Gluten allergy only causes problems if it is through the digestive tract. In principle, you should only take precautions with lipsticks and food supplements. But there are gluten-free cosmetics for everything.
Celiac disease is a genetic and autoimmune disease that affects approximately 1% of the population. There is no cure and there are no medications to relieve your symptoms . “When eating a food with gluten, a complex protein, the celiac experiences an abnormal inflammatory response,” explains the digestologist Luis Miguel Benito, member of Doctoralia.
The only solution is to follow a gluten-free diet. Or what is the same: free of wheat and its derivatives (Kamut, semolina, durum, spelled, einkorn …) and free of rye, barley and oats. But what about cosmetics? Should you switch to gluten free if you are celiac? Could being in contact from babies with gluten creams exacerbate celiac disease? Dermatologists, allergists and cosmetologists do not quite agree on this. “Since proteins, which are large molecules, do not pass into the blood through keratinized skin, it is impossible for the gluten in a cosmetic to come into contact with the immune system. Therefore, there is no possibility of sensitization with gluten applied topically. And it is even more unthinkable for a person to become celiac for using topical gluten-based cosmetic products. Therefore it makes no sense to talk about gluten-free cosmetics , unless they can be swallowed due to their application close to the oral mucosa. ” And even in this assumption, the amount ingested should be large enough to lead to notable pathologies.
Do you feel calmer looking for gluten-free cosmetics? The first thing is to know that n some of those sold as such may be 100% free of that protein. Both EU and US legislation determine that to carry that label it must contain gluten in a proportion of less than 20 parts per million (ppm). That is, there can always be traces of gluten, even in a cosmetic that is sold as gluten free.
That said, we have looked for some of the most commonly used products in their gluten-free version.
1.Cocoa and lipstick
From the Celicity social network they explain that “although kisses, glass rims, napkins … they take part of the lipstick that we apply, the vast majority of it – 80%, to be more specific-, is ingested involuntarily when the lips come into contact with the tongue. According to several studies, a woman consumes between 1.5 and 2.7 kg of lipstick throughout her life, being able to reach up to 4kg if the use is daily and recurring ». In case of flies, if you are celiac, better look for gluten-free lipsticks.
2.Hair products without rinsing
Its situation is similar to that of body creams: the risk is minimal. Only people who are fond of putting strands of hair to their mouths or those who do not wash their hands after applying hair oil, lather or other styling products should be cautious. If this is your case, you also have gluten-free.
3.Nail lacquers
The greatest danger is thumb sucking or nail biting (onychophagy). Andrés Martín, Orly brand manager for Spain, Andorra and Portugal, explains that «this bad habit can be a risk for celiacs or gluten intolerant. It is not something necessary in its composition, so it can be totally dispensed with ”.
4.Hair supplements
As it happens with those destined to improve the state of the skin, since they are absorbed through the digestive tract, it must be taken into account that they do not contain gluten.
Anticanas, by Redenhair . With catalase, copper and vitamins, it helps to preserve the original color of the hair, preventing the appearance of gray hair and contributing to the natural pigmentation of the hair. Without gluten.
5.Food supplements
Some vitamin complexes are also used for cosmetic purposes. In the case of vitamin C, in case of not achieving the minimum recommended with the diet, a supplement assures us the optimal formation of collagen. In other words, more elastic and turgid skin.
Vitamin C, from Altrient. No sugar, wheat, gluten, yeast, dairy, meat products, hexane, soy protein, dyes, sweeteners, and artificial flavors.
6.Hand creams
Do you suck your fingers Are you pecking all day? If the answer is yes, make sure that what you apply on the hand does not contain gluten. You will save yourself troubles.
Soin des mains, by Apicia . With organic honey and vegetable glycerin.
7.Sunscreen
Like the rest of the body or facial, it does not have to be gluten-free. Although there are already without that compound.
Defense Sun Fluid Sun Milk by Bionike. Waterproof and with agents against free radicals.
8.Shower gels
Are you one of those who when showering plays with the foam? If you blow on the sponge or drop the foam on your face and fear something accidentally gets into your mouth, go for a gluten-free one. Otherwise, a normal one will suffice.
Japanese Cherry Blossom Strawberry Kiss, from The Body Shop . Shower gel with cherry blossom petals.
9.Body oils
Since it is a product designed to be applied from the neck down, the possibilities of accidental intake are practically nil. Even so, there are also gluten-free ones.
Replenish Body Oil from APoEM. Anti-dryness body oil with precious woods and coconut.
10.Shampoos
“For people with gluten intolerance there is absolutely no danger in using cosmetics that contain it. Now, in case of being allergic, there could be some risk, either due to your level of allergy to these proteins or even accidental brushing with the lips during the rinse ”, explains David Thomas Brooks, technical director of Leonor Greyl. “To avoid risks, we formulate all our new products with gluten-free cereal extracts.”
Shampoo Sublime Mèches, by Leonor Greyl. Specific for hair with highlights. With gluten-free quinoa protein.
11.Face masks
Despite having to hold it for a few minutes on the face, there is no risk.
SOS Instant Moisture + Radiance Hydra Mask, by Mádara . Formulated with natural moisturizing sugars, hyaluronic acid, Northern peony, flaxseed and nettle.
12.Face creams
As long as care is taken to wash your hands after application, there would be no problems. Do you prefer to play it safe? Opt for a ‘without’.
White Moisture Cream, by Lagom . Illuminating cream, leaves the skin juicy and radiant.
