The Sonya Dakar lawsuit is a December 2025 civil case filed in Los Angeles Superior Court by former client Victoria Nelson, who alleges that a 2021 chemical peel at Dakar’s Beverly Hills clinic left her with permanent facial scarring and that Dakar performed procedures outside the scope of a California esthetician’s license. A separate complaint by the California Attorney General’s office is seeking to revoke Dakar’s esthetician and establishment licenses.
What Nelson Says Happened at the Clinic
Nelson became a client at Sonya Dakar Skin Clinic in 2019. During an April 2021 appointment, Dakar applied a liquid solution to Nelson’s cheeks and forehead. Nelson alleges the substance caused immediate burning and stinging, that she was given no eye protection, and that after the solution was rinsed off she found burns on both cheeks, under one eyebrow, and across her forehead, leaving a “P”-shaped mark on her face.1People. Woman Files Lawsuit Against Celebrity Facialist Sonya Dakar
Nelson returned to the clinic daily for a week afterward and then, over roughly two years, underwent about 28 microneedling sessions there without numbing cream. She says those treatments caused the burned skin to turn gray and scab thickly. When they failed to resolve the scarring, an outside dermatologist prescribed six sessions of Fraxel DUAL 1927 laser treatment in the summer of 2022, which Nelson says also did not work. She estimates her total spending on recovery and prior clinic services at about $100,000, including roughly $60,000 paid to Dakar’s clinic over her years as a client.2The Cut. Victoria Nelson’s Journey After Being Burned by Sonya Dakar
What the December 2025 Lawsuit Claims
Nelson filed her current complaint on December 2, 2025 (Case No. 25SMCV06238). It brings claims for fraud, unfair competition, unlawful business practices, and unlicensed practice of medicine, and seeks punitive damages in excess of $35,000. Nelson alleges that Dakar misrepresented her professional qualifications and licensure, performed procedures beyond what a California esthetician is authorized to do, and charged her roughly $71,000 for unauthorized services.3LA Superior Court. Victoria Nelson vs. Sonya Dakar, Et Al.1People. Woman Files Lawsuit Against Celebrity Facialist Sonya Dakar
In California, estheticians are prohibited from performing procedures that penetrate beyond the epidermis. That includes microneedling, medical-grade chemical peels, lasers, and injectables.4New York Post. Celebrity Esthetician Sued for $71K After Client Says She Was Left Burned, Scarred
The Earlier Suit That Was Dropped
The December filing is Nelson’s second attempt. She first sued Dakar and the clinic for medical malpractice on March 18, 2024, and voluntarily dismissed that case with prejudice on May 13, 2024. Nelson has said she dropped the suit after Dakar’s team told her the clinic lacked insurance coverage.5Trellis.law. Victoria Nelson vs. Sonya Dakar, Et Al.4New York Post. Celebrity Esthetician Sued for $71K After Client Says She Was Left Burned, Scarred
Where the Case Stands
A case management conference is scheduled for August 19, 2026. No trial date, settlement, or substantive rulings have been reported as of mid-2026.3LA Superior Court. Victoria Nelson vs. Sonya Dakar, Et Al.
The State’s Move Against Dakar’s License
Nelson filed a complaint with the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology in February 2024. The board’s case report confirmed the client experienced “severe chemical burns that caused significant damage.” During an August 2024 inspection, officials reportedly observed a radiofrequency microneedling machine on the premises.4New York Post. Celebrity Esthetician Sued for $71K After Client Says She Was Left Burned, Scarred
In November 2025, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, working with the board, filed a formal complaint against Dakar’s esthetician license and her establishment license, seeking revocation. The complaint cited the Nelson incident, the allegation that Dakar performed unauthorized medical procedures, and a charge of operating an unlicensed establishment in 2023.6Yahoo News. Woman Sues Celebrity Skincare Guru By May 2026, the board’s deputy executive officer had called for a hearing on the accusations, though it remains unclear whether a hearing date has been set.4New York Post. Celebrity Esthetician Sued for $71K After Client Says She Was Left Burned, Scarred
Dakar’s Prior Disciplinary Record
Dakar has held a California esthetician license since 1979.7The Cut. Celebrity Facialist Sonya Dakar Lawsuit She has previously drawn regulatory action twice.
On July 29, 2008, Consumer Affairs inspector Michell DeGrate visited the clinic to remove an expired business license. According to the board and later reporting, Dakar grabbed the inspector’s hand, pulled her hair, and attempted to bite her; the inspector required medical attention and could not complete the inspection. Dakar was arrested on a battery charge and released on $20,000 bail. In 2011, the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology placed her on three years of probation.8Los Angeles Times. Sonya Dakar Clinic Incident4New York Post. Celebrity Esthetician Sued for $71K After Client Says She Was Left Burned, Scarred
Separately, the board revoked the establishment license for Dakar’s Beverly Hills clinic in April 2022 following accusations that the facility used advanced medical equipment, including laser machines and a Cellu M6 device, and refused access to inspectors. A new establishment license was issued to the clinic in March 2024.4New York Post. Celebrity Esthetician Sued for $71K After Client Says She Was Left Burned, Scarred
Dakar’s Response
Dakar has not publicly responded to Nelson’s lawsuit or the Attorney General’s complaint. People magazine and the New York Post both reported reaching out to Dakar and her clinic for comment and receiving no response.1People. Woman Files Lawsuit Against Celebrity Facialist Sonya Dakar4New York Post. Celebrity Esthetician Sued for $71K After Client Says She Was Left Burned, Scarred