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From MP recommendations to a major new collagen study, here’s what’s shaping the industry now

MPs highlight mounting pressures on beauty industry in Commons reports on SMEs and cosmetic procedures

MPs have issued two major warnings for the beauty industry within weeks of each other, highlighting mounting pressure on both small salon businesses and the fast-growing cosmetic procedures market.

A new report from the Business and Trade Committee warned that small businesses – including hair and beauty salons – are facing cost pressures “as severe as the Covid-19 pandemic” as part of its review of the Government’s Small Business Strategy.

The report describes SMEs as the “backbone of the UK economy”, accounting for 99.9% of UK businesses, but says confidence has fallen to historic lows as firms face a “perfect storm” of rising labour costs, energy bills, business rates and late payments.

Taxation is another key concern for the sector. The report labels the £90,000 VAT threshold a “huge cliff edge” that discourages growth, particularly for labour-intensive industries such as hair and beauty where wages cannot be reclaimed through VAT.

Business rates and energy costs were also highlighted as major pressures on high street salons.

Alongside financial strain on businesses, MPs are also scrutinising regulation across the aesthetics market.

A separate report from the Women and Equalities Committee called for urgent reform of non-surgical cosmetic procedures, including the introduction of a mandatory licensing system for treatments such as botulinum toxin, dermal fillers, lasers and chemical peels.

The report warned that regulation of such procedures has “not kept pace” with the rapid growth of the market. The committee also recommended an immediate ban on liquid Brazilian butt lifts (BBLs) due to safety concerns, citing cases of sepsis and fatalities.

Boots Trends Report shows consumer focus on wellness, neurocosmetics and professional influencers

Beauty retailer Boots released its sixth annual Trends Report, using data from over 17 million active Boots Advantage Card holders, combined with in-house expertise and analysis.

The findings revealed that 40% of consumers view wellness as an essential aspect of their beauty regime, while 84% shared that they look better when they feel well.

The report identifies six key trends shaping 2026:

1. Pursuit of Peak – AI shopping tools and personalised recommendations are transforming purchasing, while wearable wellness tech fuels demand for self-optimisation.

2. Project Preservation – Preventative ageing dominates, with 80% prioritising long-term care. Research from No7 highlights the 30s as a pivotal decade for visible ageing.

3. Real Life Revival – Founder-led brands, expert voices and immersive retail experiences are building trust beyond algorithms.

4. World-Class Beauty – Global influences surge, led by booming K-beauty and international ingredients.

5. Chemistry of Joy – Neurocosmetics and psychodermatology link beauty with mood enhancement.

6. Resilient Routines – Adaptogens and protective skincare address stress, pollution and climate shifts.

Collagen supplements improve skin elasticity and hydration but are “not a cure-all”, review finds

A major new umbrella review has found that collagen supplementation can improve skin elasticity and hydration, while also reducing symptoms of osteoarthritis, but does not significantly affect skin roughness or act as a “quick fix” for wrinkles.

The study, published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum, analysed evidence from 16 meta-analyses and 113 trials involving almost 8,000 participants worldwide.

Titled Collagen Supplementation for Skin and Musculoskeletal Health: An Umbrella Review of Meta-analyses on Elasticity, Hydration, and Structural Outcomes, the paper was led by researchers from Anglia Ruskin University.

It reported that oral collagen supplementation was associated with improvements in skin elasticity and hydration across the analysed studies. However, collagen supplements did not significantly improve skin roughness.

The authors concluded that collagen supplements “may be best positioned not as an anti-wrinkle ‘quick fix’ but as a foundational dermal support for individuals seeking holistic skin maintenance”.

It added that they support an “inside-out model of skin rejuvenation” and act as “agents of deeper tissue regeneration rather than superficial cosmetic aids”.

Warnings issued over illegal skin-lightening creams sold in UK

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has issued a warning following the sale of illegal skin lightening products in a range of outlets, including small grocery shops and butchers.

