If you follow aesthetics news (or just scroll social media), you might have seen headlines about new rules for cosmetic treatments in the UK.
It's a topic I care about a lot. So today I want to explain, in plain English, what's actually happening, what it could mean for you, and how to choose a practitioner safely in the meantime.
Quick note: I'm a skin practitioner, not a lawyer, and the details are still being worked out. But here's where things stand as of October 2026.
Why change is needed
At the moment, England doesn't have a national licensing scheme for non-surgical cosmetic treatments. In practice, that means standards vary hugely from one place to another.
Most practitioners work safely and responsibly. But we've all seen the stories of treatments going wrong, often done by people without proper training, insurance or hygiene standards. Many in the industry have been calling for change for years.
What's been proposed in England
The Health and Care Act 2022 gave the government the power to create a licensing scheme for non-surgical cosmetic procedures in England.
After a consultation, the Department of Health and Social Care published its response in August 2025. The proposals include:
Mandatory training standards for practitioners.
Proper indemnity insurance.
Premises meeting hygiene standards.
Treatments for over-18s only, unless there's medical oversight.
There's also a proposed "traffic light" system, based on risk:
Green (lower risk): treatments like microneedling, which licensed practitioners meeting set standards could carry out.
Amber (medium risk): treatments like anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers, which may need oversight from a regulated healthcare professional.
Red (higher risk): procedures such as liquid BBLs and thread lifts, which would be limited to qualified healthcare professionals in CQC-registered premises.
Local councils would run the licensing. There's no confirmed start date yet, and the final details could still change.
What's happened in Scotland
Scotland has moved first. Its Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Act became law earlier this year. It introduces licensing and bans certain treatments, like fillers and injectables, for under-18s.
Many people in the industry expect it to shape what happens across the rest of the UK.
Why I welcome it
Honestly? I think this is a good thing.
When I started Novauria, I made a promise to myself that I’d only offer treatments I was properly trained, qualified and insured to do, and that I’d feel genuinely confident delivering. It’s why chemical peels only went on my menu after I’d finished my training this year.
It’s also why I don’t offer filler. I am trained in it, but I’ve chosen not to do it, mainly because lip filler just isn’t something I love. That’s not to say it’ll never happen. One day I’d like to train in structural work around the chin and jawline. I’ve had filler in my chin myself to help soften my overbite, and it’s something that affects a lot of people. But it would never go on my menu until I was fully trained and completely competent.
Clear rules protect clients. They also protect practitioners who are doing things properly, and help people tell the difference.
How to choose a practitioner now
You don't have to wait for new laws to make safe choices. Before booking anywhere, I'd always ask:
Are you qualified to do this treatment? Ask where they trained.
Are you fully insured? A good practitioner will happily tell you.
Do you do a full consultation and medical history? If not, walk away.
Will you explain the risks? Not just the before and afters.
Is the space clean and professional?
Do you offer aftercare and follow-ups?
And trust your gut. If something feels rushed, too cheap to be true, or you feel pressured, it's okay to say no.
The bottom line
Change is coming to UK aesthetics, and I think clients will be safer for it. In the meantime, ask questions, do your research and choose someone you trust.
If you'd like a consultation at my studio in Ashford, Kent, you're always welcome to ask me anything about my training or insurance. Book through the website, or DM me "GLOW" on Instagram.
Liz x
Sources: Department of Health and Social Care consultation response (Aug 2025), as summarised by Policybee, "UK aesthetics regulations 2026" (policybee.co.uk, updated Sept 2026) and Clyde & Co, "Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures - Ripe for Regulation?" (clydeco.com, June 2026).
Featured image: Hayley Maxwell on Unsplash
