Skin care claims, checked by Canadian dermatologists
The DRP seal means a panel of independent dermatologists reviewed the scientific evidence behind a product’s claims and approved them.
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From face serums to laundry detergent: every product here was reviewed for skin-related claims.
What the seal tells you
Reviewed independently
Three dermatologists from across Canada review each submission on their own. The Board of Governors makes the final decision.
Backed by evidence
A claim is approved only when the manufacturer’s scientific data supports it. Only approved claims are listed here.
Renewed every three years
A seal is licensed for three years. After that, or if the product changes, it has to be reviewed again.
From the blog
The ideas behind the claims, explained in plain language.
How long does a damaged skin barrier take to recover?
What tape-stripping studies reveal about how fast the skin barrier repairs itself, why it takes longer with age, stress and repeated damage, and what you can do to help it along.
Ingredients on the “free from” list
Steroid-free and antibiotic-free: why balms make this promise
What over-the-counter hydrocortisone and antibiotic ointments do, when they help, why long or careless use causes problems, and what a steroid-free balm can and can’t do.
Hair loss and scalp health: what’s connected and what isn’t
Normal shedding, stress-related shedding, pattern hair loss and inflamed-scalp conditions explained, plus why washing your hair doesn’t make it fall out.
How a product earns the seal
Read about the process- Step 1
Submit your product
Send the product submission form, your supporting data and the review fee. Three reviewers from the panel review the product using a standard process.
- Step 2
The panel decides
The reviewers’ results are tabulated and the Board of Governors renders a final decision. The seal is available to every product that meets the panel’s criteria.
- Step 3
Receive the seal
Once approved and the licence fee is received, you get a high-resolution seal for packaging, advertising and promotion in Canada, valid for three years.
- Step 4
Renew after three years
Resubmit the application and data after three years, or sooner if the product changes, so the panel can review any new information.
Common questions
All questions and answersIs DRP a government agency?
No, we are an independent group of dermatologists that have been brought together to review products to identify if they have scientific data to support the claims made about over-the-counter products. This review does not replace any other review / approval provided by other associations, agencies or government departments.
Who is the Dermatology Review Panel?
The Dermatology Review Panel (“DRP”) is incorporated as DRP Dermatology Inc., a British Columbia company which is headed by dermatologists. The panel itself is a group of dermatologists from across Canada.
Can more than one product in the same category have the seal?
Yes, the review by DRP is not exclusive to any product. If a product meets our standards, it has the opportunity to receive the seal.
Will I find out which products are not approved?
No, as there is confidentiality agreement in place that prevents us from disclosing products that do not receive the seal. In some cases the manufacturer may resubmit with additional data and therefore be approved later.
Can I talk to a dermatologist on your Review Panel?
In order for the reviewers to remain at arms-length, we do not disclose to the public or to manufacturers submitting a product review who the reviewers are. They are dermatologists selected from across Canada, male and female, with a high-level of clinical experience in dermatology. If you have any questions regarding a product, you should discuss it with your own medical professional.
Make a product with evidence behind it?
Show shoppers that dermatologists reviewed your claims. The seal comes in English, French and bilingual versions for packaging and advertising in Canada.
Apply for the seal