License for cosmetology services

Today, the beauty industry offers a multitude of tempting services: “lip augmentation”, “contouring plastic surgery”, “facial cleansing using a new technique”… Social networks are full of ads, and clients often choose a master based on reviews, photos and price.

But there is one important nuance: not all cosmetic procedures can be provided without a medical license. Even if a service seems “easy” or “aesthetic”, in fact it may belong to the healthcare sector and be a medical service. Conducting medical practice without a license is not only a violation of the law, but also a serious risk to the health of clients.

From March 7, 2024, the Ministry of Health officially clarified which beauty procedures are considered medical services and require a medical practice license. This clarification has become an important guideline for all salons and cosmetologists who want to work legally and safely.

In this article, we will explain what exactly refers to medical cosmetology services, who has the right to provide them, and what salon and office owners should pay attention to.

What is considered a medical cosmetology service?

The Ministry of Health has defined a clear list of procedures that belong to medical practice and, accordingly, are subject to licensing:

• Cosmetic correction of skin defects and identification of aesthetic deficiencies. This is not just aesthetics – if the procedure affects the structure of the skin or its functions, it passes into the medical plane.
• Injection procedures: use of fillers and botulinum toxin, contouring, mesotherapy.
• Microneedling therapy.
• Hardware procedures.
• Chemical procedures: chemical peeling, application of physical and chemical agents to the skin.
• Organization of cosmetology care and principles of skin care that involve medical intervention.

The specialty “cosmetology” does not exist in the nomenclature of medical specialties. That is, only doctors with the appropriate medical qualifications, usually a dermatologist, can perform these procedures.

Therefore, if your procedure changes the physiological state of the skin, affects its structure, or requires the use of medical devices (fillers, botulinum toxin, lasers), it is prohibited to provide it without a license for medical practice.

In the next section, we will tell you who exactly has the right to perform such procedures and how to legally organize a cosmetology office.

Who has the right to provide medical cosmetology services?

One of the biggest mistakes in the beauty market is the belief that it is enough to take courses in injections or get a “cosmetologist” certificate to work legally. In fact, the law looks at it differently.

Medical cosmetic procedures can only be provided by certain specialists, namely:

• A dermatologist is a primary specialist who can perform medical cosmetic procedures, treat skin diseases and correct cosmetic defects, including neoplasms.
• A cosmetologist pharmacist can perform non-invasive procedures and advise clients on the proper use of cosmetic products and procedures, diet and hardware cosmetic care.
• A cosmetic nurse can provide cosmetic care only under the supervision of a doctor, for example: perform massage, cosmetic and therapeutic skin care; perform cosmetic and physiotherapy procedures prescribed by a doctor; advise on the rational use of cosmetic products and procedures.

This means that even if your salon has an experienced cosmetologist or nurse, without a dermatologist, you do not have the right to perform injection or laser procedures.

Thus, a clear distinction between aesthetic and medical activities is the key to customer safety and business legitimacy.

Typical mistakes of cosmetologists and salon owners

Practice shows that most violations occur not due to intent, but due to a misunderstanding of where the line between “beauty” and “medicine” is drawn. However, for regulatory authorities, this does not matter – responsibility arises regardless of the motives. Here are the most common mistakes:

“I am not a doctor, but I have taken courses – that is enough”

No. Courses, trainings, master classes are advanced training, but not the right to medical practice. If the procedure is injectable, laser or otherwise affects the structure of the skin – this is medical activity. And it is possible only with a license and an appropriate doctor.

“We call it an aesthetic procedure”

The name of the service does not change its legal nature. If a drug is actually injected, a laser is used or tissue is interfered with – this is a medical service, even if the price list says “beauty care”.

“We’ll get a license later, when we scale up” or working without a license “because that’s how everyone works”

This is one of the riskiest strategies. All it takes is one complication, a client complaint, or an inspection — and the issue is not just about a fine. Illegal medical practice can have much more serious consequences than loss of profit.

How can we help?

A medical license for a cosmetology office is not just a formality. It is a properly constructed work model that protects the business owner from fines, inspections, and serious legal consequences.

The company “PRIKHODKO AND PARTNERS” comprehensively supports the launch and legalization of cosmetology activities:

• we analyze whether your services fall under medical practice;
• we check the documents of doctors, help form a staff in accordance with the requirements of the Ministry of Health;
• we prepare a package of documents for submission;
• we support the procedure for obtaining a license;
• we advise on the organization of work after obtaining it;
• we support when making changes to the license.

Our task is not just to obtain a license for you, but to build a legally secure work system that will allow you to develop, scale your business, and calmly pass any inspections.