Cosmetic consumer experience

In recent years, the popularity of cosmetic treatments that use ‘non-ionising radiation’ (NIR) has surged in Australia. This includes treatments involving laser, intense pulsed light (IPL), LED, radiofrequency, ultrasound and low-frequency electromagnetic fields.

Despite their growing use, there remains a significant gap in understanding consumer experiences in Australia, particularly regarding adverse effects that may arise following treatment.

Our research aims to explore injuries and adverse effects from cosmetic NIR use in Australia, and to identify and characterise the circumstances in which they occur. Findings will support development of evidence-informed regulatory recommendations aimed at enhancing safety, improving treatment standards and strengthening consumer protections.

This research program is supported by funding from the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency.

Researching energy-based cosmetic treatments

In Australia, cosmetics is a lucrative and growing industry, with consumers estimated to spend more than $1billion annually on non-invasive cosmetic treatments alone.

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