Pennsylvania esthetician scope of practice
What can an esthetician do in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania licenses estheticians as an Esthetician through the Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology. A basic esthetician license covers only esthetician services, which the regulations define as face massage, applying cosmetic preparations to the face, removing superfluous hair by tweezers, depilatories or waxes, eyelash perming, and dyeing eyelashes and eyebrows. Below: whether that license covers microneedling, chemical peels, dermaplaning, laser and IPL, and Botox or fillers, each answered from Pennsylvania's own statutes, board rules or board statements, read on October 27, 2026.
- Microneedling
- Not allowed
- Chemical peels
- Not stated
- Dermaplaning
- Not allowed
- Laser and IPL
- Not stated
- Botox and fillers
- Not allowed
Licensed by Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology.The board's page The state's own words
Microneedling
Can estheticians do microneedling in Pennsylvania?
No. Pennsylvania's State Board of Cosmetology says microneedling is outside the scope of cosmetology, so the esthetician license does not cover it.
Chemical peels
Can estheticians do chemical peels in Pennsylvania?
Not stated. Pennsylvania's official pages we read do not settle whether a licensed esthetician may do chemical peels. Ask the Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology before you offer it.
Dermaplaning
Can estheticians do dermaplaning in Pennsylvania?
No. Pennsylvania's State Board of Cosmetology says dermaplaning is outside the scope of cosmetology, so the esthetician license does not cover it.
Laser and IPL
Can estheticians do laser hair removal in Pennsylvania?
Not stated. Pennsylvania's official pages we read do not settle whether a licensed esthetician may do laser hair removal and other laser or IPL treatments. Ask the Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology before you offer it.
Botox and fillers
Can estheticians do Botox or fillers in Pennsylvania?
No. Pennsylvania's State Board of Cosmetology says Botox and face fillers are outside the scope of cosmetology.
Advanced license
Does Pennsylvania have a master esthetician license?
Pennsylvania's official pages we read name no advanced or master esthetician license; the basic Esthetician license is the one that sets the scope.
Good to know
What else Pennsylvania says about an esthetician's scope
- Performing microblading or dermaplaning inside a cosmetology salon is a violation of the salon-use rule, 49 Pa. Code § 7.77.
- The esthetics definition covers industry standard mechanical and electrical apparatus, but the regulations do not name lasers or IPL devices.
- The Board staff and counsel cannot give advisory opinions or interpretations of the Cosmetology Act or Board regulations, so questions on scope must go to an attorney.
Sources
What Pennsylvania's official pages say
Each answer above, in the words of Pennsylvania's own statutes, board rules or board statements, read on October 27, 2026. Scope rules change and boards interpret them: confirm with the Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology before you offer a treatment.
- The license and its scope
“An individual holding an esthetician license is qualified to perform esthetician services only.”
pacodeandbulletin.gov “An individual licensed by the Board to practice esthetics.”
pacodeandbulletin.gov “The practice of massaging the face, applying cosmetic preparations, antiseptics, tonics, lotions or creams to the face, removing superfluous hair by tweezers, depilatories or waxes, eyelash perming and the dyeing of eyelashes and eyebrows.”
pacodeandbulletin.gov - Microneedling
“the practices of Botox, face fillers, and microneedling is outside of the scope of cosmetology”
dos.pa.gov - Dermaplaning
“the practices of microblading and dermaplaning are outside of the scope of cosmetology”
dos.pa.gov - The board
“The Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology is responsible for regulating the practice of cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technology”
dos.pa.gov - Also good to know
“performing microblading or dermaplaning within a cosmetology salon is a violation of 49 Pa. Code § 7.77”
dos.pa.gov - Also good to know
“The term includes the use of industry standard mechanical and electrical apparatus and appliances in the practice of esthetics.”
pacodeandbulletin.gov - Also good to know
“Reminder: The Board staff and Board counsel are unable to give advisory opinions, legal advice or interpretations of the Cosmetology Act and Board regulations.”
dos.pa.gov
Questions
Pennsylvania esthetician license, answered
What is the esthetician scope of practice in Pennsylvania?
Plan the rest
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- Microblading and permanent makeup in Pennsylvania: the license it needs
- Opening your own skin care studio in Pennsylvania: the salon license
Esthetician scope in other states
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