Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×
  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.




  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):



    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):


  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Jefferson Adams
    Jefferson Adams

    Gluten in Cosmetics: A Threat to People with Celiac Disease?

    Reviewed and edited by a celiac disease expert.
    Gluten in Cosmetics: A Threat to People with Celiac Disease? - Photo: CC--cerromijares
    Caption: Photo: CC--cerromijares

    Celiac.com 12/09/2011 - Gluten in lip, facial or other body products may be a threat to people with celiac disease, according to a new study.

    A research team from George Washington University evaluated products from the top ten American cosmetics companies. They found a troubling lack of information about product ingredients. Only two of the ten companies featured clear, detailed ingredients, and none of the companies offered products that were gluten-free.

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A12):
    The study findings were revealed at the annual scientific meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology in Washington, D.C.

    The results are worrisome, because cosmetics that contain gluten can "result in an exacerbation of celiac disease," said researcher Dr. Pia Prakash. "This study revealed that information about the ingredients, including the potential gluten content, in cosmetics is not readily available."

    A number of smaller cosmetic companies produce gluten-free alternatives, said Prakash, who added that larger companies should take steps to inform consumers
    with gluten sensitivity whether their products are safe for those individuals.

    The study came about partly because doctors had seen a 28-year-old woman with celiac disease who suffered a worsening of symptoms, including gastrointestinal complications and a skin rash, after she used a "natural" body lotion.

    The doctors and the woman had a hard time trying to figure out if the lotion contained gluten. However, Prakash said, "…once she stopped using the body lotion her symptoms resolved."

    Such cases highlight the huge challenge faced by people with celiac disease in trying to determine if their cosmetic products contain gluten.

    Because the results of the study were presented at a medical meeting, the data and conclusions should be considered preliminary until peer-reviewed and published in a medical journal.

    Source:



    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments



    Guest Amy

    It would be nice to know the names of the companies that were evaluated.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest Cecilia Grech

    Posted

    I have personally experienced this. I am a very sensitive gluten intolerant following a very strict gluten free diet. I had bought an oil for my nails which I had been applying for quite a while and I wasn't feeling well at all. After a while I realized that when I applied the oil I felt unwell. Looking into the ingredients this oil contained wheat germ. Sustaining your article.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest Spruenik

    Posted

    I've known this for over ten years, and it's so frustrating. I'm very symptomatic, and not intolerant or allergic to any other food substance but gluten. I've given up using daily cosmetics (and am depressed about it), except on holidays and special occasions, knowing I will suffer gut symptoms for days afterwards. I've been diagnosed with rosacea, and I have no idea what to use for it. I use clear soft soap and coconut oil, which aren't enough to treat rosacea. I read somewhere that if a substance is crystal clear, it can't have gluten. Gluten gives a cloudy appearance. But does anyone really know whether say, iron oxides (and zinc, titanium) contain any wheat as filler?

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest Donna

    As an individual with gluten sensitivity, it would have been better if you had mentioned some of the gluten free products.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest Christine

    Posted

    What I want to know is which companies and products contain wheat gluten. Is this too much to ask? It scares me to know that the cosmetics that I use may contain wheat gluten, which when I eat anything with wheat, I get really sick to my stomach, suffer cramping, diarrhea and constipation. What cosmetics are ok for me to use, and I have been all over the internet researching it. And where can I purchase the cosmetics, other than the internet?

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest Coloradosue

    Posted

    Not surprising to read about this problem. I have emailed Avon, Clinic, several other high priced as well as average over the counter makeup companies and the only response I ever got from any of them that their products were proprietary therefore will not be divulged to the public. Kinda like what the big pharmaceutical companies say about their drugs up until they lose their rights to a drug that goes generic. So I stick to Johnson and Johnson baby products for most skin care and makeup that I've tried and had no visible reaction to my skin. And I react very quickly to glutenous products on my skin. Otherwise "Au naturale" is a daily makeup I use.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest Just Jenn

    Posted

    I've known this for over ten years, and it's so frustrating. I'm very symptomatic, and not intolerant or allergic to any other food substance but gluten. I've given up using daily cosmetics (and am depressed about it), except on holidays and special occasions, knowing I will suffer gut symptoms for days afterwards. I've been diagnosed with rosacea, and I have no idea what to use for it. I use clear soft soap and coconut oil, which aren't enough to treat rosacea. I read somewhere that if a substance is crystal clear, it can't have gluten. Gluten gives a cloudy appearance. But does anyone really know whether say, iron oxides (and zinc, titanium) contain any wheat as filler?

