Students unknowingly used same unlicensed substances that led to botox clinic closure in Espoo

Students at a Helsinki aesthetics academy have revealed they were trained using the same unlicensed substances that forced the closure of a botox clinic in Espoo, Finnish public broadcaster Yle reports. The professional university partner, Laurea, has terminated its collaboration with the academy following the revelations.

The Esteettinen Akatemia (Aesthetic Academy), owned by the same company behind the shut-down Espoo clinic, continues to operate in Helsinki and train students in injectable cosmetic treatments. Multiple students told Yle they had used unapproved substances during their studies—including injecting them into each other for practice—only to later discover the products lacked proper licensing.

Laurea University of Applied Sciences confirmed it ended its one-year pilot partnership with the academy last month, before the violations came to light. The university had provided only theoretical instruction, including sales, marketing, and aseptic techniques, while all clinical training was handled by the academy.

Students described serious deficiencies in the program, including inadequate anatomical training and unclear guidelines on injection depths and dosages. “We were led along with promises of high-quality, university-level education and safety,” one student told Yle. Another called the situation “embarrassing,” having previously promoted the unlicensed products on social media to a professional audience.

The academy’s €8,900 course, marketed as granting certification for cosmetic injections, now appears worthless to participants. “That certificate is a liability, not an asset,” one student said. “The trainer’s reputation is ruined.”

Nordicshape, the company behind both the closed Espoo clinic and the academy, acknowledged the use of unlicensed substances but claimed they were removed immediately upon discovery. Outgoing CEO Samuel Rossi, a co-owner of both entities, told Yle such issues are “typical in the industry” and accepted full responsibility.