Seal of Acceptance™ FAQ
What are the current product categories for the Seal of Acceptance™?
Currently the Seal is awarded to products in the following categories: cleansers, deodorant/anti-perspirant, disposable wipes, hair care products, household cleaning and laundry products, moisturizers, lip care, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and sunscreens.
Will the Seal expand beyond the current product categories?
We may consider future categories based on the needs of the eczema patient and caregiver community.
What ingredients are not allowed in Seal products?
You can review our Ecz-clusion List. This list is subject to change at any time based on ongoing NEA review, and may not be inclusive of all ingredients that might be deemed unacceptable during product review. Product manufacturers are also encouraged to review the ingredients of products that have been previously accepted in our Seal Product Directory.
Can the Seal be awarded to CBD products?
While CBD represents an exciting new area of research and may play a role in the treatment and management of eczema, it is currently not feasible for us to navigate the regulatory and monitoring intricacies around this ingredient.
Why does an eczema care product I use not have the Seal?
There are many personal care and other health-related products used by the eczema community. Only products that have applied for and pass the review process are awarded with the Seal.
Is there a periodic review of Seal-accepted products?
Each year the manufacturer must validate and attest to the formulation of the product awarded the Seal. Any product with a change in formulation (i.e. new ingredients, or change in concentration) must go through the application process again for review. Learn more about the application process here. Additionally, as NEA updates the testing requirements and ingredient considerations for accepted products, products previously awarded the Seal are required to demonstrate their product meets current Seal standards.
Does the Seal on a product mean it is endorsed by NEA?
No. The presence of the Seal on a product indicates that the manufacturer has voluntarily undergone evaluation by NEA to confirm its suitability for people with eczema and sensitive skin. While the Seal can help eczema-friendly products more easily identifiable, eczema is different for everyone and what works for one person might not work for another. Identifying a product with the Seal is an important first step, but it should be followed by trying the product to see how well it works for you.
How does a product obtain the Seal?
Product manufacturers voluntarily apply for the Seal by submitting detailed information about their product and its ingredients, along with required testing results. Products that meet the required scientific criteria are awarded the Seal. Learn more about the application requirements and review process. NEA does not solicit applications for the Seal.
Who evaluates products submitted to the Seal program?
Submitted products are reviewed by a team of independent physician reviewers who have a clinical focus on caring for eczema patients and scientific knowledge related to product considerations. The criteria and framework for the Seal review process is created by the Scientific Oversight Committee based on the most current scientific information.
Does the Seal testing criteria allow tests that have been completed on animals?
The Seal testing criteria does not require or accept any testing that has been completed on animals.
Do you require clinical safety testing on infants/babies/toddler skin when a product is branded and marketed for this population?
There is no evidence that infant skin is more hyper-sensitized than adults in terms of dermal sensitization and irritation. Therefore, we do not require clinical safety testing to be submitted to apply for the Seal to be completed on baby skin when a product is branded for babies.
FAQs for Manufacturers
Where can I submit my application for the Seal?
The steps and resources you need to apply for the Seal are here.
Once my product(s) have obtained the Seal, how long is it valid?
Each year the manufacturer must validate and attest to the formulation of the product awarded the Seal. Any product with a change in formulation (e.g. new ingredients or change in concentration) must go through the application process again for review. Learn more about the application process. Additionally, as NEA updates the testing requirements and ingredient considerations for accepted products, products previously awarded the Seal are required to demonstrate their product meets current Seal standards.
How much does it cost to obtain the Seal?
The costs associated with obtaining the Seal include:
- Application fee. The application fee is $500 per product. Application fees are non-refundable and are not applied towards the licensing fee if the product is accepted. There is no limit to the number of products that may be submitted per application.
Application fees may be paid by credit card, direct deposit, wire*, ACH* or check. We can send you an invoice upon request. Credit card payments incur a convenience fee in an amount dependent on the type of credit card.
*preferred payment methods - Clinical testing costs.
- Licensing fee. This per-product fee is assessed based on annual company revenue. Request more information on licensing fees here.
Do you allow for discounts in the application or licensing fee?
Discounts and pro-rating of payments to align with corporate calendars will not be considered for either the application or licensing fees.
Will my licensing fee change from year to year?
The annual Seal licensing fee is determined by annual company revenue. As this increases or decreases over time, so may the licensing fee. You will be required to provide a tax statement attesting to your annual company revenue.
How does NEA use the revenue generated from the Seal?
Revenue generated from the Seal directly supports the administration of the Seal program, and NEA’s mission and vision for a world without eczema. Product manufacturers remit an initial Seal application fee and subsequent Seal licensing fees if the product is accepted. NEA does not make money through sales of the products. Product links in the Seal Product Directory allow for individuals to purchase products directly from the manufacturer, but NEA does not make money from any of these sales.
What do I need to know about submitting product samples as a part of my application?
Four (4) product samples of each individual product you are applying for are required as a part of the application submission. Failure to send samples will delay the review of your application.
For example, if you have 3 different products you want to apply for an SPF, moisturizer and a cleanser, a total of 12 samples will be needed, 4 of each individual product.
- Acceptable product sample container for all personal care products: a bottle, tube, jar or cups; sizes should be at least 1 oz but can be full size. Please package appropriately to ensure there are no leakages in transport. NEA is not responsible for product samples that arrive damaged or review delays that may result.
- For a Laundry product, the sample size must be enough product to complete a small load of laundry, approximately 4 oz.
- For disposable wipes a count of 5 or more wipes is required per sample.
The product sample does not have to be in branded packaging. Samples can be unbranded generic packaging, but needs to be clearly marked with the formula ID and/or name of the product. Product samples can also be sent as full sized samples and branded if the product has launched already.
