Jump to content

  • 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

Skin Care Products - Could A Little Bit Of Gluten Harm Me?

HavaneseMom
 Share

Recommended Posts

HavaneseMom Explorer
HavaneseMom
Posted

Hi All,

I am a newbie and am in the process of trying to change all of my skin care and make up products to Gluten free, especially the products that come in contact with my mouth. I have very sensitive skin, sinuses and eyes and it has literally taken me years to find products that I don't have a reaction to. The problem is that those products may contain gluten :-( .

My facial moisturizer is by Kiehl's and contains Tocopherol. They will not tell me if their Tocopherol source is wheat. They did send me this statement which seems like they are saying that it should not be a problem if it did come from wheat, due to the way they process ingredients. I have never heard anything like this before.

"Thank you for your inquiry concerning gluten in Kiehl's Since 1851 products.

Most ingredients derived from grain sources are highly refined and retain no traces of gluten proteins. For less refined ingredients from natural sources, Kiehl's Since 1851 has established strict limits on the level of potentially allergenic proteins. We believe that this policy minimizes the likelihood of reactions to these proteins in the majority of sensitive individuals. However, since individuals exhibit a wide range of sensitivities to these proteins, if you have any questions or concerns you should discuss with your medical care provider."

My facial cleanser is from Earth Science and they have confirmed that their Tocopherol is sourced from wheat, but the product "contains a very small amount, less than 1%".

I have really tried to find replacements and have tried Boscia (burned/stung my skin), Eucerin (swollen eyes, headache), Cerave (watery eyes, runny nose, headache) and my options are limited since I can only use fragrance free products.

So I guess I am wondering, should I be concerned about using the products that work for me and cause me no reaction, even though they do come in contact with my mouth and might contain Gluten?

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted

Tropocol is highly refined and should not have any gluten in it. I just look for the obvious things like wheat germ oil. I don't worry about products that might not get into my mouth. I don't have a wheat allergy, just celiac. I like CeraVE for lotion.

shadowicewolf Proficient
shadowicewolf
Posted

I use vanicream and it is really good. :)

Gemini Experienced
Gemini
Posted

Kareng is correct in that tocopherols pose no threat to a Celiac...no matter how sensitive they are.  It is too highly refined. This is another Celiac myth that won't go away.  Since gluten cannot be absorbed through the skin, the only products you have to be concerned with are lip products and hand creme.  However......from what you have described as symptoms you have, it would appear that you have allergies to boot.  Having those kinds of reactions would indicate that and you may be reacting to any one of the ingredients in the products.I use CeraVe moisturizer because I have Sjogren's Syndrome and have dry skin from it and CeraVe is recommended for Sjogren's patients.  I am also a very sensitive Celiac and have never had a problem with it.  It is gluten free.  

 

If you have no reaction to any particular product, that would be the one to use. If it contains gluten, which would most likely be wheat germ oil, as long as you don't ingest it, it should pose no threat. 

HavaneseMom Explorer
HavaneseMom
Posted
  • Author

Kareng is correct in that tocopherols pose no threat to a Celiac...no matter how sensitive they are.  It is too highly refined. This is another Celiac myth that won't go away.  Since gluten cannot be absorbed through the skin, the only products you have to be concerned with are lip products and hand creme.  However......from what you have described as symptoms you have, it would appear that you have allergies to boot.  Having those kinds of reactions would indicate that and you may be reacting to any one of the ingredients in the products.I use CeraVe moisturizer because I have Sjogren's Syndrome and have dry skin from it and CeraVe is recommended for Sjogren's patients.  I am also a very sensitive Celiac and have never had a problem with it.  It is gluten free.  

 

If you have no reaction to any particular product, that would be the one to use. If it contains gluten, which would most likely be wheat germ oil, as long as you don't ingest it, it should pose no threat.

That's great to hear that tocopherols are not something I need to worry about. I had read in a few places to make sure that they weren't sourced from wheat, but it sounds like that is just a myth. I'm not sure what ingredient I react to in most products, but am so happy that I can use my products that don't cause a reaction even if they have tocopheryl derived from wheat. Tocopheryl is in so many of my products and I was dreading having to find replacements since my skin and sinuses are so fussy. Thanks for the great news!
Pauliewog Contributor
Pauliewog
Posted

I really love oil cleansers. Then I looked at the label (looking for gluten!) and discovered most of what is in it is chemicals, not oil. So I went on line and read about making your own. Now I buy oils and use them to clean. No chemicals, no oils. Very easy to do too. I also started using pure shea butter as a moisturizer. I have used coconut oil for years too. Sounds like a greasy mess but it isn't if you don't use too much.

