The UK aesthetics industry: key trends, market growth and statistics

The UK aesthetics industry is continuing to grow at lightning speed.

The statistics we found paint an interesting picture. Aestheticians are seeing a continuation of the growth they experienced in previous years. But there are still concerns over botched procedures and the potential impact of regulatory changes in the industry.

In the business of offering aesthetics treatments? We can help with your insurance. Take a look at our guidance and advice on what you may need. 

The UK aesthetics industry at a glance

Globally, the non-invasive aesthetics industry is estimated to be worth a whopping £31.2 billion. The UK market makes up a sizeable chunk of that, with an estimated market value of around £3.2 billion. 

Here are a few other important UK aesthetic industry statistics: 

• In 2026, the non-invasive UK aesthetics industry grew between 8%-9% 
• There are 5,589 Botox clinics in the UK (and 19,701 practitioners)
• 900,000 Botox treatments are carried out in the UK every year 
• Injectables such as Botox and dermal fillers make up 65% of the UK aesthetics market's total revenue. 

Tighter regulations introduced in Scotland

It’s clear that the demand for aesthetics treatments is still growing despite these concerns. Showing that people are more than willing to change the way they look.

Non-invasive aesthetic treatments are quickly becoming more varied, widely available, and more affordable too. Understandably, it’s now the main area of growth for the aesthetics industry.

This growth might eventually be impacted, though, with Scottish Parliament passing a new bill to increase restrictions on non-surgical cosmetic procedures in March 2026.

The Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill means that treatments like Botox and dermal fillers would need to be carried out by a registered healthcare professional (or someone working under their direction) in permitted premises.

The Bill also prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from having non-surgical cosmetic procedures in Scotland.

Now, with a licensing scheme intended to “root out the cowboys” across the rest of the UK only a matter of time, we expect to see a big shake-up in how aestheticians have to operate. 

Want to know more? Here are all the UK aesthetics industry statistics you need to know. 

The growth of the UK aesthetics industry

Interest in non-invasive aesthetic treatments, like Botox and dermal fillers, is increasing. And rapidly. 

The UK aesthetics industry could be worth more than £3.6 billion in 2026. As consumer demand increases, it’s showing no signs of slowing down its growth. And is forecast to reach £5.1 billion by 2028, with an annual growth rate of 10.2%.

Non-invasive aesthetic treatments have been the main driver of growth in the industry in the UK and beyond. It’s thought that injectable treatments like Botox and dermal fillers now make up 65% of the UK's total aesthetics market revenue.  

As technology has advanced and treatments have become more affordable, the demand for these ‘lunchbreak treatments’ has understandably soared. 

Getting aesthetic treatments has become safer, less time-consuming, and cheaper. So, it’s no longer seen as something available only to the elite. Having non-invasive cosmetic procedures has become the norm for younger generations, and this is reflected in the industry’s worth.

Aesthetics industry trends

Social media and influencers undoubtedly play a huge part in the growing demand for non-surgical cosmetic treatments. The likes of Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are fuelling the younger generations’ desires to look a certain way. 

Demand for dermal fillers is continuing among younger adults, with over half of filler patients now under 35. This is confirmed by a trend for ‘prejuvenation’ (AKA preventative aesthetics) over late correction.  

Laser hair removal was the most searched-for aesthetic treatment in the UK in 2025. While the most searches for all aesthetic treatments were in Greater London, which has considerably higher numbers than any other part of the country. 

In 2024, the industry also saw a rise in the demand for ‘natural response treatments’, such as regenerative treatments, laser and light rejuvenation, and more. These saw a 25% and 27% increase, respectively, over the year. 

Botox remains a popular treatment in the UK as more patients book rejuvenating therapies alongside their injectables. Trending treatments in 2026 include ‘Baby Botox’, allowing the toxin to be administered in much smaller doses to create a natural rather than a frozen look. 

In 2023, demand for aesthetic treatments was highest amongst 25 to 40-year-olds. 32% of people in this age group have had a treatment or are considering it. 

Scepticism is high in older age groups, with 84% of 41 to 50-year-olds concerned about safety and product quality in the industry. 

However, millennials and older adults continue to fuel Botox’s popularity, with one in five Botox bookings made by 35 to 39-year-olds.  

It's not just a woman's world

It's not just women getting in on the action. 

Aesthetics is usually aimed at a female audience. But aesthetic treatments are growing more common among men too. 

A survey by the British College of Aesthetic Medicine showed a 70% rise in men getting aesthetic treatments since 2021. And the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) predicts that the global male aesthetics market will reach £4.8 billion by 2026.  

Improving self-confidence is the main reason many men choose to get treatment. Other reasons include wanting to reverse the ageing process and looking good for a special occasion. 

The most popular treatments for men are medicated weight management and vitamin injections.

The future of the UK aesthetics industry

The UK aesthetics industry is rapidly evolving as beauty, technology, and changing societal norms converge. The stats show a thriving market with increased acceptance and technological advancements.

AI is expected to drive aesthetics growth in 2026. New technologies allow for greater precision when putting together treatment plans. While diagnostic-driven consultations will become the norm for many clinics, allowing patients to see personalised recommendations based on their skin type.  

However, growth in the aesthetics industry could be tempered by tighter regulation in Scotland. Mandatory licensing for both medical and non-medical aestheticians, as well as restrictions on the premises in which treatments can be administered, may impact the industry. 

At the moment, the UK is pretty far down the line in terms of aesthetics procedure numbers. North America tops that list by some margin. Other top countries include Brazil, Mexico, Germany, and Japan. 

Protection that's more than face value

Running your own aesthetics business? Whatever your qualifications, or how many treatments you offer, having aesthetics insurance is vital. 

When things go wrong in your line of work, it can have devastating consequences. For your clients and your business. Insurance is a lifeline that all aestheticians need. 

Medical malpractice (also known as treatment liability) and public liability insurance make up the perfect policy for those in the aesthetics industry. They’ll cover you for two very important areas. 

Firstly, the medical malpractice part. This type of insurance covers you for mistakes you make in your work. So, it’s an important one (claims of negligence can cost you a pretty penny). It’ll pay all of your legal costs and any compensation awarded. 

The public liability part covers you for accidents. Things like accidental damage to your clients’ possessions, or trips and falls that happen on your premises. Again, it’ll cover legal fees and compensation costs. 

You can find out more about getting the right insurance for your aesthetics business. Or you can call us on 0345 216 0027 for a chat. 

Image used under license from iStock.