How to Vet Aesthetics and Beauty Suppliers: A Complete Guide

Whether you’re a beauty professional running a salon, an aesthetics clinic, or starting out on your own in the industry, sourcing reliable and high-quality products is essential. With a growing number of beauty and aesthetics suppliers in the UK, it’s vital to vet them thoroughly to ensure compliance, safety, and quality—both for your clients’ well-being and your business reputation.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you vet Aesthetics and Beauty suppliers effectively:

1. Check Regulatory Compliance

In the UK, beauty and aesthetics products are regulated to protect consumers. Any reputable supplier should comply with these regulations:

• Medical Devices and Prescription Products: Products like dermal fillers, botulinum toxin (Botox), and certain skincare devices fall under MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) rules. Ensure the supplier only offers CE-marked or UKCA-marked products that comply with post-Brexit standards.
• Cosmetic Products: All cosmetics must comply with the UK Cosmetics Regulation, including appropriate labelling, safety assessments (CPSR), and responsible person designation.

Tip: Ask for certificates of conformity, batch testing information, and MHRA registration where applicable.

2. Verify Licensing and Credentials

A trustworthy supplier should be transparent about their credentials. Look for:

• Business Registration: Confirm they are a registered UK company (check via Companies House).
• Licenses: For prescription-only medicines (POMs), the supplier must be registered with the MHRA as a licensed wholesaler or distributor.
• Pharmacy Services: If they offer prescription products, they must have a registered pharmacist overseeing operations.

3. Evaluate Product Quality and Sourcing

Low-quality or counterfeit products can pose serious health risks. To assess product quality:

• Source Transparency: Ask where products are sourced and whether they are imported or manufactured in the UK.
• Authenticity: Request proof of authenticity from the original manufacturer.
• Storage and Handling: Inquire about storage conditions (e.g., temperature-controlled facilities) and product traceability.

4. Review Reputation and Testimonials

Do your due diligence by researching the supplier’s reputation:

• Online Reviews: Look at platforms like Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and industry forums.
• Social Media Presence: Check engagement, reviews, and customer feedback on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
• Industry Connections: Are they known in professional networks or trade associations (e.g., BABTAC, BCAM)?

Red Flags: Frequent negative reviews about product authenticity, poor customer service, or shipping issues.

5. Customer Service Support

Reliable customer service can make or break your relationship with a supplier. Test their responsiveness:

• Communication: How quickly and clearly do they respond to queries?
• Returns Policy: Understand their returns, refunds, and damage policy.
• Aftercare Support: Do they offer guidance, training, or resources for using their products?

6. Pricing and Transparency

While price is a factor, extremely low prices can be a warning sign of counterfeit or expired products.

• Transparent Pricing: All fees, including VAT, shipping, and customs (if applicable), should be clearly listed.
• Bulk Discounts: Are bulk or loyalty discounts available, and are they reasonable?
• Payment Security: Ensure they offer secure payment gateways and provide receipts.

7. Ask for Samples or Trial Orders

Before committing to a large order, request product samples or place a small trial order. This allows you to:

• Evaluate product quality firsthand.
• Test packaging, delivery speed, and customer service.
• Check client satisfaction with the product.

8. Attend Trade Shows and Industry Events

Industry events are a great way to meet suppliers in person, ask questions, and see product demonstrations. Some notable UK events include:

• Professional Beauty London
• Aesthetics Conference and Exhibition (ACE)
• The Beauty Show

Final Thoughts

Vetting beauty and aesthetics suppliers isn’t just about product quality—it’s about protecting your business, your clients, and your professional credibility. Taking the time to assess suppliers thoroughly will help you build long-term partnerships with trusted providers and avoid costly mistakes.