Toxin and filler now illegal for under-18s

As of today (1 October) it is now illegal for aesthetic treatment providers in England to give botulinum toxin injections and dermal fillers to under 18s purely for cosmetic reasons as the Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Bill comes into force.  

The bill prohibits procedures for under 18s in England if they are for aesthetic purposes and not approved by a doctor. The new law warns clinics and practitioners that they should verify proof of age and that consent from parents or guardians is not a defence. 

In cases where a medical need is determined and approved by a doctor, these procedures must only be undertaken by registered health professionals. The Department of Health and Social Care said failure to comply with the law "could result in a criminal prosecution and an unlimited fine".

It is estimated that around 70,000 under 18s receive botulinum toxin or cosmetic fillers each year, according to the Department for Health. 

Health experts have been calling for the UK Government to ban injectables for under 18s since 2019 in light of TV programmes such as Love Island making fillers popular with teenagers. 

The British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM) is among the aesthetics industry associations and individuals in support of the Bill. 

Read the Bill in full here.