MichLab Explorer
MichLab
Posted

I have been on the search recently myself for some gluten free creams and lotions. I had been using many drug store brands which i try to verify as gluten free but I have been experiencing many issues so I tried to change my cosmetics and lotions.  I have found a company call Pacifica Perfumes they have many lotions and what not that are really nice.  Plus they are super helpful!!  Also, 100% Natural has many great products as well.  I would love to know if you find any additional products that you like.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted

I forgot.  I get the coconut body lotion at whole foods. 

 

https://www.desertessence.com/gluten-free

Gemini Experienced
Gemini
Posted

http://www.glutenfreedietitian.com/newsletter/vitamin-e-from-wheat-germ-oil/

 

Hope this helps to clear up the tocopherol issue for you......it will explain why you do not need to worry about it.  :)

answerseeker Enthusiast
answerseeker
Posted

For moisturizer I like Olay sensitive SPF 15. It is gluten free from my understanding and its gentle. My skin is super sensitive and I have the celiac rash too. I choose to use gluten free products. Dove and Suave will clearly disclose gluten on the label so for lotion/body wash/ shampoo those might be good cheap brands to look at.

Burt's bees is mostly gluten free but a lot has fragrance. I just picked up the radiance cleanser to try. Love the lip shimmers

I also get sinus problems with skin care, fragrance will give me a migraine so i understand that one! I also love to use pure carrier oils on my skin. Apricot kernel oil is great for sensitive skin and I also love Jason aloe vera beauty oil.

Still looking for some great eye shadows. My eyes water, burn, and itch. I once used a MAC shadow and I had this horrid reaction where I had peeling skin like a snake skin all around my eyes. Avon is supposed to be mostly gluten free too

HavaneseMom Explorer
HavaneseMom
Posted
  • Author

Thanks everyone for all of the great products suggestions and for clearing up to tocopherol issue. I am definitely going to try the products all of your recommended.

So, here is something new that came up regarding my hairspray and I am wondering if anyone knows if this should be a concern. I wrote to make sure it was gluten free because I get a little crazy with the hairspray and it is airborne, so I'm sure I ingest a little bit (yuck). They wrote back with this response:

"Unfortunately, our aerosols cannot be confirmed as gluten free because they contain alcohol for evaporative purposes and the alcohol supplier will not confirm the gluten content."

Is there really a chance of gluten being in the alcohol in my hairspray?

kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted

Alcohol should be so highly processed that there would not be any remaining grain proteins - no matter what the grain.  I'm guessing most would be corn based in the US.

 

When I go to the hair dresser, her hairspray has wheat germ oil in it.  I let her spray but cover my mouth.  I think if you keep your mouth shut and maybe wipe off your lips, even with a smidge of Wheat germ oil in the product, you would be fine.

  • 4 years later...
david brathwaite-hill Newbie
david brathwaite-hill
Posted
(edited)

I have read the replies and as a very sensitive celiac, shampoos, creams etc do break me out when they contain any form of wheat products. My skin is part of my body and my body is celiac. It is not something that may affect every celiac, but to say it is a celiac myth is giving the wrong answer. My daughter has the same issues I have. I just bought Kiehl's Facial Fuel and after the third use my skin is broken out in extremely dry patches. Mostly under my beard which is even harder to clear up. 

Edited by david brathwaite-hill

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
 Share
Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,444
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Aliki
    Newest Member
    Aliki
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Rebeccaj
      ointment .