    Spruenik, you can still wear lipstick at least on the holidays (or everyday) without making yourself sick. Check out Zuzu Luxe by which makes a gluten-free lipstick! I've felt a lot better since I switched. (And no, I don't work for them but am just really happy I can wear makeup that won't make me throw up.).

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest Sharon

    Try Merle Norman cosmetics. I am most concerned with lipstick being a problem and the sales girl was able to call their head office and get a list of which of their lipsticks are gluten free. I imagine they can do the same for the rest of their product line.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest Stephani

    Posted

    Why is there more information about the author than the names of the cosmetics tested? Thank you Coloradosue for giving some names of a couple. I appreciate it. I was going to throw out that since I got rid of all lotions and bath washes and started using pure coconut oil, I have had NO issues whatsoever and my skin looks and feels great. I also eat 2 tbsp of it each day to heal from the inside out. I feel a million times better. I get my coconut oil at www.tropicaltraditions.com because you can buy it in bulk and they always have some sort of special. Mineral oil is also something you have to watch out for.... so look for products that don't carry mineral oil.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest Roz
    I've known this for over ten years, and it's so frustrating. I'm very symptomatic, and not intolerant or allergic to any other food substance but gluten. I've given up using daily cosmetics (and am depressed about it), except on holidays and special occasions, knowing I will suffer gut symptoms for days afterwards. I've been diagnosed with rosacea, and I have no idea what to use for it. I use clear soft soap and coconut oil, which aren't enough to treat rosacea. I read somewhere that if a substance is crystal clear, it can't have gluten. Gluten gives a cloudy appearance. But does anyone really know whether say, iron oxides (and zinc, titanium) contain any wheat as filler?

    I am also gluten intolerant suffering with rosacea. I have been using MetroGel for some time now and have not noticed any adverse symptoms. It does not rid me of the rosacea but controls it from spreading.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest Naomi

    Posted

    I've known this for over ten years, and it's so frustrating. I'm very symptomatic, and not intolerant or allergic to any other food substance but gluten. I've given up using daily cosmetics (and am depressed about it), except on holidays and special occasions, knowing I will suffer gut symptoms for days afterwards. I've been diagnosed with rosacea, and I have no idea what to use for it. I use clear soft soap and coconut oil, which aren't enough to treat rosacea. I read somewhere that if a substance is crystal clear, it can't have gluten. Gluten gives a cloudy appearance. But does anyone really know whether say, iron oxides (and zinc, titanium) contain any wheat as filler?

    I was considering permanent makeup and am even more determined now! (Permanent makeup tattooed on you by a professional certified permanent makeup artist- NOT the tattoo shop down the road! And no, you won't look like a clown, do a lot of research and look at photos!) But I read that gluten can't be absorbed through your skin??? Burt's bees and Red apple create lip balm/stick that is gluten free, I was killing myself with regular chap sticks.)

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Guest Theresa

    Posted

    I was considering permanent makeup and am even more determined now! (Permanent makeup tattooed on you by a professional certified permanent makeup artist- NOT the tattoo shop down the road! And no, you won't look like a clown, do a lot of research and look at photos!) But I read that gluten can't be absorbed through your skin??? Burt's bees and Red apple create lip balm/stick that is gluten free, I was killing myself with regular chap sticks.)

    Gluten can't be absorbed through your skin but if you apply makeup with your fingers/hands and lotion as well, you can ingest the substance from your fingers when you touch your mouth. Lipstick especially gets ingested all day long! Organix makes a line of lotions and other products with Coconut oil that are gluten free.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites



    Create an account or sign in to comment

    You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

    Create an account

    Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

    Register a new account

    Sign in

    Already have an account? Sign in here.

