Technical note released to guide health inspections in aesthetic and beautification services
July 18, 2023
These establishments have been the target of a large number of complaints and denunciations, posing risks to the health of users. The note aims to promote the safety and quality of the services offered, in addition to guaranteeing the protection of the population’s health.
The Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa) released an important technical note this Monday (7/3) focusing on aesthetic and beautification services. Technical Note GGTES/DIRE3/Anvisa 15/2023 aims to guide health surveillance professionals on the necessary inspections and inspections to ensure the safety and quality of the products and services offered by these establishments.
In recent years, Anvisa has received and monitored several complaints related to health services and services of health interest. Surprisingly, aesthetics and beautification services emerged as the most denounced and with the highest number of complaints, representing about 60% of the total number of complaints.
The growing variety of procedures available in beauty salons and aesthetic clinics, combined with the increasingly frequent use of high-tech products and equipment, has brought with it new risks of complications for users’ health. Allergies, inflammatory reactions, and infections are just a few examples of these potential complications, which can lead to illness, disability, and, in extreme cases, even loss of life.
The technical note published by Anvisa reinforces the urgent need for establishments to adopt strict safety practices and for Sanitary Surveillance to act in detail, thus ensuring the health of the population. All protocols for hygiene, sterilization, and use of regularized products must be strictly followed to protect the health and well-being of customers.
Anvisa will continue to closely monitor these services and work together with the establishments to promote a culture of safety and excellence in aesthetics and beautification services. After all, the health and safety of users must always be a top priority.
Aesthetics and beautification establishments can be classified as “health services” or “services of health interest”, both carrying out activities that can affect the health status of individuals. However, there is a key difference between them. While health services require workers to have specific training and to be supervised by health professionals, health services do not have this requirement. This applies, for example, to activities performed by beauticians, such as hair cutting, straightening, makeup, waxing, and body aesthetic treatments.
Regardless of classification, all of these services must follow specific rules and regulations to ensure the safety of customers. This includes the exclusive use of regulated products, maintaining adequate cleaning and disinfection processes for surfaces and equipment, as well as proper waste management.
It is important to point out that Brazil has one of the largest beauty and aesthetic markets in the world, with a great demand for products and services. The beauty industry is consolidated as one of the most important segments of the Brazilian economy. According to the Brazilian Support Service for Micro and Small Businesses (Sebrae), this sector has the largest number of micro-entrepreneurs and self-employed in the country. Currently, there are nearly one million micro-entrepreneurs formalized as beauty professionals, and these establishments generate a significant and relevant amount of jobs and income for the Brazilian population.
Given this context, aesthetic and beautification establishments must be aware of the responsibilities and obligations they have regarding the safety and quality of the services provided. Compliance with standards and regulations is essential to ensure customer confidence and protect their health.
Anvisa will continue working together with establishments and professionals in the area to promote awareness and excellence in aesthetic and beautification services. The objective is to ensure that consumers receive safe and quality treatments, contributing to the expansion and continuous development of this important economic sector.