The Hidden Dangers Behind Illegal Teeth Whitening: What the Beauty Industry Needs to Know.

A recent BBC investigation has uncovered a shocking rise in illegal teeth-whitening treatments being carried out in car parks, doorsteps, and beauty salons across the UK — many using dangerously high levels of bleaching agents that can burn gums, damage enamel, and even destroy teeth.

The investigation found that some products being sold online contained over 500 times the legal limit of hydrogen peroxide allowed in over-the-counter products. One BBC reporter was even able to purchase a fraudulent teeth-whitening qualification, receive "extreme" bleaching gels, and was advised to “practise on friends and family”  a terrifying insight into how easily these unsafe treatments are being normalised.

The British Dental Association (BDA) said it was “appalled” by the findings, and rightly so.

What the Law Says

In the UK, the law is clear:

• Only registered dental professionals (dentists, dental hygienists, or dental therapists) can legally perform teeth-whitening treatments using products containing more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide.

• Treatments provided by dentists can only use products containing up to 6% hydrogen peroxide.

Despite this, products tested by the BBC contained as much as 53% hydrogen peroxide, posing serious risks to anyone undergoing treatment.

The Human Cost

One victim, Kellie Howson, paid £65 for a whitening treatment at a beauty salon in Lancaster and the experience left her in agony.

“I just remember not long into the treatment my gums starting to really hurt, and afterwards it just got worse and worse. I was in agony,” she said.

Kellie lost four teeth as a result of this illegal and unsafe procedure, a devastating outcome that could have been avoided with proper regulation and enforcement.

Why This Matters for the Beauty Industry

At the National Association of Beauty Professionals (NABP), we believe this highlights an urgent issue that extends beyond teeth whitening. Unregulated treatments are creeping into every corner of the advanced beauty sector from PMU to skin aesthetics and the lack of consistent oversight is putting both clients and practitioners at risk.

These incidents undermine the reputation of legitimate professionals who work hard to maintain safety and compliance. They also erode public trust in our industry.

Our Mission: Raising Standards and Protecting the Public

The NABP is working to bridge the gap between beauty professionals, local authorities, and regulators to ensure that treatments are performed safely, ethically, and in line with current legislation. Through annual in-person assessments, REACH-compliant product checks, and training verification, our goal is to identify and promote safe, qualified practitioners giving clients confidence and professionals the recognition they deserve.

Illegal and unsafe practices have no place in our industry. Together, we can raise awareness, educate, and lead a cultural shift towards safety-first beauty.