We were referred a question from a Sephora store and wanted to give you some feedback on it, should you come across this question yourselves. The question had to do with a customer looking for gluten free skin care.
There are only 2 reasons I know of that someone needs to avoid gluten; they have a GI condition called Celiac Sprue, or they have a blistering skin condition known as DH (Dermatitis Herpetiformis). Both conditions are set off by the oral CONSUMPTION of gluten, not the topical application.
According to the Mayo Clinic, those who need to be on a gluten-free diet such as anyone with Celiac Sprue or Dermatitis Herpetiformis do not need to use gluten-free skin care products as gluten is not absorbed through the skin. Gluten is only absorbed through the GI tract. Products containing gluten should not be applied to the lips or about the mouth as they might be accidentally consumed. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/celiac-disease/AN01623/rss=1
Should someone be allergic to wheat or other grain and develop a rash when products containing these are applied to the skin, then they need to avoid that specific grain, not gluten.
- Tags: gluten free
14 Responses to “Gluten Free Skincare?”
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Interesting! I have several friends with celiac or gluten intollerance, including myself, and whether or not to avoid skin care products containing gluten was always a mystery to me. Thank you for clearing this up – and I will pass on the info to my friends!
I think one should always look for side effect and consequences before using any product even skin care products.
I just received an order from the doctor today to have a blood test, to check for gluten sensitivity. Surprised to come across this article tonight. Glad to know that it is not absorbed through the skin.
My dr. said celiacs can have reactions to topically applied products with gluten in them. I have celiac & I got DH from a body wash I used that had wheat germ oil as an ingredient.
Hi Lindsay, Certainly we recommend that you follow your physicians advice with regard to skin care product recommendations. This article was intended as general information…there are always exceptions. Take care!
I am 46. Just found out I am gluten sensitve. I haven’t been able to wear lipstick for over 15 yrs. because my lips peal almost as soon as I apply it. Guess what? Many lipsticks contain wheat! Some shampoos and conditioners have made my scalp itch in the past. Guess what? After reading the labels I found out they contained wheat.
Your skin is the the largest organ in your body. It absorbs whatever you put on it. I am staying away from any and all health and beauty aids that contain wheat from now on!!!
I have to agree with Jennifer, your skin is the largest organ in our body and it absorbs whatever you put on it!! I was diagnosed with celiac last May. for the past few months I have be using a very well known line of cosmetics (initials MK). I was using their skin care products and makeup and this last week I think it has all come to a head. About 2 hours after I use the products I get very ill. I discontinued to use the products for about 4 days, and I felt great by the 4th day. During the 4 days, I talked to the company and they said they could not guarentee their products are gluten free. They faxed me a list of ingredients that may contain gluten. So the next day I used the products that weren’t on the list and I still got sick. I don’t know what is going on, I am very fustrated. I guess I will have to buy gluten free cosmetics from now on.
I also believe that the skin may absorb the gluten from the various grains. I keep having a time of it and so frustrated myself. If I totally avoid everything made from wheat gluten, I still have problems from the hidden stuff. I’ve even resorted to making my own soaps and lotions to try and help. There I can be more sure of the ingredients, just like in food recipes I myself create. Eating out is a chore, just like reading labels at the grocery -which drives the hubby nuts. If I’m right, though, he’s been even more problematic than I for the last twenty plus years and his is all visible. Found this posting while looking at Dermatitis Herpetiformis (DH). If even the mild case of this stuff is his problem, perhaps I’ll get some relief sooner rather than later. Good luck everyone!
i am into Gluten-Free diet because i am allergic to gluten. when baking bread, i always use Guar Gum or Xanthan Gum
i have been in a gluten free diet ever since last year because i have food allergy.
I was on a gluten free diet for allergies for about 10 years. The trick is not to cheat. I also had allergies to dairy and corn syrup which is pretty much everything you can think of lol.
i have an allergy to Gluten and most of the time i use guar gum or xanthan gum for baking. these gums are good substitute for wheat,
I started working out 45min a day 5 times a week, and at first I would just starve myself, I would eat like an apple and some juice, for the day. I lost weight, but once the weekend hit I totally caved, and I was like oh well I can just diet again once the week starts, but I would really like to know what food and how much of it I should eat.
My experience is like Annette’s – I get very sick from cosmetics. Avoid them, and I feel healthy again. It’s a shame, because I was a performing artist. That was my passion, since I can remember. There is so much misinformation on this topic. Gluten in cosmetics CAN make celiacs sick. Trace amounts. And there ARE no laws protecting us from that. Cosmetics are all over your hands, all over your face, on your lips. Unless you’re a statue – you’re going to ingest it. That’s the reality.