We are pleased to announce that a number of our Prequel SKUs have been awarded the new National Rosacea Society Seal of Acceptance. The National Rosacea Society (NRS) publicly announced the launch of the seal and the rigorous process necessary to incorporate the seal on applicable skincare products. The aim of the seal is to aid those suffering with rosacea or have been diagnosed with rosacea-prone skin in selecting personal care products that will not exacerbate symptoms or contribute to flare-ups. While products awarded the seal are not meant to treat or heal the signs and symptoms of rosacea, a medical condition that affects 1 in 20 Americans according to the NRS, they are meant to minimize the chance of irritation or sensitization for those with rosacea. Our brand founder, Dr. Sam Ellis, is the one out of 20 with diagnosed rosacea and feels passionately about offering products that consumers with rosacea-prone skin feel comfortable using.

Criteria for Acceptance

The Prequel products submitted for the NRS Seal of Acceptance passed the stringent criteria for acceptance identified below.

Formula Review

Rosacea has diagnostic features that include papules and pustules, facial flushing, visible blood vessels called telangiectasia, and persistent erythema. Ingredients in products should not exacerbate these symptoms so part of the criteria for seal acceptance is that the products must be free of ingredients that may cause damaged skin barrier function, vasomotor instability (flushing), or unwanted neurosensory stimulation (burning, itching). A panel of board certified dermatologists scrutinized and assessed every ingredient in the products to make sure the ingredients passed these qualifications. We provided not only quantitative ingredient lists for products but supported our products with toxicological risk assessment reviews to further validate the safety of the products.

Repeated Insult Patch Test (RIPT)

In addition to a review of the ingredients in the products, each Prequel product submitted for the seal underwent third party clinical testing. The first clinical test was the industry standard Repeated Insult Patch Test (RIPT) to evaluate skin irritation and sensitization. The NRS requires products to be hypoallergenic, a non-regulated term but per industry standards does have an established protocol. Products were tested on 200 panelists, 50% of which had self-perceived sensitive skin with the primary investigator of the study being a board certified dermatologist. Learn more about the process and the dermatologist-tested claim.

Safety-In-Use Testing

Once the products passed this initial safety test, they were then evaluated through a Safety-In-Use test. RIPT tests irritation and sensitization potential through patch testing on the back or forearm under occlusive conditions. Safety-In-Use testing evaluates the products for irritation and sensitization as a consumer would use the product, better reflecting real time use. While safety-in-use testing is not a unique study, the NRS requires this test to be performed solely on diagnosed rosacea patients under the care of a board certified dermatologist. The dermatologist investigator reviews tolerability of the products which includes evaluating the skin for dryness, desquamation, erythema, edema, and irritation. Suitability is also included encompassing skin facial erythema and facial inflammatory papules/pustules. Participants also assess the tolerability and suitability providing their feedback on dryness, peeling, tingling, stinging, itching, burning, facial redness, flushing/blushing severity, flushing/blushing frequency, and facial acne.

Our Prequel products were tested as a regimen starting with our Prequel Gleanser Non-Drying Glycerin Cleanser and building upon weekly with additional Prequel products ending with our Prequel Sun Barrier Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++. The dermatologist, Dr. Zoe Draelos, who serves on the board of directors for the NRS and is a clinical and research dermatologist, determined from the data that all study products reduced the severity of both erythema and acne lesions making them suitable for rosacea sufferers. The test subjects also noted a remarkable improvement in rosacea signs as a result of the skin care regimen. While each product produced favorable data there was a cumulative effect using all the products as a whole. Not all Prequel products tested have launched yet so stay tuned; however, we can share the data obtained from the Gleanser alone. After 1 week twice daily use of Gleanser, participants with diagnosed rosacea saw statistically significant improvement in visual rosacea signs including 26% reduction in redness, 27% reduction in flushing severity, and 38% reduction in facial acne.

Products that obtain the NRS Seal of Acceptance are not meant to treat or heal rosacea but guide those suffering with rosacea to products that are hypoallergenic, non-acnegenic, non-inflammatory, non-sensitizing and ultimately safe to use for their rosacea-prone skin. We are excited to be one of the first brands to pursue the seal and offer products that are safe for those suffering with rosacea.

Disclaimer: The National Rosacea Society (NRS) does not evaluate, endorse or recommend any particular medications, products, equipment or treatments. The inclusion of a product in the Seal of Acceptance program does not represent an endorsement of that product by the NRS. The Seal of Acceptance for a skin care or cosmetic product means it has been evaluated by an independent panel of dermatologists to determine that it does not contain ingredients that are known to be generally unsuitable for use by people with sensitive rosacea skin. Rosacea may vary substantially from one patient to another. The NRS Seal of Acceptance does not guarantee that individuals will not experience adverse reactions after using a product bearing the Seal. The NRS Seal of Acceptance does not guarantee that the product will improve an individual’s rosacea. All individuals with rosacea should consult with a healthcare provider to confirm that using any over-the-counter product bearing the Seal of Acceptance will not interfere with prescribed medications or therapy. The information provided by the National Rosacea Society and its Seal of Acceptance program should not be considered medical advice, nor is it intended to replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.