Cosmetic brands can now apply for the Seal of Acceptance™, bringing the program’s rigorous ingredient, formulation and clinical safety testing requirements to the beauty aisle for the first time

• The National Eczema Association (NEA) Seal of Acceptance™ program expanded into makeup, beginning with foundation, concealer and primer.
• To obtain the Seal, products are individually reviewed by the Seal Review Panel and evaluated against strict clinical safety, ingredient and formulation standards.
• The first makeup brands with products to earn the NEA Seal of Acceptance™ are IT Cosmetics, Laura Geller Beauty, Rare Beauty and Tower 28 Beauty.

NOVATO, Calif., Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The National Eczema Association (NEA) today announced the expansion of its Seal of Acceptance™ program to include color cosmetics, allowing brands in the makeup category to apply for the trusted mark for the first time in Seal program history. The initial launch will focus on base products, including foundation, concealer and primer, with additional makeup product categories to follow.

The first makeup brands with products to earn the NEA Seal of Acceptance™ in the makeup category are IT Cosmetics, Laura Geller Beauty, Rare Beauty and Tower 28 Beauty. IT Cosmetics’ Seal-accepted product will become available to consumers in January 2027.

Setting the Standard for Sensitive Skin
Since 2008, the Seal of Acceptance™ program has helped more than 31 million Americans living with eczema – and many more with sensitive skin – shop for products with confidence. Today, the Seal is the most trusted mark for eczema-friendly products, a reflection of the strict ingredient and clinical safety testing standards set by the NEA Scientific Oversight Committee.

To obtain the Seal of Acceptance, products are individually reviewed by NEA’s Seal Review Panel, a group of board-certified dermatologists, allergists and eczema specialists holding MD, PhD or DO credentials. The evaluation considers strict clinical safety, ingredient and formulation standards, with external testing required for sensitivity, irritation and toxicity.

Seal-accepted products cannot include added fragrance, chemical UV absorbers or formaldehyde releasers, and must be free of every ingredient on the NEA Ecz-clusion List, a compilation of ingredients known to be common allergens and irritants.

“For nearly two decades, the Seal of Acceptance has guided people with eczema and sensitive skin in finding products that are suitable for them and their families. Bringing that same careful, scientific review to makeup is a natural next step, especially because makeup has been one of the most requested product needs shared by our community. Extending into makeup means someone can pick up a foundation or concealer knowing it’s been through the same careful review. Now, getting ready in the morning doesn’t have to come with a side of worry,” said Samantha Iannotti, Senior Director, Seal of Acceptance at NEA.

A New Era of Seal-Accepted Makeup
Historically, consumers with eczema or sensitive skin have had to navigate the beauty aisle without clear guidance or established standards when searching for eczema-friendly makeup products. By expanding the Seal of Acceptance™ into color cosmetics, NEA is removing the guesswork, giving millions of consumers the clarity and confidence they need to shop for everyday makeup.

“As someone living with eczema, I know how difficult it can be to choose makeup products with confidence, especially in today’s fast-paced beauty industry,” said Kristin Belleson, President and CEO of NEA. “Expanding the Seal of Acceptance™ to the cosmetic category helps take that stress out of the equation, giving consumers assurance that accepted makeup products have been tested and reviewed against NEA’s rigorous criteria. This new Seal category is an important step toward making everyday product choices easier for millions of people with eczema and sensitive skin.”

Current product categories for the Seal program include moisturizers, sunscreens, cleansers, disposable wipes, haircare products, over-the-counter drugs, household cleaning, laundry, lip care, deodorant, and now makeup. All current Seal of Acceptance™ products can be found in the NEA Eczema-Friendly Product Directory.

Applications for the Seal of Acceptance™ across all product categories, including makeup, are currently being accepted at nationaleczema.org/get-the-seal. To learn more about NEA, visit nationaleczema.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which makeup brands are accepted by the National Eczema Association?
A: As of September 2026, the first recognized makeup brands to earn the Seal of Acceptance™ are IT Cosmetics, Laura Geller Beauty, Rare Beauty and Tower 28 Beauty.

Q: What makeup products are eligible for the NEA Seal of Acceptance™?
A: Initially, eligible makeup products include foundations, concealers and primers, with additional cosmetic product categories to follow.

Q: How does NEA evaluate makeup products for the Seal of Acceptance™?
A: An expert panel of dermatologists, allergists and eczema specialists reviews each product’s ingredients, formulation and testing data. Products undergo external clinical safety testing using accepted protocols such as the Human Repeat Insult Patch Test (HRIPT), Cumulative Irritation Test (CIT) or Safety In Use (SIU) test. They must also be free of ingredients on the Ecz-clusion List, including added fragrances, chemical UV absorbers and formaldehyde releasers.

Q: How can brands apply for the NEA Seal of Acceptance™?
A: Applications for all Seal product categories, including makeup, are available on the NEA Seal of Acceptance™ application website.

About the National Eczema Association
Founded in 1988, the National Eczema Association (NEA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the largest patient advocacy organization serving the more than 31 million Americans living with eczema and those who care for them. NEA provides programs and resources to elevate the diverse lived experience of eczema, helping patients and caregivers understand their condition, actively engage in their care, find strength in one another and improve their lives. NEA also advances critical eczema research and partners with key stakeholders to ensure the patient voice is represented and valued in education, care and treatment decision-making. Learn more: nationaleczema.org 

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SOURCE National Eczema Association