New Sharp Standards guide aims to help UK beauty professionals deliver safe, compliant microneedling treatments amid confusing regulation
Professional skincare brand Dermalogica has partnered with the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (Babtac) to launch the Sharp Standards Guide to Microneedling, a comprehensive resource designed to support UK beauty professionals in meeting legal, ethical and professional obligations.
The Sharp Standards guidelines are not exclusive to Dermalogica partners or Babtac members and are available for all beauty professionals to use across the UK.
Dermalogica and Babtac launch microneedling safety guide for UK industry
Microneedling has become one of the fastest-growing non-surgical cosmetic treatments in the UK, with demand continuing to rise across salons, clinics and independent practices.
Despite its minimally invasive nature, the treatment involves controlled skin puncturing and carries risks such as infection, needlestick injuries and adverse reactions. As a result, robust infection control, client safety protocols and practitioner competence are essential.
However, for many beauty businesses, particularly SMEs and solo practitioners, navigating the regulatory landscape remains complex. There is currently no single overarching regulation governing non-surgical cosmetic procedures for beauty practitioners in the UK, with licensing requirements varying between local authorities and nations.
Addressing gaps in microneedling regulation and compliance
The Sharp Standards Guide to Microneedling has been developed to bridge this gap, offering a practical toolkit for skin care clinics and non-medical aesthetics businesses.
The guide draws on UK-wide legislation and environmental health standards, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, COSHH regulations, RIDDOR and UK GDPR requirements. It also reflects nation-specific frameworks such as the Health and Care Act 2022 in England and licensing schemes in Wales.
According to the guidance, inconsistent regulation across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland means practitioners must interpret and apply legislation themselves – something that can be time-consuming and challenging.
The guide aims to simplify this process by translating legal requirements into practical steps for everyday salon and clinic use.
What the Sharp Standards microneedling guide covers
The Sharp Standards toolkit is structured to support every stage of microneedling practice, with a focus on safety, compliance and professional standards.
Key areas include:
- Legal and regulatory framework: Clear explanations of UK legislation and how it applies to microneedling services
- Premises, equipment and hygiene: Standards for treatment environments, infection control and waste management
- Client care and consent: Protocols for consultations, contraindications, informed consent and aftercare
- Training and competence: Guidance on qualifications, CPD and maintaining professional standards
- Quality assurance: Auditing, monitoring and continuous improvement processes
The guidance also highlights the importance of correct handling and disposal of sharps, use of appropriate PPE, and maintaining detailed client records for at least seven years.
Focus on client safety, professionalism and best practice
The guide emphasises that microneedling involves blood-contaminated materials and hazardous substances, meaning poor practice can lead to infection risks, legal action and reputational damage.
It also stresses the importance of:
- Conducting thorough consultations and contraindication checks
- Obtaining valid informed consent before every treatment
- Following strict infection prevention and control procedures
- Using single-use sterile cartridges and appropriate clinical waste disposal
- Maintaining secure and compliant client data storage under UK GDPR
Consistent, auditable standards are highlighted as key to building client trust and strengthening professional credibility.
Industry response and call for regulation
The launch comes as calls for clearer regulation of non-surgical cosmetic treatments continue across the UK.
Dermalogica and Babtac both support the introduction of formal licensing frameworks but say the guide is intended to provide immediate, practical support while legislation evolves.
Candice Gardner, education manager – learning and content at Dermalogica UK, said the guide is designed to help practitioners deliver microneedling “responsibly and to the very highest standard”.
Lesley Blair MBE, chief executive of Babtac and Cibtac, added that the resource provides “clear and practical guidance” to support professionalism and best practice across the sector.
The Sharp Standards guidelines were officially launched on April 22 at a panel event at the Houses of Parliament in Westminster. The event featured industry figures including Candice Gardner, Lesley Blair MBE, journalist Alice Hart Davis and professional skin therapists Gemma Jarvis and Jennie Hudson.
The event was hosted by Carolyn Harris, MP for Neath and Swansea East, and was also attended by Dan Aldridge, MP for Weston-super-Mare.
The downloadable guide is now available via Dermalogica’s professional platform.
