 230% in Q1 of 2025 vs the same period last year, alongside rises for microneedling (+50%), niacinamide serum (+35%) and tretinoin (+40%), reflecting growing interest in results-driven skincare.
Makeup and grooming are also on the rise, with searches for male makeup up 50% and nail art designs up 115%.
Wellness trends show Pilates searches soaring over 125%, alongside increased interest in hydration and electrolytes.
UKHSA issues warning over botulism caused by fake toxin
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a warning after multiple cases of botulism poisoning were in England following the suspected use of unlicensed ‘Botox-like’ products in cosmetic procedures.
The agency warned people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of botulism after a group of individuals presented to the National Health Service after experiencing adverse reactions following botulinum toxin injections. UKHSA said evidence suggested the use of an unlicensed ‘Botox-like’ or fake product.
Reactions have included difficulty swallowing, slurred speech and breathing difficulty requiring respiratory support.
UKHSA has issued national advice to clinicians to ensure they look out for botulism in people who may have had a recent aesthetic procedure to provide them with appropriate treatment, which includes administering anti-toxin.
Vanessa Schiavone and Phylicia Henry named PB nail competition winners
Our online nail competitions have been in full swing over the summer. In July, the theme was “picnic season” and we asked you to think of gingham blankets, picky bits and nails as fresh as summer fruit. In August, our theme was “festival season”, where we asked you to create a set for a client going to see their favourite artist at a festival.
PB’s Kezia Parkins said: “Vanessa Schiavone took first place in the picnic theme for her incredible detail, unique painting style and adorable 3D ladybirds.
“For ‘festival season’, Phylicia Henry was the clear winner. The mix of matte and gloss lends itself so well to the design. The shading is perfect.”
Keep an eye on our website and social media for the next theme announcement.
News in brief
As part of Plastic Free July, salon software brand Phorest returned to Bull Island, Dublin, for its annual beach cleanup in partnership with Clean Coasts – joining forces with industry friends, salon customers, and the Phorest team to help protect and preserve Ireland’s coastline.
Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa and Cliveden House have partnered with Decree, the science-backed skincare brand founded by Dr Anita Sturnham. There will be three treatment regimes to choose from: the Revitalising Facial, Restorative Facial or By Decree Bespoke Facial.
Ragdale Hall Spa celebrated its 17th annual community chest initiative, which sees £10,000 donated to a number of worthy causes. This year, 26 organisations – ranging from educational settings in need of additional funds to develop outdoor spaces to local foodbanks and support for isolated people in villages – all benefitted.
Ayurvedic skincare brand Almora Botanica has secured two patents that validate the brand’s mission to modernise traditional Ayurvedic formulations through advanced science and clinically proven results. The first covers Almora Botanica’s proprietary microfine emulsion delivery system, while the second protects the Almora Botanica’s Sapta Complex.
Gaia Skincare has partnered with Le Primore Hotel & Spa, which recently opened in the spa town of Hévíz, Hungary. Located in an area known for its thermal lake, this destination features naturally soothing, mineral-rich waters that help nourish the skin.
UK among top 10 for beauty treatment value in new global price study
A global pricing study by retailer Currys ranked the UK seventh for value in beauty treatments, with salon services costing less than in markets like the USA, Sweden, Germany and France.
The report, based on the average cost of a manicure, half-leg wax and women’s haircut, put the UK total at £103.76.
India topped the affordability list at £17.02, followed by the Philippines (£17.51) and Brazil (£19.02), while Switzerland was most expensive at £196.71. These price differences reflect local economies and service structures, rather than quality.
For skincare and cosmetics, South Korea and Mexico offered the lowest prices, averaging 24% less than the UK, while the UAE was most expensive at 25% more. The differences are attributed to import taxes, local manufacturing and consumer demand for premium brands.
New association ASCO launches into UK to support beauty professionals
A new non-profit organisation for beauty professionals has launched into the UK.
The International Association of Cosmetologists (ASCO) was originally founded in Romania in 2019 by Monica Lupu.
It has expanded with the aim of supporting UK practitioners through education, networking and skills development.
