Sharp Standards is a good practice guide and toolkit for skin care clinics and non-medical aesthetics businesses across the UK. Developed by dermalogica in partnership with BABTAC, it helps practitioners meet their legal, ethical and professional obligations when delivering microneedling treatments.
The guide draws on public health legislation and environmental health standards across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, complementing local authority licensing frameworks.
Microneedling involves blood-contaminated materials and hazardous substances. Without proper protocols, practitioners risk needlestick injuries, client infections and potential legal action.
New legislation, including the Health and Care Act 2022, is creating mandatory licensing frameworks for non-surgical cosmetic procedures across the UK. Practitioners who prepare now will be best positioned.
Consistent, auditable standards build long-term client confidence and strengthen your professional reputation.
Sharp Standards was developed with BABTAC, the leading professional body for the beauty and aesthetics sector in the UK. Both organisations share a common objective: to elevate standards of professionalism and protect the credibility of the sector in a fragmented regulatory landscape.
Sharp Standards is structured as a practical, action-oriented toolkit. It covers every aspect of safe, compliant microneedling practice.
A comprehensive overview of UK-wide and nation-specific legislation governing microneedling, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, COSHH, RIDDOR, PPE regulations, UK GDPR and the Health and Care Act 2022. Clear guidance on what each law requires and how to comply.
Detailed standards for treatment room design, equipment selection and maintenance, infection control procedures, PPE requirements and clinical waste management. Includes guidance on choosing microneedling devices and the critical safety rules for cartridge use.
Protocols for client assessment, contraindication screening, informed consent, treatment preparation, immediate and short-term aftercare, and managing adverse events. Designed to protect both practitioners and clients.
Guidance on qualification standards, regulated qualifications versus short courses, continuing professional development, internal auditing, performance metrics and building a culture of continuous improvement.
By developing Sharp Standards with BABTAC, dermalogica is investing in the safety and credibility of the profession — not just our own partners, but every practitioner delivering microneedling in the UK.
This reflects our four-decade commitment to education, science-backed innovation and professional integrity. Higher standards protect clients, strengthen practitioner credibility and support the long-term growth of the sector.
Sharp Standards is just one part of our commitment to education, safety and professional excellence. Explore how dermalogica supports skin therapists at every stage of their career.
A good practice guide and toolkit for UK microneedling practitioners, developed by dermalogica in partnership with BABTAC. It covers legal requirements, safety protocols, client care and quality assurance.
Skin care clinics, non-medical aesthetics businesses, individual practitioners and training providers offering microneedling in the UK.
The Health and Care Act 2022 is introducing a mandatory licensing scheme for non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Many local authorities already classify microneedling as skin-piercing under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982. Check with your local council.
Wales requires mandatory licensing under the Public Health (Wales) Act 2017. Both practitioners and premises must be licensed. Operating without a licence is a criminal offence.
The Non-Surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill is currently awaiting Royal Assent. Once enacted, it will introduce statutory licensing for non-surgical cosmetic procedures including microneedling.
District councils operate registration schemes for skin-piercing. Microneedling currently falls outside the scope of these by-laws, but following best practice demonstrates professionalism and supports safe practice.
A Level 4 regulated qualification in microneedling or skin needling is the recommended minimum for cosmetic procedures, supplemented with infection prevention and control training, first aid certification and 12–20 hours of CPD per year.
Yes. Sharps Standard is freely available to all professional skin therapists.
