BDA Seal - Derm-tested & Evidence-based
Apply for a Seal that Embodies Unbiased & Methodical Product Evaluation
What is the BDA Seal?
The BDA Seal was established to highlight skincare products that have undergone our rigorous and comprehensive ingredient and user-experience analysis. It highlights that the product is evidence-based and tested by our dermatologists.
What it means for your users:
Expert-Backed Assurance: The seal signifies that the product has earned the trust and approval of BDA’s dermatologists, offering users peace of mind about its quality and effectiveness.
Informed Choices: Our thorough analysis provides users with detailed insights, empowering them to make informed decisions about their skincare products based on scientific evidence and expert evaluation.
High-Quality Standards: The seal represents a commitment to excellence, assuring users that the product meets stringent criteria for safety, efficacy, and quality, as assessed by BDA-affiliated dermatologists.
Detailed Services
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Over a span of 4 weeks, our experts will conduct an in-depth analysis of your products, ensuring every aspect is thoroughly examined.
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Provide us with your detailed ingredient lists or product specifications, and we'll:
Utilize our in-house algorithm to assess potential allergens, irritants, and comedogenic ingredients.
Conduct additional research to determine environmental-friendliness.
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Should your product meet the strict standards around user-experience, ingredient analysis, and product testing, our team will offer you permission to utilize the BDA Seal of Excellence in product promotion or display.
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How many products can be submitted by any company?
While there is no limit, we request that only products with evidence-based ingredients be submitted for analysis.
What is the turnaround time for the application?
Please expect anywhere from 4-6 weeks of application confirmation for full evaluation.
Where can I use the seal after obtaining it?
It can be used in any promotional, advertising, or product placement material. It can even be printed on the product itself. While the Seal demonstrates meeting strict standards outlined by BDA, it does not mean our endorsement of the product as we aim to remain an impartial party.
What is your product testing process?
Our testing process is comprehensive, encompassing both quantitative and qualitative aspects. On the quantitative side, we utilize in-house datasets derived from multiple public sources, analyzing ingredient profiles for allergenicity, irritancy, hydration levels, comedogenicity, and environmental impact. Qualitatively, our team conducts blinded product tests, using items as directed for a period that varies depending on the product type. For example, a sunscreen-based product can be assumed to be functional, so we would be testing for negative side effects from use. Meanwhile, a hydrating cream might show results in a few days, while a serum might require weeks of consistent use. Our evaluations focus on various standardized metrics depending on the product category, similar to the approach in our product testing articles.
Will the data be shared with the client companies?
We do not plan to share the data beyond providing the seal (if granted). A white paper containing data can be commissioned as a premium service. For products who do not receive the seal, we will provide feedback as to the rationale and will accept a reapplication down the line that address the feedback.