Laser Clinic Compliance in 2026: A Guide to the New Aesthetics Proposals and Laser Safety
The aesthetics industry in England is currently the subject of further government consultation, with proposals that could affect certain high-risk cosmetic and wellbeing procedures, including specified laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments.
For businesses offering laser treatments, this is an opportunity to review the information available, understand the scope of the proposals and consider whether existing laser safety arrangements may benefit from a review.
It is important, however, to distinguish between proposed changes to the regulation of certain treatments and the separate considerations associated with the use of laser and IPL equipment.
This guide provides a general overview of the consultation, areas of laser safety that practitioners may wish to consider, and the role a Laser Protection Adviser (LPA) can play in providing specialist advice.
This article is intended for general information only. It is not legal advice, a compliance assessment or a determination of the requirements applicable to any individual clinic.
What are the new aesthetics proposals?
On 21 October 2026, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) published a consultation titled Restrictions on the performance of high-risk cosmetic and wellbeing procedures in England.
The consultation seeks views on proposals to restrict specified high-risk procedures to certain qualified, regulated healthcare professionals. It also proposes requirements relating to Care Quality Commission (CQC) registration for providers offering procedures within the proposed framework.
The procedures identified include certain laser and IPL applications. The consultation does not treat all uses of laser and IPL technology as one category.
The proposals remain subject to consultation and the legislative process. They should not be interpreted as a complete statement of the rules that currently apply to a particular treatment or business.
The consultation closes on 13 January 2027.
For the full proposals and their definitions, refer directly to the official document:
Which laser and IPL procedures are mentioned?
The government consultation identifies three categories of laser and IPL procedures for potential restriction:
Laser procedures used to remove one or more layers of skin, including specified ablative treatments.
Procedures in which a laser is introduced into the skin through a puncture or incision.
Laser or IPL procedures performed on the eyelid or within the periorbital rim.
These descriptions reflect the categories identified in the consultation. The precise scope of any eventual restrictions will depend on the final legal wording and associated guidance.
It would be inappropriate to assume that every treatment using laser or IPL technology falls within these categories. Equally, a general article cannot determine whether an individual procedure is included without considering the treatment itself and the relevant definitions.
Practitioners offering several types of laser treatment may therefore wish to review the consultation alongside information specific to their own services.
What does this mean for laser hair removal clinics?
The consultation focuses on specified high-risk procedures rather than treating all laser and IPL applications as equivalent.
For that reason, clinic owners should avoid assuming that the proposals automatically apply in the same way to every laser hair removal service.
The name of a device alone may not provide sufficient information to determine how a particular treatment should be classified under the proposed framework. The procedure being performed and the relevant definitions also need to be considered.
This article does not offer a legal determination about whether a particular treatment is included or excluded. Where the position is unclear, practitioners should consult the official documents and seek appropriate advice.
Regardless of the consultation outcome, clinics may also wish to consider their existing arrangements for the safe use of the equipment they operate.
Laser safety and practitioner regulation are separate considerations
A proposed restriction on who may perform a particular treatment is not the same as a requirement relating to the safe operation of laser equipment.
Depending on the business and its activities, several areas may need to be considered independently:
Practitioner and treatment requirements
The consultation sets out proposals relating to eligibility to perform specified procedures. The final position will depend on the legislation and guidance ultimately introduced.
Local authority requirements
Depending on the treatments offered and the location of the premises, local authority licensing or other requirements may be relevant. Practitioners should check the requirements applicable to their own circumstances.
Workplace and equipment safety
The use of laser and IPL equipment may involve separate workplace health and safety considerations. The equipment, its classification, the conditions of use and the working environment are relevant when determining what measures may be appropriate.
Equipment information
Operating instructions, technical information and other documentation may be useful when reviewing equipment and its associated safety arrangements.
These areas should not be treated as interchangeable. A document, licence or professional appointment relating to one aspect of a business should not automatically be taken as confirmation that every other requirement has been met.
What laser safety areas might a clinic review?
The appropriate safety arrangements will depend on the equipment, the way it is used and the circumstances of the workplace. The following are examples of areas that may be relevant to a review, rather than a universal checklist.
Risk assessment
The Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010 are relevant to workplace exposure to artificial optical radiation.
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) guidance explains that employers using Class 3B and Class 4 lasers must undertake a risk assessment, implement adequate control measures and provide training.
The relevance of particular requirements should be considered in the context of the equipment and its use.
Official guidance:
Written procedures and Local Rules
Written safety procedures, including Local Rules where applicable, may form part of the arrangements used to manage laser safety.
Whether particular documents are appropriate, and what they should cover, will depend on the equipment, the setting and the applicable guidance.
A clinic reviewing its existing documentation may wish to consider whether it reflects the equipment currently in use and the working arrangements in place.
Protective eyewear
Protective eyewear is one of the areas that may need consideration when reviewing laser safety arrangements.
The suitability of eyewear depends on the relevant equipment and exposure risks. Practitioners should refer to the manufacturer's information and appropriate technical guidance rather than assuming that one type of eyewear is suitable for every system.
Treatment room arrangements
The treatment environment may also be relevant to a laser safety review.
Depending on the system and circumstances, considerations could include warning signs, access arrangements, room layout and potential exposure beyond the immediate treatment area.