Mail product samples to:
National Eczema Association
Attention: Seal of Acceptance
505 San Marin Dr, Ste B300
Novato, CA 94945
Can I apply for the Seal if my product is not yet available for purchase?
Yes. However, please note the license agreement date and yearly licensing renewal fee will be based on the award date of the Seal, not the product launch date. You will be asked the product launch date in our application so it may be added to the Seal Product Directory at a future time.
If the product has not launched yet, you will be asked to confirm the product(s) are being sold in the U.S. Your U.S. company tax ID will be required when filling out the Seal application form.
Why do I need to submit an NDA before filling out my application?
We require an NDA to apply for the Seal as a protection for both parties. To start the Seal application process, you will be required to sign and date the NDA. We respect the privacy of formulations and would never divulge any formulations to the public. An ingredient list of the product(s) you want considered for the Seal, including exact concentration levels, will be required to be submitted along with your application for review.
Can I discuss my formulation with someone at NEA before I submit my Seal application?
Unfortunately, we are not available to pre-review product formulation or comment on ingredients for acceptability prior to applying. That’s why it’s so important for manufacturers to self-screen their product based on the Seal Criteria and Ecz-clusion List before submitting for review.
Why am I required to share annual company revenue as part of the application process?
Once a product obtains the Seal, the licensing fees are based on annual company revenue. This information is kept confidential. If your company is a private company, this information may be provided on company letterhead, or any related tax document indicating the annual company revenue.
You can request additional information on licensing fees here.
What happens after my product(s) is awarded the Seal?
If the product(s) is/are accepted, NEA will contact you via email regarding the licensing agreement for each individual product. The licensing fee is per product and will be based on annual company revenue. You can request additional information on licensing fees here.
What happens if my product(s) is not awarded the Seal?
If the product is not accepted, a letter will be provided detailing the reason(s) the product was not accepted. The decision of the review panel is final. Manufacturers can re-apply for the Seal pending resolution of the issues that resulted in non-acceptance. A new application, required testing and application fee will be required when reapplying.
How long does the review of my application take?
The time required for completing the review process for your application can vary. Once you have submitted a complete application, please allow for approximately 10 – 12 weeks for final approval. We do not allow for applications to take priority over another application and we do not expedite reviews of applications based on product launch date. Review of Seal applications are approximate times and there is no guarantee of an exact time of acceptance.
My company is based and/or headquartered in another country outside of the U.S. Can I apply for the Seal?
You can apply for the Seal if your company is not based or headquartered in the U.S. as long as the product is sold in the U.S. You will be asked for your U.S. company tax ID.
Once my product(s) are accepted, can I use the Seal on an awarded product outside the U.S.?
No. Use of the Seal on an awarded product is limited to use in the U.S. and Canada.
How long is the Seal valid?
The license agreement is perpetual provided the product formula does not change and the yearly licensing fees are paid in full.
When and how will I receive the Seal logo files?
Digital files with the Seal logo will be provided via email to the product applicant point of contact within 72 hours of the license agreement being fully executed and paid in full.
What are the guideline requirements I need to follow in using the Seal logo?
The Seal branding and usage guidelines are included in the Seal license agreement. All product communications (e.g. product packaging, website, social media, press releases, advertising, etc.) discussing or including the Seal require review and approval by NEA before release. Please allow for up to 5 days for review and approval.
What happens if I don’t follow the Seal usage and branding guidelines?
NEA reserves the right to revoke Seal logo usage rights at any time for noncompliance with Seal usage and brand guidelines.
What if my product has undergone or will undergo a change in formulation?
Please inform us of the intended /pending change in formula. As awarding of the Seal is tied to a specific formulation, if this occurs, you will need to submit the revised product through the application, pay the application fee and go through the review process. There will not be an additional licensing fee unless the annual company revenue has changed from the last time a product was reviewed.
I have a product with a formulation that includes a proprietary ingredient. Can I still apply for the Seal?
Yes. However, you must disclose the full ingredient list of the product in order to apply, including exact concentration levels.
What happens if a change in Seal criteria affects my products within the Seal program?
If changes are made to the Seal criteria that affect a product’s ability to maintain the Seal, you will be notified and will have 12 months to make the necessary changes to the formulation and packaging or in order to maintain Seal usage rights. If after 12 months, the required changes have not been made, you will no longer have Seal usage rights to the logo.
How often does the Seal make changes to the application criteria and Ecz-clusion List?
NEA reviews and updates the Seal criteria and the Ecz-clusion List approximately once a quarter to reflect the latest in research and other relevant considerations. Recommendations of any potential changes will be made by the Scientific Oversight Committee.
How do I get my product listed in the Seal Product Directory?
Once the product is accepted, the product is ready to be listed in our Seal Product Directory on the NEA website. If your product has been accepted but is not yet available to the public, we will add the product listing after launch.
Besides the Seal, are there additional opportunities to engage with the eczema community?
Yes. The eczema community includes people living with eczema, caregivers and healthcare providers. Opportunities to engage with the community include advertising, sponsorships and collaborations. Please complete the form linked here to learn more.
Can I decline to renew the Seal?
Yes. Manufacturers have the sole discretion to initially apply for the Seal and retain the Seal after it has been awarded. Although few products opt to forego renewal, please let us know if you do not intend to renew the Seal licensing agreement due to product discontinuation, launch challenges, or other considerations. You will be required to remove any mention of the Seal from your website and social media as well as cease printing of the Seal logo on packaging. If the product is listed in the Seal Product Directory, the product will be removed from our website.
