To be considered for the Seal, skin care and cosmetic products must be free of ingredients that cause skin barrier dysfunction, vasomotor instability or unwanted neurosensory stimulation, such as burning or itching.

The National Rosacea Society is launching a Seal of Acceptance program to identify skin care and cosmetic products that may be suitable for people with rosacea. 

“One of the most common requests the Society receives from rosacea patients is for information about which skin care and cosmetic products are appropriate to use,” says Andrew Huff, president and executive director of the NRS, in a news release. “We are excited to offer this new way to provide guidance to rosacea sufferers by recognizing products that have been shown to be unlikely to cause a flare-up.” 

In NRS surveys, 92% of people with rosacea reported burning, stinging or itching skin; 66% named certain skin care or cosmetic products as triggers for rosacea signs and symptoms; and 84% were “very interested” in more guidance on skin care.

The Seal of Acceptance program was developed under the guidance of Zoe Diana Draelos, MD, FAAD, a clinical and research dermatologist and president of Dermatology Consulting Services, PLLC, and member of the NRS board of directors.  To be considered for the Seal, skin care and cosmetic products must be free of ingredients that cause skin barrier dysfunction, vasomotor instability or unwanted neurosensory stimulation, such as burning or itching. Applicants must provide a full list of ingredients as well as human repeat insult patch test (HRIPT) data on at least 30 people and safety-in-use test data on at least 30 rosacea patients. 

Applications are anonymously reviewed by an independent panel of dermatologists. If approved, the Seal may be licensed for display on product packaging and marketing material and will be listed in a directory of accepted products to debut when the program launches to the public later in 2023.

Companies interested in pursuing the Seal, to be displayed on accepted product packaging, may learn more and request an application online at https://www.rosacea.org/seal-of-acceptance/ or by contacting the Society at seal@rosacea.org.