      By Rebeccaj · Posted

      Hey, has anyone got a really good brand name of hand ointment from hives eczema or just good relief of being gluttoned .
    • FayeBr
      Major Glutening

      By FayeBr · Posted

      Thank you for your reassurance. It can sometimes feel very lonely with this disease and a constant battle. The product was Gaviscon Advance Aniseed which I was taking every day due to having gastritis from my gluten exposure. It states on the leaflet that it does not contain gluten. So I thought I was safe. But my symptoms were getting worse each day, causing me to take more gaviscon. I was in a spiral without knowing it. I knew that nothing else had changed for me other than the product. I emailed the company and was informed that although there were no gluten ingredients, they don’t test for gluten and can’t guarantee that it doesn’t contain gluten from the manufacturing process. I stopped it immediately, which was difficult as my gastritis was awful. My symptoms began to improve slightly as they do each day. Yesterday my reflux type symptoms were less too. But it is a slow road to recovery this time as I have said. I have been ill now for 2 months and 2 and a half weeks into recovery.  I am in the UK and find it hard to understand how medication can hide ingredients nowadays, with all allergies and intolerances. I react to soy too like gluten and I ask my gp for meds that are soy and gluten free. They then say to ask the pharmacist. I ask the pharmacist who tells me that it is for me to read the ingredients on the information leaflet. Where do you go from there? Also I ask the gp for a prescription to pay and get compounded meds privately and they refuse. I don’t understand why the pharmaceutical industry are not made to list the top allergens and all ingredients simply and transparently.  But thank you again for your advice. I feel like I have lost the last few months. Literally too with the brain fog and memory loss. You’re so right about the feeling of helplessness. Onwards and upwards! 
    • Scott Adams
      4.5 years into diagnosis, eating gluten-free and still struggling: would love support, tips, & stories

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Thank you so much for sharing your story with such honesty and detail. Please know that you are not alone in this struggle, and your experience, while incredibly challenging, is more common than those "gluten-free miracle" stories on social media would have you believe. It's completely understandable to feel isolated, but your diligence in tracking your symptoms, following up with scopes, and working with professionals is truly commendable. It's encouraging that your villi have healed, which proves you are successfully avoiding the large-scale damage of gluten; however, it's clear your immune system remains in a heightened state of alert. Your intense reaction to the quinoa flakes is a classic sign of this hypersensitivity. Given the reputable brand, it's highly unlikely to be gluten cross-contact. It's much more probable that you are reacting to the quinoa itself—perhaps due to a separate intolerance, its saponin content (which can irritate some sensitive guts), or cross-reactivity, where your immune system mistakes similar protein structures for gluten. Your nutritionist's plan for a simplified, grain-free (except rice) baseline is an excellent strategy. The goal is to calm your nervous and immune systems down completely before slowly testing individual foods, like avocado or even quinoa in its whole form, to identify the true triggers. Remember, healing from years of damage takes time, and setbacks are part of the journey. Be kind to yourself; you are doing everything right by continuing to investigate and advocate for your health. Your path to feeling better may be more complex, but it is absolutely valid.
    • Scott Adams
      Diagnosed celiac for 1-2 months ago and everything makes me bloated.

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      When you are first diagnosed it is very normal to feel overwhelmed and depressed about the vast dietary changes that a 100% gluten-free diet entails. Many people with celiac disease, especially those who are in the 0-2 year range of their recovery, have additional food intolerance issues which could be temporary. To figure this out you may need to keep a food diary and do an elimination diet over a few months. Some common food intolerance issues are dairy/casein, eggs, corn, oats, and soy. The good news is that after your gut heals (for most people who are 100% gluten-free this will take several months to two years) you may be able to slowly add some these items back into your diet after the damaged villi heal. There are a couple of things that can help you feel like you have "regained control," and the two that I recommend are learning to read ingredient labels so that you can shop with confidence, and the other is learning to become a good cook (if you aren't already). If you can master these two, then you have regained control of your diet, and can eat safely and recover. To help this site has extensive recipes and cooking sections: https://www.celiac.com/celiac-disease/gluten-free-recipes/ https://www.celiac.com/celiac-disease/gluten-free-cooking/ The following two lists are very helpful for anyone who is gluten sensitive and needs to avoid gluten when shopping. It's very important to learn to read labels and understand sources of hidden gluten, and to know some general information about product labelling--for example in the USA if wheat is a possible allergen it must be declared on a product's ingredient label like this: Allergens: Wheat.        
    • Scott Adams
      bread

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Thanks for sharing this! Bread machines are still the way to go if you want outstanding gluten-free breads.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.