French health authorities have introduced stricter regulations on the use of hyaluronic acid in cosmetic procedures, making a medical prescription mandatory for injectable forms of the popular product.
The Ministry of Health announced on Friday that obtaining “injectable hyaluronic acid-based devices” will now require a prescription. Hyaluronic acid (HA), a widely used component in cosmetics, is employed in various areas, from wrinkle fillers to adding volume to lips, noses, and cheeks. It is preferred due to its natural occurrence in the human body, which reduces the likelihood of allergies or adverse side effects.
‘Unregulated and Profitable Market’
The rise in popularity of “tweakments,” non-surgical cosmetic procedures, has led to an increase in injections performed in non-medical settings, often attracted by low prices and social media promotions. The Ministry of Health noted, “For several years, an unofficial and profitable market has developed, where individuals and non-health professionals perform hyaluronic acid aesthetic injections on themselves or others.”
In recent years, several individuals have been convicted for administering illegal beauty injections, including two sisters in France and a German Instagram influencer who was sentenced to four years in prison in 2019.
‘Fake and Harmful Products Sold on TikTok’
Last year, the UK government announced plans to introduce a new licensing system to make non-surgical cosmetic procedures safer. Since 2021, injections have been banned for individuals under 18.
A recent BBC report highlighted that Scotland remains one of the worst in Europe regarding risky cosmetic procedures, with no procedure ban for minors.
Although unusual side effects from these injections are rare, they can include allergies, necrosis, infection, and even blindness. The risk of complications or unsatisfactory results increases when performed by untrained or unlicensed practitioners.