The appropriate measures should be considered in relation to the particular installation and its risk assessment. This article does not prescribe a standard room specification for every clinic.
Staff training and procedures
Staff training and familiarity with relevant safety procedures may be important considerations where laser equipment is used.
A clinic may wish to review the information available to staff, the procedures followed during treatments and how responsibilities are communicated.
The training and arrangements required will depend on the equipment, roles and applicable requirements.
Equipment information and maintenance
Clinics may also wish to review the operating instructions, technical documentation and servicing information available for their equipment.
Where documentation is incomplete or unclear, further information may need to be obtained from the relevant supplier or manufacturer.
The purpose of such a review is to understand the information available and identify questions that may need further attention, rather than to assume that every clinic has the same documentation requirements.
For further information, refer to the MHRA's guidance on the safe use of lasers, intense light source systems and LEDs:
What is a Laser Protection Adviser?
A Laser Protection Adviser (LPA) provides specialist advice relating to laser safety and, where relevant, other optical radiation equipment.
The scope of an LPA's work will depend on the services agreed, the equipment involved and the circumstances being assessed.
For an aesthetic clinic, this may involve reviewing relevant laser safety documentation, considering the treatment environment or providing recommendations relating to safety procedures and control measures.
Depending on the agreed scope of work, services may include:
Reviewing relevant laser risk assessments.
Preparing or reviewing Local Rules.
Visiting premises to consider specified aspects of the laser treatment environment.
Reviewing relevant protective eyewear and warning arrangements.
Identifying areas of laser safety documentation that may warrant further attention.
Providing recommendations relating to the equipment and arrangements reviewed.
The precise work undertaken should be established with the LPA before an assessment or review takes place.
An LPA's advice relates to the scope of the work undertaken. It should not be interpreted as a guarantee that a clinic meets every legal, licensing, clinical or equipment-related requirement.
Similarly, an LPA appointment does not determine whether a practitioner is eligible to perform a procedure that may be subject to future restrictions.
For general information about the safe use of lasers, IPL systems and LEDs in aesthetic practice, consult the MHRA guidance:
When might a laser safety review be useful?
A clinic may wish to consider a review when setting up a new treatment room, introducing equipment, changing its working arrangements or reviewing existing documentation.
It may also be useful where the clinic has questions about the safety arrangements associated with a particular system.
Examples of questions that could be discussed include:
Does the existing documentation reflect the equipment and working arrangements currently in use?
Are there any aspects of the safety procedures that require clarification?
Is the available information sufficient to assess the suitability of the protective eyewear?
Are the room arrangements and warning procedures appropriate for the equipment being assessed?
Are there any recommendations that need to be considered or followed up?
These are examples of discussion points, not a declaration that any particular clinic has a safety deficiency.
The appropriate scope of a review should be agreed in advance, taking account of the clinic's equipment, circumstances and specific questions.
What should laser clinic owners do while the consultation continues?
The consultation provides an opportunity to understand the proposed changes and consider whether any further information is needed.
Practitioners may wish to:
Read the official consultation and familiarise themselves with the procedures identified.
Consider whether any treatments they offer may warrant closer examination against the proposed definitions.
Check the local authority information relevant to their premises and services.
Review the laser safety documentation and arrangements relevant to their equipment.
Seek appropriate professional advice where a specific question cannot be resolved from the available guidance.
Follow official updates as the consultation and legislative process progress.
These are general considerations rather than mandatory steps arising from the consultation itself. The appropriate action will depend on each business's circumstances and the requirements applicable to it.
No conclusion about an individual clinic's compliance or eligibility to provide a particular treatment should be drawn from this article alone.
Laser Protection Adviser Services
Laser Protection Adviser Services provides support relating to laser safety documentation and assessments for aesthetic clinics and practitioners.
Depending on the requirements agreed for an individual engagement, services may include risk assessments, Local Rules, on-site visits and reviews of relevant safety arrangements.
If you are considering a review of your laser safety documentation or would like to discuss the arrangements relevant to your equipment, you can contact Laser Protection Adviser Services to explain your requirements.
Any proposed work can then be discussed in relation to the equipment, premises and scope of advice required.
Further information
The following official resources provide further information on the consultation and laser safety.
Government consultation:
MHRA guidance on lasers, IPL and LEDs:
UK Health Security Agency laser radiation safety advice:
Health and Safety Executive guidance on optical radiation at work:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/radiation/optical/law.htm
Final thoughts
The government's consultation is a development worth following for businesses offering aesthetic treatments, including those using laser and IPL equipment.
The proposals should be considered in their proper context, alongside the requirements and guidance relevant to the equipment and services a clinic provides.
Where questions arise about laser safety arrangements, reviewing the available documentation and obtaining advice appropriate to the circumstances may help a clinic understand what further consideration is needed.
For clinics considering specialist support, the scope of any LPA engagement should be clear, with advice relating to the equipment and matters actually reviewed.
This article is intended for general information only and does not constitute legal, clinical or regulatory advice. It does not determine whether a particular clinic, practitioner or treatment meets applicable requirements. The government proposals remain subject to consultation and the legislative process. Requirements may vary according to the equipment, its use, the premises and the circumstances concerned. Readers should consult relevant official guidance and seek advice appropriate to their individual situation.