Dr. Iris Rubin, MD
Dermatologist + Founder of SEEN
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You Asked We Answered

It’s the season of the scalp. Whether it’s dandruff, inflammation, or scalp acne, these flare-ups can be increasingly common as colder weather approaches. Luxury haircare brand SEEN was born from founder Dr. Iris Rubin, MD’s (she/her) own experience with breakouts, specifically related to her personal haircare line-up. “As a dermatologist, I saw patients struggle with breakouts. The worst part? When nothing seems to work and we can’t get to the root of the issue,” she says. Thankfully, Dr. Rubin did get to the root, and shares what she learned there below.
What inspired you to launch SEEN?
I noticed frequent breakouts after salon visits. So, I did my research and traced them back to a surprising source: the hair products the salon used. I like to fix things—and this needed fixing. With SEEN, we’ve created a line that’s truly good for skin while delivering great looking hair.
How does the formulation target these flare-ups?
When working on SEEN product formulations, I review ingredients closely, look at published research and reports on contact dermatitis, and consult with specialists about emerging allergens as well. As a result, all SEEN products are safe for sensitive skin, and all fragrance-free SEEN products have the National Eczema Association’s Seals of Acceptance. Fragrance-Free Shampoo, Fragrance-Free Conditioner, and Magic Serum have also received SkinSAFE’s coveted “Trusted Choice” seals.
What exactly is contact dermatitis?
Contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction triggered in response to allergens in haircare, skincare, or makeup. This can cause a red, flakey, itchy rash that is not contagious, usually appearing 48 to 72 hours after exposure to the allergen.
What are some common ingredients that can cause contact dermatitis?
Fragrance can cause irritation by disrupting the skin barrier, or you can develop a skin allergy to fragrance. Both often appear as contact dermatitis with redness, flaking, and/or itching. Preservatives are the second most common cause of cosmetic allergic contact dermatitis. Harsh ingredients such as sulfates found in shampoo can lead to this as well. Though designed to wash away dirt and product build-up, these cleansing agents can also strip your scalp (and hair) of the natural oils that help maintain hydration, which can be a key trigger for dryness, itching, and flaking.
How can we tell if it’s contact dermatitis or simply dry skin?
If you’re unsure whether your dry, itchy scalp is due to dryness, seborrheic dermatitis, or contact dermatitis, it’s best to schedule an appointment with a derm. You can also try to streamline your beauty routine and eliminate heavily fragranced products and make the switch to cleaner options which should help regardless.
What are your top tips for someone struggling with contact dermatitis?
Remember that your haircare products can cause skin issues! What’s on your hair is on your skin. Haircare products can leave a residue on the skin hours after using them (even rinse-off products!). And that doesn’t just apply to your scalp, but your face and body, too.
With that in mind, choose shampoos with milder surfactants (cleansers) that won’t strip the skin of natural oils. Also, look for haircare products labeled as non-irritating. Fragrance-free products can be helpful for those with fragrance sensitivities.