According to the CTSI, many of these products are illegal in the UK and have been found to contain banned substances such as hydroquinone, mercury and powerful corticosteroids.

These ingredients are prohibited because of the serious risks they pose to health, including skin thinning, organ damage, infections and pregnancy-related complications.

Tendy Lindsay, former chair of the CTSI, said, “Businesses, whether large retailers or small independent shops, have a legal responsibility to ensure the products they sell are safe, properly labelled and compliant with the law. A lack of awareness is not a defence.”

Lindsay continued, “I am also deeply concerned about the social pressures that fuel demand for these products. Colourism and harmful beauty standards can create vulnerability, and unscrupulous traders exploit those insecurities for profit.

“We urge businesses to check their supply chains carefully and seek advice from Trading Standards where needed.”

…IN BRIEF

Skingevity has launched as a new medical aesthetics group following the acquisition of three UK clinics. Founded by Andrea Agnolio and Enrico Ghio, the London-based group provides operational and governance support while allowing clinics to retain their existing leadership and clinical approach, with plans for UK expansion and future international growth.

CACI has published an initial treatment evaluation study for its Rejuva Med system, based on a six-to-eight-week treatment programme with 20 participants aged 35-70. Outcomes were evaluated using a Callegari Soft FX Skin Analyser supplied by Comfort Zone and an Opatra 3D Skin Analysis system. The study found improved skin firmness, texture and hydration, with 75% of participants reporting fewer wrinkles and 85% firmer skin.

Face the Future has partnered with Skin Masterclass to provide members with an e-commerce fulfilment channel for clinician-led product recommendations. The collaboration allows aestheticians and clinicians to recommend products without managing stock or logistics, directing clients to Face the Future, which centrally handles fulfilment, customer experience and ongoing engagement.

Healthxchange has been appointed exclusive UK and Ireland distributor for the Jeisys Potenza advanced RF microneedling system, which combines monopolar and bipolar radiofrequency with invasive and non-invasive tip technologies. It is designed to address indications including acne scarring and skin tightening.

Sally Europe hosted its annual Store Recognition Awards in February, celebrating top-performing store teams across Europe. UK winners included Emma Clark of Leatherhead for Store Manager of the Year, and Claire Haynes of Chesterfield for a Customer Excellence Award.

Government policy is pricing young people out of work in hair and beauty sector

New figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal that youth unemployment among 16-24-year-olds has surged to 16.1% – the highest level since early 2015. This is now higher than the EU average for the first time since comparable records began.

The hair and beauty sector contributes £5.8 billion annually to the UK economy, in addition to supporting around 220,000 jobs nationwide.

Businesses across the sector said they want to train the next generation of stylists, therapists and technicians, but with rising costs – including the increase in employer National Insurance Contributions, significant increases in the National Living Wage, and new obligations introduced through the Employment Rights Act – many cannot afford to do so, according to research from the National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF).

NHBF chief executive Caroline Larissey commented, “Government policy is unintentionally shutting young people out of work. You cannot ask small businesses to create apprenticeships while simultaneously increasing the cost of employing them.”

The NHBF is calling on the Government to ensure the £1.5bn youth employment and skills funding reaches micro and small businesses in sectors such as hair and beauty, where apprenticeships play a critical role in training the next generation.

79% of acne sufferers feel overwhelmed by number of products claiming to fix it

Nearly eight in 10 (79%) people with acne said they felt overwhelmed by the number of products claiming to fix their skin, according to new UK research.

The findings, from Face the Future’s Acne At Every Age – 2026 Report, were based on an independent OnePoll survey of 2,000 UK adults.

More than half (53%) of acne sufferers said they had wasted money on products that did nothing, while 43% had tried treatments they did not believe would work.

Trust in professional advice outweighed social media influence, with 79% saying they trusted dermatologists more than skincare influencers for acne advice.

Two thirds (66%) said they did not know whether their acne was hormonal, bacterial, fungal or something else.

