Where Do We Stand on Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures in 2025?

Training: Investment vs. Clarity

Many professionals within the aesthetics sector are currently investing or have invested heavily in the Level 5 and 7 qualifications, under the belief these will become mandatory. However, to date, no regulatory authority has confirmed these qualifications will be required under any future licensing scheme.

While these qualifications can benefit professionals and their businesses, it is important to remember that these still might not be included within the future training roadmap.

Professionals are advised to keep up to date with skillsets and training to ensure skill fade isn’t a factor for when a treatment or service is booked – When looking to complete additional training and qualifications professionals should look to ensure training includes:

• Hands-on, assessed practical components
• Accreditation recognised by insurers, including reputable CPD-certified courses
• A clearly defined scope of practice that aligns with services offered

To verify CPD training legitimacy, you can search for training providers via the CPD Register  which offers a reliable reference point for recognised standards.

Degree Programmes in Aesthetics: Valuable – But Not Regulatory

The introduction of academic qualifications, such as the BA (Hons) and FdA in Aesthetics at University College Birmingham signals growing recognition of the field – However, these qualifications are not currently required or referenced in any draft regulation.

While such programmes can strengthen knowledge and professionalism, they are not yet tied to legal compliance or licensing. They should be pursued for long-term development not as a shortcut to meeting yet to be defined standards.

Insurance: Don’t Assume You’re Covered

Many professionals unknowingly operate outside their policy conditions. Insurers often distinguish between treatments that can be covered with online training and those that require assessed, hands-on learning.

• For lower-risk beauty services, many insurers will accept online training certification.
• For invasive treatments like dermal fillers or semi-permanent makeup, insurers usually require live practical assessments, or signed case studies confirming skills have been demonstrated and assessed and will not accept online training related certificates.

Every policy is different, confirm your insurer’s requirements before taking out or renewing cover, especially for high-risk or advanced procedures.

A certificate does not guarantee protection. The training and assessment behind it must align with your insurer’s terms.

Local Licensing: Useful but Uneven

A few local authorities, such as Nottingham and Croydon, have introduced treatment-specific licensing for services like laser/IPL, semi-permanent makeup, or massage. These schemes often include hygiene inspections, insurance checks, and basic qualification validation.

While a helpful step, these local models vary significantly and are not capable of regulating the full range of non-surgical aesthetic treatments. A nationally consistent system remains essential.

What Practitioners and Artists Should Look To Do For Now

In the absence of a confirmed framework, professionals must lead by example. That includes:

• Verifying that training is practical, insurer-compliant, and relevant to your treatment scope
• Staying informed through trusted channels on future regulatory developments
• Regularly reviewing insurance cover to ensure it reflects your services and qualifications
• Maintaining high clinical and ethical standards in hygiene, record-keeping, consent, and aftercare
• Being transparent with clients and patients, clearly communicating what you offer and how you’re trained to do it safely

By proactively raising your standards now, you protect your practice and help move the industry forward, even in regulatory uncertainty.

Until Regulation Arrives, CosmediCheck Upholds the Standards the Industry Needs

In the absence of national regulation, the responsibility to protect client safety and uphold professional integrity falls to practitioners, educators, and independent bodies.

CosmediCheck is proud to be the UK’s only independent and impartial verification platform holding both medical and non-medical professionals to the same set of mandatory best practice standards.

These standards cover every aspect of non-surgical cosmetic procedures – From qualifications and insurance to business checks and client reviews.

Our approach is not based on titles – it is grounded in verifiable safety, accountability, and competence. This ensures that every verified professional is prepared not only for today’s expectations, but for the regulated future that is still taking shape.

By choosing verification through CosmediCheck, you demonstrate your commitment to ethical, high-quality care not because you’re required to, but because your clients deserve it.