ASCO UK will be led by Marta Zaczkowska as president. Zaczkowska, who also runs Waxing Specialist training and waxing brand Zakawax, described it as “an honour to lead ASCO UK”.
She added that the organisation seeks to “raise the bar in education and professional standards, foster community, and celebrate the artistry and value of the beauty industry”.
ASCO UK is open to all cosmetology professionals living and working in the UK, across disciplines such as aesthetics, skincare, nails, makeup and hairdressing.
The organisation’s first official event, Cheers to Beauty, is scheduled for November in London.
86% of women say celebrities set unrealistic expectations for ageing
Some 86% of UK women believe celebrities and influencers set unrealistic expectations for “ageing naturally”.
The poll of 2,000 women by skincare retailer Face the Future found that 65% feel pressured to look young at social events, 35% in the workplace and 27% when dating, with 41% citing social media as a major source of anxiety.
Despite “pro-ageing” trends, 32% feel less confident about their appearance than they did when younger, while just 42% feel well represented for their age in skincare marketing.
Diary dates
// September 13 Cutera University Clinical Forum (CUCF UK)
De Vere Beaumont Estate, Windsor
The event brings together beauty professionals and aesthetic leaders for a day of clinical education.
cucf.co.uk
// September 25-26
CCR
Excel London
Trade show featuring education, networking and brands.
ccrlondon.com
// September 28-29
Professional Beauty North Manchester Central
The largest beauty exhibition in the North returns with product launches, stages, competitions and more.
020 7351 0536
professionalbeauty.co.uk/north
// October 12-13
Professional Beauty Autumn Excel London
Formerly known as Salon Beauty, this is London’s biggest autumn event for beauty professionals. Expect demos, education, launches and more.
020 7351 0536
professionalbeauty.co.uk/pbautumn
// October 20-26
British Beauty Week Nationwide
British Beauty week 2025 will see brands spotlighting ‘The Future of Beauty’ through activations across the UK.
britishbeautyweek.co.uk
// November 9
Babtac & Cibtac Awards The Fairmont Windsor Park
Awards celebrating practitioners, salons, spas and educators.
01452 623110
babtac.com
World Wellness Weekend returns for 2025
From September 19-21, professionals from the wellness world will unite for World Wellness Weekend (WWW) – a global movement powered by purpose, creativity and inclusion, and aligned with the United Nations’ third sustainable development goal: “good health and wellbeing”.
Businesses are encouraged to collaborate with local colleges, care homes, schools, charities and wellness professionals to create accessible and inclusive wellbeing activities for those who may not typically access these services.
Whether it’s a fitness class, yoga session, massage workshop, beauty bar, or clean-up (park, beach, river bank) every interaction is an opportunity to align your business with social sustainability and team wellbeing.
This year’s UK focus is built around three core pillars: mindfulness and serenity, movement and vitality, and purpose and solidarity.
World Wellness Weekend founder Jean-Guy de Gabriac said, “Wellness is a renewable energy that can light up the world.”
IIAA visited by member of the House of Lords
IIAA (International Institute for Active Ageing) welcomed Lord Karan Bilimoria, Baron Bilimoria, member of the House of Lords, to its London headquarters.
Lord Bilimoria was particularly impressed by the innovation and scientific rigour underpinning each brand. He also took the time to discuss current government policy with IIAA founders David Alpert and Tracy Tamaris, who welcomed the opportunity to share the challenges facing skincare professionals and highlight how recent policy shifts are affecting the industry.
Separately, IIAA has appointed Paula Outrim as its new director of field sales. On this new appointment, Alpert commented: “We are confident that with Paula’s support, IIAA is set to become the leading supplier of nutrition, skincare and makeup solutions for the professional skincare industry in the UK and Ireland.”
Abigail James appointed training director at Espa
Renowned facialist Abigail James has been appointed as the new training director at Espa, bringing her expertise in skincare, wellness and coaching to the brand.
James will lead the brand’s global treatment and education programmes – deepening therapist expertise, advancing protocol development and enhancing spa and guest experience.
“I’m delighted to join Espa at such a meaningful time for the brand,” James said. “This role is about honouring the heritage of Espa while bringing fresh energy, insight and structure to our training and treatment philosophy.”