    Sign In Now

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Donate
  • About Me

    Jefferson Adams

    Jefferson Adams is Celiac.com's senior writer and Digital Content Director. He earned his B.A. and M.F.A. at Arizona State University. His articles, essays, poems, stories and book reviews have appeared in numerous magazines, journals, and websites, including North American Project, Antioch Review, Caliban, Mississippi Review, Slate, and more. He is the author of more than 2,500 articles on celiac disease. His university coursework includes studies in science, scientific methodology, biology, anatomy, physiology, medicine, logic, and advanced research. He previously devised health and medical content for Colgate, Dove, Pfizer, Sharecare, Walgreens, and more. Jefferson has spoken about celiac disease to the media, including an appearance on the KQED radio show Forum, and is the editor of numerous books, including "Cereal Killers" by Scott Adams and Ron Hoggan, Ed.D.

    >VIEW ALL ARTICLES BY JEFFERSON ADAMS

     


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):





    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):




  • Related Articles

    Jefferson Adams
    Celiac.com 08/08/2011 - In the face of steadily rising numbers of people with celiac disease, very little information exists on the economic costs and impacts associated with celiac disease.
    A team of researchers recently set out to assess the impact of celiac disease diagnosis on health care costs and the incremental costs associated with celiac disease.
    The research team included K. H. Long, A. Rubio-Tapia, A. E. Wagie, L. J. Melton III, B. D. Lahr, C. T. Van Dyke, and J. A. Murray.
    They are affiliated variously with the Division of Health Care Policy & Research, the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the Division of Epidemiology, and the Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics at the College of Medicine of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

    Jefferson Adams
    Celiac.com 07/11/2012 - Sometimes, it's the small, local stories that help to capture the larger picture. More and more, community food banks are making efforts to accommodate people with celiac disease and gluten intolerance by stocking gluten-free foods. However, many of those food banks are tight on funds and shelf space, so finding the right balance between the needs of the majority of their clients and the few who need gluten-free foods can be a challenge.
    Recently, the Pictou County Celiac Support Group in Pictou County, Nova Scotia sought to help tip that balance with a $500 donation to the local food bank. The donation will help to ensure that the food bank will have gluten-free food available for people who need it.
    After being diagnosed with the disease 10 years ago, Kim...


    Jefferson Adams
    5 Things People With Celiac Disease Need You to Understand
    Celiac.com 06/12/2014 - Here are five things people with celiac disease need regular folks to know about celiac disease:
    We are NOT on a Fad Diet—Celiac disease is not some vague, make-believe condition. Celiac disease is a potentially serious immune disorder that, if left untreated, can lead to a very deadly types of stomach, intestinal, and other cancers. Just because a bunch of people seem to think that gluten is the new high fructose corn syrup, doesn’t mean that I’m one of them. Remember, for people with celiac disease, gluten is no joke, and avoiding gluten is the only way to stay healthy. We Won’t Be Getting Over It—Currently, there is no cure for celiac disease, and the only treatment is a gluten-free diet. That’s the only way to avoid the gut damage, lower risk...


  • Recent Activity

    1. - Wheatwacked replied to Rosyjo11's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      6

      Has anyone found Ozempic affected their symptoms?

    2. - Wheatwacked replied to Kathleen JJ's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      6

      Options - 7 year old boy - Helicobacter pylori and serology

    3. - Wheatwacked replied to MHavoc's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      1

      On the cusp of facing a new life of managing a life with Celiac Disease

    4. - MHavoc posted a topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      1

      On the cusp of facing a new life of managing a life with Celiac Disease

    5. - Vozzyv posted a topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      0

      Weird Symptoms


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      126,079
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    Kassie S
    Newest Member
    Kassie S
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      120.9k
    • Total Posts
      69.2k

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):





  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Popular Now

    • Kathleen JJ
    • Captain173
      10
    • jjiillee
      7
    • Kristina12
      7
    • StaciField
  • Popular Articles

    • Scott Adams
    • Scott Adams
    • Scott Adams
    • Scott Adams
    • Scott Adams
  • Upcoming Events

×
×
  • Create New...