Nearly half of Gen Z respondents (49%) said they had made their acne worse by using too many active ingredients, versus just 9% of over-65s.

Awareness gaps were also highlighted, with only 39% of respondents saying they were aware that acne could occur during menopause and pregnancy, and 40% saying adult acne was not talked about enough in skincare marketing.

…IN BRIEF

Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa in the Lake District has introduced a Japanese-inspired Head Spa treatment, becoming the first spa in the region to offer the experience. The therapy focuses on scalp cleansing, exfoliation and massage to promote circulation and hair health, with additional treatment combinations also available.

Phorest has expanded its medi-aesthetic functionality with new tools designed to support consultation-led care and clinic operations. The update includes structured clinical documentation, digital consent workflows, face mapping, lead management and enhanced photo comparisons, helping aesthetic clinics improve compliance and deliver consistent patient experiences.

Brow and wellness treatments brand Brow Spa has a new location within Harrods’ new H beauty store in the Eastgate Square Shopping Centre in Chester. Brow Spa (formerly known as Brow HQ) will provide services including microblading, laser, LED and facial waxing.

Wellness brand Bon Charge has appointed health experts Dr Rangan Chatterjee, Shawn Stevenson and Dr Chérine Bazzane to its scientific advisory board. The additions strengthen the brand’s expertise across physiology, mental health, sleep and longevity, supporting the development of wellness, beauty and biohacking technologies.

Ishga held its annual conference at W Edinburgh hotel, bringing together spa managers for a day of industry insights, discussions and business updates. The programme featured keynote speakers, expert panels and presentations on marketing, organic certification and new product innovation, concluding with the presentation of the Ishga Awards.

94% of hair and beauty businesses support VAT cut to 10%

A new service industry status report from the British Hair Consortium covering beauty, hair and barbering businesses has revealed that 94% of respondents believe reducing VAT to 10% would help their businesses grow.

The report, based on 430 responses collected from December 2025 to January 2026, offers a snapshot of trading conditions across the sector following the Autumn Budget 2025.

When asked to select their five biggest business challenges, respondents highlighted:

• 78% – Employment costs including national insurance and pensions

• 53% – Managing employee wage expectations

• 52% – VAT being too high with no concessions

• 48% – Lack of a level playing field between business models

• 43% – Business rates.

When asked what changes would allow their business to grow, 94% said reducing VAT to 10%, 65% said creating a level tax playing field and lowering the VAT threshold, and 50% said providing financial support for apprenticeships.

The findings show overwhelming support for VAT reform, particularly for labour-intensive sectors such as beauty services.

Respondents also emphasised the need for financial support for apprenticeship training.

Meanwhile, 20.2% said they plan to reduce employee working hours and 12.8% plan to reduce headcount.

Half of beauty consumers now get recommendations from AI

The 2026 Beauty Reset report from CEW UK and consumer intelligence company NielsenIQ outlines a beauty market shaped by constrained spending, rising digital influence and rapid integration of AI.

While much of the data focuses on the consumer beauty market, the findings carry implications for salons and spas.

According to the report, only 17% of consumers state they can spend freely due to rising costs. The result is a “K-shaped” economy, with some clients seeking absolute affordability and value and others willing to invest in premium, high-performance luxury.

The report also identified a move away from 10-step routines towards “radical simplicity”. 52% of global consumers (and 62% of Gen Z) are willing to pay more for products that make tasks easier or less time-consuming.

Online channels continue to outperform bricks-and-mortar growth for beauty retail with the UK seeing 9% online growth versus 4% offline.

One of the most significant shifts highlighted was the rise of generative AI in beauty discovery – 49% of consumers already receive beauty product recommendations from generative AI.

The report also identified that Korean beauty is no longer a niche trend. With 51% value growth compared to 2024, K-Beauty represents 8% of total skincare value in the UK.

…IN BRIEF

The Grand Hotel Brighton has launched a new annual membership for its L.Raphael Beauty Spa & Wellness and gym. Priced at £1,600 per year, the membership includes access to the thermal suite and gym, alongside exclusive perks such as discounted spa treatments, food and drink, overnight stays and member events.

