, 
. 
L'I' 
fj$F; 
~ 2 
,, 
1 
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC ) 
[? 
[]fC -3 
i'! 
:';g 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
) 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Constitution, Article 11, Section 15 provides: 
The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the 
people and instill health consciousness among them. 
The popularity of laser hair removal has increasingly grown in hospitals, clinics 
and malls. This is a service now offered by dermatology clinics, saloons, and other 
cosmetology establishments. In this method, a laser destroys hair follicles with heat. 
Electrolysis is the longest established method of permanent hair removal. 
Electrolysis has the longest known track record together with the most 
effective results for hair removal. Electrolysis (Epilation) works by passing a small 
amount of energy into the hair follicle through a very fine needle. This produces heat 
which destroys the cells that produce the hair at the base of the follicle. More than one 
treatment will be necessary due to the fact that hair follicles have a specific hair growth 
cycle. 
In the United States, electrolysis is regulated in many states, requiring training 
and licensure. Certification of a laser product means that each unit has passed a quality 
assurance test and that it complies with the performance standard. This procedure may 
involve the use of skin numbing products. The United States Food and Drug 
Administration's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research has received reports of serious 
and life-threatening side effects after use of large amounts of skin-numbing products for 
laser hair removal. Side effects of laser hair removal can include blistering, discoloration 
after treatment, swelling, redness, and scarring. There is therefore a need to regulate the 


use of laser hair removal devices to inform the public and protect it from the possible side 
effects of this treatment. This bill aims to raise the standards used for this procedure. 


Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
1 
2 
AN ACT 
REGULATING THE USE OF LASERS IN COSMETOLOGICAL 
~ 
3 
HAIR REMOVAL PROCEDURES 
4 
5 
Congress assembled: 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
6 
7 
Regulatory Act of 2008.” 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Laser Hair Removal 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
SECTION 2. Definition of terms. -As used in this Act, the tern- 
(A) “Laser hair removal device” refers to any device that emits light (electromagnetic 
radiation) through a process called stimulated emission or Intense Pulse Light (IPL) 
epilators which use xenon flash lamps that emit full spectrum light; 
(B) “Cosmetology” includes performing or offering to engage in any act of the classified 
occupations of cosmetology for compensation, which shall include, for purposes of 
this Act, the use of lasers, as defined in paragraph (A) of this Section, for cosmetic 
purposes, including but not limited to the removal or reduction of superfluous hair, 
wrinkles, scars, moles, and other blemishes; except that, for lasers and pulse light 
sources that are capable of coagulating tissue, such lasers and pulse light sources 
shall only be used under the direct supervision of a licensed physician; 
(C) “Cosmetologist” refers to a person practicing cosmetology; 
(D) “Cosmetology establishment” is that part of any building wherein or whereupon any 
of the classified occupations are practiced including any space rented within a 
licensed establishment by a person licensed under this Act, for the purpose of 
rendering cosmetology services; 


1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
25 
26 
(E) “Department” means the Department of Health. 
SECTION 3. Requirements for the Use of Laser Hair Removal Devices. - A 
cosmetologist must observe the following requirements if he uses a laser hair removal device in 
his cosmetology establishment- 
(A)Lasers are prescription devices that should be used only under the direction and 
supervision of a licensed physician, who must be present in the treatment room or 
area during the actual procedure; 
(B) If a topical anesthetic product is recommended before a laser hair removal procedure 
to minimize pain, clients must discuss with a licensed physician the circumstances 
under which the cream should be used, and whether the use is appropriate; 
(C) Those who decide to use a skin-numbing product should follow the directions of a 
health care provider and consider using a product that contains the lowest amount of 
anesthetic drugs possible; 
(D)The risks, possible side effects, and extent of the procedure must he discussed to the 
client; 
(E) Cosmetology establishments must register with the Department if they intend to use 
or are using a laser hair removal device. 
SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department shall promulgate 
rules regarding the training and authorized use of lasers and pulse light sources by 
cosmetologists. 
SECTION 5. Penalties. - The Department is empowered to establish and assess penalties 
or fines against a cosmetologist and the owner of a cosmetology establishment for violations of 
this Act or regulations adopted under this Act. In no circumstance will any penalty or fine exceed 
P50,OOO.OO for each violation. All violators shall be solidarily liable. 
SECTION 6. Separability Clause. - If any provision, or part hereof is held invalid or 
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain 
27 
valid and subsisting. 


1 
2 
3 
SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive 
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or inconsistent 
with, the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly. 
4 
5 
6 
Approved, 
SECTION 8. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.