Health · Healthcare & Policy · 3 hrs ago
UK MPs urge tighter rules for risky cosmetic treatments
A UK parliamentary committee says rules for cosmetic treatments have failed to keep pace with their growing use.
Women told MPs they suffered burns, scarring and infections after procedures or products, including fillers and Brazilian butt lifts.
The committee says large-volume filler procedures should be limited to properly qualified medical professionals because some are being performed by people without proper training.
It also warns that children are seeing adult cosmetic products on social media and may use them without understanding the risks.
MPs say weak product safety rules leave consumers exposed, including to dangerous items sold through online marketplaces.
The Government has consulted on restricting some high-risk treatments and says it plans a licensing scheme for lower-risk procedures such as Botox and lip fillers.
The committee says the Government should now act quickly to address ongoing harm.
A Commons committee says regulation of cosmetic treatments and hair and beauty products has failed to keep pace with the growth of high-street procedures.
The committee urges the Government to restrict high-risk injectable procedures to appropriately qualified medical professionals.
Women told MPs they had suffered chemical burns, scarring and infections after cosmetic products or procedures.
MPs also warn that products designed for adults are increasingly promoted to and used by children.
The report calls for swift action, while the Government has consulted on restrictions and says it is committed to a licensing scheme for some lower-risk treatments.
- Who
- The Commons Science and Technology Committee, chaired by Labour MP Dame Chi Onwurah, issued the report.
- What
- MPs urged tighter regulation of cosmetic treatments and products, including restrictions on high-risk procedures.
- When
- The report was published on 4 November 2026.
- Where
- The report concerns the UK.
- Why
- MPs said regulation has failed to keep pace with the growth of cosmetic treatments and that consumers face avoidable harm.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Alice Webb died after having a Brazilian butt lift procedure at a salon in Gloucester.
Ministers launched a consultation on proposals to restrict some high-risk cosmetic procedures.
The Commons Science and Technology Committee report was published.
- Report date
- 4 November 2026
- Committee
- Commons Science and Technology Committee
- Committee chair
- Dame Chi Onwurah
- Alice Webb
- Died in September 2024 after a Brazilian butt lift in Gloucester
- Treatments cited
- Liquid BBLs, Liquid Boob Jobs, Botox and lip fillers
What people are saying
People buying products and treatments on the high street should be able to trust that these are safe, properly regulated and being provided by someone with the right training.
Action, not just a consultation, is long overdue, and quick solutions must be found to regulate injectable products like fat dissolvers and skin brighteners.