Government Announces Licensing for Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures

Introduction: The Urgent Need for Change in the Cosmetic Sector

In recent years, the UK’s booming cosmetic industry has seen a rise in serious incidents linked to unregulated and unsafe aesthetic treatments. From life-altering complications to tragic fatalities, many of these outcomes have occurred at the hands of unqualified individuals operating without appropriate training, insurance, or clinical oversight.

On 6 August 2025, the UK Government confirmed a new licensing framework aimed at safeguarding the public. Just one day later, on 7 August, it published its formal response to the consultation, committing to implement the new system.

CosmediCheck welcomes these changes, which closely reflect the standards we already apply. As a platform built on verification, trust, and professionalism, we believe these steps will elevate the safety and credibility of the cosmetic industry as a whole.

View the consultation and government response here – Click Here!

Why This Change Is Necessary

The cosmetic sector in the UK has long operated in a fragmented and inconsistently regulated environment. As public demand for aesthetic treatments has grown, so too has the number of providers—many of whom are unqualified, uninsured, or practising without proper oversight.

Common risks include:

• Botched procedures causing scarring, infection, or deformity
• Unsafe use of injectables, often sourced from unregulated suppliers
• Clients misled about a provider’s training or insurance status
• Teenagers accessing inappropriate treatments without clinical justification
• NHS resources diverted to manage complications from private treatments

These issues have led to calls from both healthcare professionals and patient advocacy groups for stronger regulatory control. The Government’s new licensing framework is a direct response to these concerns.

What the Government’s Licensing System Includes

1. Licensing for Non-Surgical Treatments
   All providers offering treatments such as Botox, dermal fillers, microneedling, and chemical peels must obtain a local authority licence. This ensures all practitioners meet minimum safety, hygiene, insurance, and training requirements.
2. High-Risk Treatments Restricted to Healthcare Professionals
   Procedures involving greater risk—such as liquid BBLs or fillers in intimate areas—can only be performed by qualified medical professionals in CQC-registered clinical environments.
3. Stronger Safeguards for Under-18s
   Access to cosmetic procedures for those under 18 will be restricted, with enhanced safeguarding and clinical oversight required.
4. Public Consultation and Government Response
   The government opened a consultation in August 2025, inviting feedback from the public, practitioners, and industry bodies. On 7 August 2025, it confirmed the consultation’s outcome and committed to rolling out the new licensing system in phases.

Read the latest consultation response – Click Here