Welcome to the latest edition of Beauty Watch, our legal and regulatory bulletin for businesses in the beauty, cosmetics and wellness sectors.
In February 2026, the Government announced regulatory changes in relation to certain chemical substances used in cosmetics, aimed at strengthening protection for human health. We discuss what these changes mean and also address developments in the licensing of non-surgical aesthetic procedures, UV safety and the implications of the failure to prevent fraud offence.
Franchising is a fast-growing business model in this sector, from nail bars and lash studios to premium skincare and aesthetic clinic networks. We offer guidance on the key issues to consider when entering into franchise agreements.
We also examine the significant implications of the Employment Rights Act 2025 which came into force in late 2025. For a sector that relies heavily on flexible staffing models - including self-employed contractors and chair or space renters - the key changes which include obligations to offer regular hours, provide reasonable notice and compensation for shift changes or cancellations, and extend day-one rights (including sick pay, parental leave and unfair dismissal protection) to all employees, could have a significant impact. We explain these changes and the steps employers should be taking now.
Virtual try-on technology is now a standard feature of many major beauty e-commerce platforms. The data collected by these AI-based systems can engage some of the most sensitive categories of personal data under data protection law. We explore the key compliance concerns when deploying this technology.
Finally, we consider weight loss and detox advertising - one of the ASA's currently most closely policed areas - identifying common 'red flags' and setting out practical advice for compliance.
We hope this edition provides a useful overview of the current legal and regulatory developments affecting the sector. If you would like to discuss any of the topics covered, or if there is a development you would like us to address in a future edition, please do not hesitate to contact me or any member of the Retail team.