In previous years, gluten has been stigmatized as only being present in wheat containing foods; however, certain ingredients in makeup products like lipstick, foundation, powder, and eyeshadow can contain gluten. Gluten can be disguised as many other names including Tocopherol, which can be derived from wheat. Dextrins like Maltodextrin, Dextrin Palmitate, and Cyclodextrin can also be derived from wheat.
This poses the question…should those with Celiac Disease be more conscious of the makeup they buy? According to Juice Beauty cosmetics, up to 60% of what you put on your skin is absorbed by your body. In addition, those who wear lipstick consume up to 4 pounds of lipstick in their lifetime! That is an alarming amount of gluten, let alone other toxins that have been found in cosmetics. Parabens, petrolatum, formaldehyde, BHA, and DEA have been some of the toxins linked to cancer and disruptions in the endocrine system. Companies like Juice Beauty and Afterglow Cosmetics use certified gluten free ingredients in their products. They also strive to use organic ingredients to help decrease the consumption of gluten and other environmental toxins we consume on a daily basis. In addition, certain shampoos, conditioners, lotions, perfume, etc. can contain gluten. It is wise to avoid products that use the term “natural” to describe their ingredients. These products often have hydrolyzed oat or wheat proteins in them.
Switching to gluten free cosmetics may even improve skin conditions like acne or rashes that are often associated with a gluten intolerance. Although it is arguable that gluten-containing cosmetics administer little to no gluten through the skin, it would be safest to avoid any contact with gluten.
Experts are split over whether people with celiac disease should avoid cosmetics containing gluten. Right now there is no standard protocol for what people should do, and until more research exists, the debate over cosmetics will continue.
Sources:
http://www.davidsuzuki.org/issues/health/science/toxics/dirty-dozen-cosmetic-chemicals/
http://celiacdisease.about.com/od/GlutenFreePersonalCareProducts/fl/Gluten-Free-Makeup-Brands.htm
http://health.usnews.com/health-news/articles/2012/09/11/are-gluten-free-cosmetics-necessary
Thanks to guest blogger Callie Carioti, Nutrition & Dietetics student at Miami University for contributing this post!