This morning, the government announced its commitment to introduce increased legislation in the aesthetics sector. This comes after a public consultation and engagement from the British Beauty Council, which has long urged for increased protection for the general public and a professionalisation of the industry.

The Department of Health and Social Care has committed to:

• Ensuring only suitably qualified healthcare professionals will be able to deliver high-risk procedures such as Brazilian Butt Lifts.
• The introduction of a licensing scheme for clinics administering Botox and fillers.
• Protecting young people, with new age restrictions for certain treatments and procedures.

Here’s what a selection of the British Beauty Council’s experts think of the news:

Caroline Hirons, skincare expert and founder of Skin Rocks: ‘I welcome this morning’s announcement from the government committing to regulating and licensing the aesthetics and non-invasive sector that will undoubtedly raise the professionalism and reputation of our industry. This has been long awaited, after extensive and steadfast lobbying and engagement with the British Beauty Council. As an Ambassador for the organisation, I am pleased that we will be continuing to work closely with the Department of Health and Social Care to ensure its roll out is clear, accessible and protects the highly skilled workers in our sector.’

Dija Ayodele, skincare expert and founder of Black Skin Directory: ‘This announcement is fantastic. We have campaigned for a long time for regulations to come in because not only do they protect the public, they also protect practitioners who are practising safely, who are trained and qualified and licensed to do the procedures they do. Now, we need to make sure regulations really do protect properly qualified individuals like myself and many of my colleagues.’

Sarah Chapman, founder of Sarah Chapman London: ‘The commitment to regulate high-risk aesthetic procedures marks a pivotal moment for our industry. With demand for treatments continuing to grow, it’s more important than ever to ensure that safety, integrity, and professional standards are prioritised.  As a CQC clinic owner I understand the importance of regulation and it is not about limiting innovation, but about safeguarding standards, protecting clients, and building trust. I hope this leads to wider, considered reforms across the aesthetics and skincare space.’

Dr Sam Bunting, founder of Dr Sam’s skincare: ‘In light of the recent regulatory developments in the UK’s aesthetic medicine landscape, I welcome the move towards greater accountability and patient protection. For too long, the lack of unified regulation has left patients vulnerable to harm, with inconsistent standards of training, hygiene, and aftercare across the sector. As a medical professional, I fully support efforts that demand higher levels of responsibility from practitioners. These changes not only help prevent avoidable complications, but also restore confidence in the aesthetic industry at large.’

Alice Henshaw, nurse prescriber and owner of Harley Street Injectables, said: ‘The government’s move to regulate high-risk aesthetic procedures is long overdue and will save lives. For too long, vulnerable individuals have been exposed to unqualified practitioners offering invasive treatments in unsafe environments. This legislation is a crucial step in raising standards, protecting patients, and reinforcing that medical aesthetics is a healthcare discipline — not a beauty trend. We’ve always upheld the highest clinical standards at my clinic and we welcome this shift towards greater accountability and safety across the industry.’

Simon Coble, CEO, Medik8: ‘As a professional heritage brand, we wholeheartedly welcome all measures that increase safety across the beauty industry and commend the British Beauty Council’s ongoing efforts to spearhead this change in legislation. It is crucial, now more than ever, to drive consistency across the sector. Elevating standards and acknowledging the expertise of skilled professionals who provide reputable treatments. Keeping the industry in safe hands for both practitioners and the public.’

David Alpert and Tracy Tamaris, co-founders of International Institute for Active Ageing (iiaa): ‘We welcome the introduction of regulations for high risk aesthetics procedures that will protect the public from unscrupulous, unqualified practitioners. A big thank you to the British Beauty Council for their continued efforts lobbying for a more professional and fairly regulated industry. This is a phenomenal achievement which marks a crucial step forward in ensuring that all individuals have access to safe, high quality treatments.’

Laurence Newman, Founder and CEO, The Beauty Tech Group: ‘No unqualified person should be able to offer treatments and procedures. We welcome regulation as I have seen for many years the issues that can be caused. Equally, The Beauty Tech Group (comprising CurrentBody Skin, ZIIP and Tria Beauty) wants to ensure that products used at home are safe and effective too. It is also imperative the correct age of consumer uses the right product both in-clinic and at home. It is essential only highly skilled individuals administer aesthetic treatments and furthermore, that home-use treatments are from reputable sources with correct regulatory clearance.

You can read the government’s statement here.