This January, the NRS will be launching a new Seal of Acceptance program to identify gentle skin care and cosmetic products that may be suitable for people with rosacea. One of the most common requests the NRS receives from rosacea patients is for information about which skin care and cosmetic products are appropriate to use. 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. The first group of products is going through the review process now.

The Seal of Acceptance program was developed under the guidance of Dr. Zoe Diana Draelos, a clinical and research dermatologist and president of Dermatology Consulting Services. Dr. Draelos is a well-known authority on skin care and serves on 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 (flushing) 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 product earns the right to display the NRS Seal of Acceptance on product packaging and marketing materials, and will be listed in a directory of accepted products that will debut on rosacea.org when the program launches in January.