Campaign Victory: Law Passed to Ban Under 18’s From Being Able to Receive Cosmetic Botox or Fillers

The “Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Act” will ban under 18’s from being able to receive cosmetic Botox or fillers. The Act will also require a doctor, registered medical practitioner, or a health professional to administer such procedures where there is a medical need in under 18s – a requirement which is currently not in place.

Ms Trott introduced the Bill after being selected fourth in a Private Members’ Bill ballot in January 2020. And, having gained cross-party backing in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the Bill was today approved by the HM The Queen.

Laura Trott MP said:

“No child needs cosmetic Botox or fillers and  I'm delighted my Bill has today gained Royal Assent. I cannot thank Ashton and the whole team at Save Face enough for all their tireless work in this area. The case studies have made such a difference in really bringing to life the danger of unscrupulous providers, and I am thrilled we have been able to change the law to ensure children are now protected.”

Botulinum toxin, dermal fillers and laser hair removal account for nine out of 10 non-surgical treatments performed in the UK. And, the latest analysis by the Department for Health estimated that as many as 41,000 botulinum toxin procedures may have been carried out on under-18s in 2020 and that more than 29,300 dermal filler procedures may have been undertaken on under-18s since 2017.

Ashton Collins, Director at Save Face said:

"We are delighted that this law has been passed. We have been campaigning for greater protection for young people who are being targeted, exploited, and harmed by unscrupulous practitioners since 2014. We are extremely grateful to Laura Trott for taking action on this extremely important issue and it has been a privilege to have been able to offer our support and contribute to her Bill. It truly is a monumental step forward that will help safeguard the people most at risk of falling into unsafe hands." 

The Bill, which has been officially enshrined in law today, is expected to come into force in Autumn 2021, so businesses have time to familiarise themselves with the legislation, train staff, and make sure any necessary adaption to processes or systems can be introduced to full ensure compliance.