The Scottish Government has reclassified several beauty treatments in its response to the consultation on the regulation and licensing of non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
Following the consultation, which ran from December to February, several procedures have been moved from Group 2 or 3 into Group 1, meaning they would be viewed as comparatively low risk and would not require oversight of a medical practitioner.
These reclassified treatments include:
- Radiofrequency
- High frequency ultrasound (for non-intimate use)
- Photorejuvenation
- Fruit peel or glycolic acid chemical peels that affect only the viable epidermis or outer layer of skin
- Cryolipolysis
- Cryotherapy
- Electrocautery (advanced electrolysis)
These join the treatments that already sat within Group 1 in the original proposal:
- Microneedling to a depth of 1.5mm
- Laser hair and tattoo removal
- Laser treatments for acne scarring, sun damage and treatment of skinlesions (but only non-ablative treatments)
- IPL and LED therapies
Commenting on the changes, Babtac chair Lesley Blair, who is part of the Scottish Government's Interventions Expert Group, said, "This now reflects a proportionate approach to regulation without impacting client safety and professional standards, which is imperative for the future of the sector in Scotland.
She added, "This is a very positive step forward and Babtac will continue to support and advise both the Scottish and the wider UK government with insights and recommendations to ensure the final Bill is valid, robust and enforceable, while allowing provision for ongoing evaluation.”
When will aesthetic new regulations come into force in Scotland?
On May 6, the Scottish Government confirmed it would introduce a Non-surgical Cosmetic Procedures Bill to regulate certain aesthetic treatments.
The Bill was confirmed as part of the Scottish government's Year Five Legislative Programme in the Programme for Government 2025-26: Building The Best Future For Scotland.
The document stated, "This Bill will regulate the delivery of certain non-surgical procedures offered for cosmetic or lifestyle purposes to support the safety of those who undergo the procedures.
"The Bill will ensure that certain procedures are required to be delivered from suitable premises registered with an appropriate body, and will make provision to support the enforcement of appropriate standards for service providers."
The Bill will be introduced to Scottish Parliament before May 2026 and a timeline for its enforcement will be agreed.
When was aesthetic treatment regulation in Scotalnd first announced?
The announcement of the bill followed a consultation into a licensing scheme for non-surgical aesthetic procedures.
square.jpg)