The Chancery Hotel in Dublin has launched two new Wellness Suites, following the launch of the original suites in 2025. Designed to enhance city stays, the suites feature amenities including a private roof terrace with jacuzzi and an in-room infrared sauna, alongside access to the hotel’s wellness hub.

NAD+ brand NADclinic has appointed Dr Tony Banerjee, founder and chief executive of Harley Doc, as its global chief medical officer following a strategic partnership between the two organisations. The collaboration aims to develop a medically governed, globally scalable model for longevity and performance medicine, with physician-led oversight.

Disposable salon towel brand Enki has introduced a new mascot, Erni Enki, following a community vote on social media. The green cartoon character will feature across the brand’s marketing and industry events, helping to raise awareness around salon sustainability and promoting Enki’s eco-friendly, compostable and biodegradable disposable towel products.

Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa has launched a new website as part of its £250,000 reinvestment programme. Representing a £50,000 investment, the platform combines the hotel and spa’s digital presence for the first time, enhancing the guest journey, improving user experience and driving direct bookings through a mobile-first, visually led design.

POET-LAB, COURTESY OF MII

Imperfect beauty and monochromatic eyes among LFW AW26 beauty trends

Beauty on the catwalk at London Fashion Week AW26 moved away from ultra-precise techniques, embracing softness, texture and deliberately imperfect finishes.

From diffused eyeshadow to smudged under-eyes and dramatic kohl liner, makeup artists opted for looks that felt expressive, modern and wearable.

Eyeshadow was a standout trend, with soft, monochromatic lids seen at multiple shows. At Tolu Coker, makeup artist Bea Sweet created diffused washes of neutral taupes and greys, delivering a muted yet polished finish that complemented the collection’s refined aesthetic.

Elsewhere, the Mac Pro Team at Connor Ives worked with dusky pinks and mauves to evoke a nostalgic, cinematic glamour.

Imperfect beauty also took centre stage, particularly at Dreaming Eli, where smoked-out under-eyes replaced traditional brightening concealer. The intentionally undone look reflected the collection’s exploration of emotional and human connection, pairing shadowy eyes with pale skin and bold lips.

Defined eyes also made a strong comeback; at Poet-Lab, lead makeup artist Jacy Garland collaborated with Mii to create rich, pigmented eyeliner looks that added depth to the AW26 collection.

Personalised skincare and skin diagnostics driving beauty purchasing

Consumers increasingly expect guided consultations and personalised skincare advice when discovering beauty products, according to new industry data.

The Beauty & Wellness Index 2025 from beauty technology platform Revieve analysed millions of anonymised AI-powered skincare and makeup interactions across more than 100 global beauty brands and retailers.

The report highlighted a shift away from single-product shopping towards routine-led recommendations and personalised skincare journeys. Visible pores, dull skin, acne, redness and dark circles were among the most commonly reported issues.

Nearly one in four consumers also remain unsure of their skin type, suggesting diagnostics are becoming an important educational tool.

Virtual makeup try-ons are also driving experimentation, particularly in lipstick and foundation. For salons and beauty therapists, the findings reinforce the growing value of expert consultations, personalised treatment plans and routine-focused retail advice.

DIARY DATES

April 27

GLASGOW REGIONAL SUMMIT

The Briggait, Glasgow

With world-class education and supplier networking, the first of Professional Beauty’s new regional summits will equip salon owners with the tools to grow their businesses.

020 7351 0536

professionalbeauty.co.uk/regional-growth-summits

May 8-9

AESTHETIC MEDICINE LONDON

Olympia London

The medical aesthetic show returns with new product launches, and both clinical and business education.

020 7351 0536

aestheticmed.co.uk/am-london

May 11

BIRMINGHAM REGIONAL SUMMIT

Eastside Rooms, Birmingham

The second of Professional Beauty’s new regional summits.