Select Committee · Science and Technology Committee (Commons)
The science and regulation of hair and beauty products and treatments
Status: Open
Opened: 2 Dec 2025
Inquiry scope
Hair and beauty products (chemicals applied to the hair or body for cosmetic purposes) and treatments (cosmetic procedures typically performed by specialists) can cause harm to consumers if they contain unregulated ingredients or if they are improperly administered. The inquiry will respond to recent research which has led to concerns about the current scientific evidence base and regulation for these products, as well as the required training and qualifications of specialists performing treatments. The inquiry will also investigate the growing concern that certain products that are commonly used by marginalised groups, such as creams to ‘relax’ afro-type hair and synthetic hair, can contain harmful chemicals. How do UK regulators assess scientific evidence to ensure the safety of beauty products and treatments? Are existing processes effective, including for individuals with diverse hair and skin types? Is there sufficient transparency in how scientific evidence is used in regulatory decisions for hair and beauty products to ensure public trust? How well are consumers informed about the potential harms of beauty products and treatments? How can this be improved? For beauty products and treatments where the evidence suggests there may be risks, what studies need to take place to better understand potential harms for users, including in the longer term? How effective are existing training and qualifications requirements for individuals who administer beauty treatments in minimising harm to their recipients? How could this be improved? What changes (regulatory, legal or otherwise) could ensure that consumers are better protected from and aware of the risks of potentially harmful beauty products and treatments? If you have experience of the harms caused by hair and beauty, please complete our survey .Oral evidence sessions
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| Date | Session and witnesses | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Jun 2026 |
The science and regulation of hair and beauty products and treatments
Andrew Rankin · Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP),
Karin Smyth MP · Department of Health and Social Care,
Kate Dearden MP · Department for Business and Trade,
Phil Harper · Department for Health and Social Care,
Richard Knight · Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI),
Sarah Smith OBE · Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), Department for Science, Innovation and Technology,
Victor Ktorakis · Environment and Communities Directorate, Enfield Council, Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH)
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Who gave evidence
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| Witness | Organisation | Sessions |
|---|---|---|
| Andrew Rankin · Acting Co-Chair and Registrar | Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) | 1 |
| Karin Smyth MP · Minister of State for Health (Secondary Care) | Department of Health and Social Care | 1 |
| Kate Dearden MP · Minister for Employment Rights and Consumer Protection | Department for Business and Trade | 1 |
| Phil Harper · Deputy Director, Professional Regulation | Department for Health and Social Care | 1 |
| Richard Knight · Lead Officer for Cosmetics and Beauty | Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) | 1 |
| Sarah Smith OBE · Head of Regulatory Operations | Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), Department for Science, Innovation and Technology | 1 |
| Victor Ktorakis · Senior Environmental Health Officer | Environment and Communities Directorate, Enfield Council, Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) | 1 |
Correspondence
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