UPC vs UL: What Beauty and Spa Equipment Buyers Really Need to Know

When you're shopping for electric facial beds, massage tables, or salon equipment for your spa or clinic, you’ve probably noticed two common terms: UPC and UL Certified.

But what do they actually mean? Do you really need them? And how do they affect your purchase?

Let’s break it down in a practical way — no fluff, no technical jargon. Just what you, as a business owner, need to know.

1.What Is a UPC?

UPC stands for Universal Product Code. It’s that barcode you see on nearly every product sold in the U.S. retail market.

What It Does:

• Identifies the product in a global database.
• Makes your product scannable at retail points (POS systems).
• Helps manage inventory and logistics.
• Necessary for listing products on platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and eBay.

What It Doesn't Do:

• It does NOT verify quality.
• It’s not a safety certification.
• It’s not required by U.S. law unless you're selling through certain retailers.

💡 If you're buying for a spa, salon, or medspa, a UPC doesn't impact your use. But for resellers, distributors, or retailers, a UPC is often mandatory.

2. What Is UL Certification?

UL stands for Underwriters Laboratories, a global safety certification company based in the U.S. If a product is UL Listed, it has been tested and proven to meet specific safety standards.

Why UL Matters:

• Ensures the electrical safety of powered equipment (like electric facial beds, pedicure chairs, or LED therapy lamps).
• Often required by local building codes, especially in commercial or medical settings.
• Indicates that fire, shock, and hazard risks have been tested.

What It Doesn't Do:

• UL doesn’t mean “better performance” or higher comfort.
• It doesn’t certify materials like PU leather or foam.
• It doesn’t replace manufacturer warranties or guarantees.

🛑 Bottom line: UL is about safety, especially electrical safety.

3. Real-World Example: Buying an Electric Facial Bed

Let’s say you’re outfitting a medspa in California.

• You see two facial beds: both look great, both are motorized.
• One has UL-certified components (motor, power supply, remote).
• The other doesn’t.

Here’s what many buyers do:

"You’d probably assume the certified one costs more. But you’d also assume it’s more compliant — and that’s usually true, especially in stricter states."

In states like California, New York, or Massachusetts, inspectors or landlords may require UL or equivalent certification for business-use electrical equipment.

4. How UPC and UL Affect U.S. Buyers Differently

5. What Should You Look For When Buying?

If You're a Retailer or Amazon Seller:

• You need a UPC.

• You don't need UL unless you're selling electric or plug-in products.

If You're a Spa, Salon, or MedSpa Owner:

• UPC is optional (it won’t affect your usage).

• UL is highly recommended, especially if:

  • Your space is in a shopping plaza or licensed medical facility.

  • Your insurance provider asks for equipment safety compliance.

  • You’re installing permanent or semi-permanent furniture.

6. What UL Means for Electric Beauty Equipment

Beauty and medical-grade furniture often include:

• Lifting motors
• Heating pads
• Plug-in remotes
• LED displays or timers

All of these components may require UL if:

• You’re operating in commercial settings.
• You want to reduce fire or liability risk.
• You want your clients to feel reassured about safety.

Many U.S. salon owners say:
“It’s not just about rules — clients feel more confident when they know we’ve invested in certified equipment.

7. Do All 50 States in the U.S. Recognize UL?

Yes — UL is recognized nationwide.
But enforcement varies by state and use case.

 States where UL is often required:

• California

• New York

• Massachusetts

• New Jersey

• Washington

In these states, UL is often tied to electrical code compliance or insurance requirements.

8. Is ETL the Same as UL?

Not quite, but they’re similar.

ETL (by Intertek) is another NRTL (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory) like UL.
Both test products to the same U.S. safety standards.

If your product is ETL certified, it’s usually accepted wherever UL is required.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to be a certification expert to run a successful salon—but knowing the difference between UPC and UL, and when they apply, helps you:

• Avoid regulatory headaches

• Protect your staff and clients

• Gain peace of mind when investing in new equipment

At Beauty-Ace.com, we understand how overwhelming equipment decisions can feel. That’s why we’re transparent about our product specs, certification availability, and compliance standards. If you’re unsure whether a product you’re viewing meets local U.S. requirements, don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly.