Why Cosmetics Need To Be Gluten Free

[clbevilacqua]

I have seen several posts that wonder whether we need to be so cautious with cosmetics, lotions, shampoos, etc (ie anything not ingested). While it is true that the gluten protein is too large to be transdermal it can enter in a myriad of ways putting your hands to your mouth/ears/eyes, scratches, pimples, etc These do not need to be obvious open wounds or sores-The gluten protein isn't THAT large. If you scrub your head vigorously when you shampoo, that can open an entry point. In other words, using beauty products, deodorants, lotions, shampoos, shaving creams, etc that contain gluten is, in theory, possible but from my point of view not worth the risk (or abdominal pain!)

[CarlaB]

With shampoos, conditioners, body lotions, face creams, hair gels, etc. there is the chance of getting it in your mouth. I think you'd be okay if your mascara or eye shadow had gluten ... but some people have a secondary allergy to it and get rashes from it.

[happygirl]

To add to the points already made, I think of the often-used analogy of rat poison.

Would anyone feel comfortable washing their hair, slathering lotion over their entire bodies, and using other products made of rat poison? Would you be 100% certain that it wouldn't get into your system and kill you?

But, that's just the rationale I use when I think about buying my personal care products.

[plantime]

Yep, my biggest problem is that I will touch my skin or hair, then touch my food without thinking about what I'm doing.

[jerseyangel]

And I've been known to bite my nails from time to time

[TinkerbellSwt]

I am one of the guilty that uses shampoo and conditioner that have wheat in it. I know it isnt a good thing. I have such curly hair. No product that is in a supermarket or even in beauty supply stores works for me. I finally found a product that works and the shampoo and conditioner have wheat protein in it. The hair gel and hairspray dont though.

I buy Ouidad hair products. These are specifically formulated for curly hair only. They are major expensive, but they work fantastically. My curls havent been this nice since I was a child. I guess once I get sick from it I will stop using it. I just am diligent about not touching my hair after it was washed and not biting my nails.

I know.. I am just asking for trouble.

[Franceen]

Well, I'm another guilty person, I suppose. I have DH (and no gastro symptoms) and I avoid the obvious things such as "wheat germ lotions" or Oatmeal lotions (like Lubriderm), but I don't look at the ingredients of makeup or shampoo - unless it says wheat or oatmeal in the brand/product name or description.

I have not had a problem, even with DH being my Celiac symptom!

I even can tolerate a bowl of Cheerios, Capt Crunch or Rice Krispies once in a while (great while) with no symptoms. Do it more than one once in a while and I break out. Restaurants are a killer too.

I guess I'm lucky. Biopsies were negative for damage too.

So I'm one of those people that would argue that there are individual tolerance levels - even though many disagree with me.

I know when I've hit my limit (and I DO NOT CHEAT ON PURPOSE!).

I read that famous Dr.'s (Alessi? at UMD) that said it is impossible to get gluten into the digestive tract via the skin alone. And so I've been careful about the hand to mouth, etc stuff.

[snapple]

Well, I'm another guilty person, I suppose. I have DH (and no gastro symptoms) and I avoid the obvious things such as "wheat germ lotions" or Oatmeal lotions (like Lubriderm), but I don't look at the ingredients of makeup or shampoo - unless it says wheat or oatmeal in the brand/product name or description.

I have not had a problem, even with DH being my Celiac symptom!

I even can tolerate a bowl of Cheerios, Capt Crunch or Rice Krispies once in a while (great while) with no symptoms. Do it more than one once in a while and I break out. Restaurants are a killer too.

I guess I'm lucky. Biopsies were negative for damage too.

So I'm one of those people that would argue that there are individual tolerance levels - even though many disagree with me.

I know when I've hit my limit (and I DO NOT CHEAT ON PURPOSE!).

I read that famous Dr.'s (Alessi? at UMD) that said it is impossible to get gluten into the digestive tract via the skin alone. And so I've been careful about the hand to mouth, etc stuff.

What's wrong with Lubriderm? I thought it was safe?

Kate

[Franceen]

Lubriderm, like most common lotions, comes in multiple "flavors". One of them is "Oatmeal" - it's the one with the green print on the bottle and a picture of what looks like a wheat plant!

Also not safe is Aveeno, with Oatmeal. Oatmeal is a popular "itch relieveing" ingredient - but it makes me itch!

Oats are often CC'd with wheat in the US.

And I'm sure the oats they use for lotions and non-food items are probably the most contaminated (and cheapest).

The regular Lubriderm (blue) and the very dry skin version (pink?) are all ok, I think.

Franceen

[happygirl]

You are probably referring to Dr. Alessio Fasano, at the University of Maryland at Baltimore.

And yes, the current belief is that gluten does not pass through the skin. However, for some unknown reason (gluten allergy? irritant? who knows?) for some, gluten to the touch does cause them to react.

Franceen, I am not trying to pick a fight, but I do want to say that symptoms alone are not indicative of damage. I know that you have had negative bloodwork/biopsy, but, uless you are having one every single day, covering your entire GI tract, no one can be certain that damage is not being done.

And, you are saying that you do not cheat...but if you are eating gluten products, you are not eating 100% gluten free, but merely gluten lite. Research indicates that as little as 1/48th of a slice of bread can cause damage. Plus, there is considerable research showing that it can be hard to find the damage in minimally damage patients.

I am posting this not because I want to argue with you, but I would hate for this post to be seen by an unxperienced Celiac who would think that gluten free = gluten lite.

[CarlaB]

I am one of the guilty that uses shampoo and conditioner that have wheat in it. I know it isnt a good thing. I have such curly hair. No product that is in a supermarket or even in beauty supply stores works for me. I finally found a product that works and the shampoo and conditioner have wheat protein in it. The hair gel and hairspray dont though.

I buy Ouidad hair products. These are specifically formulated for curly hair only. They are major expensive, but they work fantastically. My curls havent been this nice since I was a child. I guess once I get sick from it I will stop using it. I just am diligent about not touching my hair after it was washed and not biting my nails.

I know.. I am just asking for trouble.

I use Alterna. It has silk in it, and no wheat protein. I have curly/frizzy/chemically damaged hair and it works wonders. I also put jojoba oil on my hands and rub it into my hair like pomade. Maybe that will help you get away from the wheat.

[Franceen]

Yes, that's the Dr. (thanks,couldn't remember).

And I'm not being defensive here (written words have no tone of voice!):

I do not cheat, I eat Gluten Free - not Gluten Lite!

However, we all get unintentionally "glutened" or forced into glutening - and that's what I am referring to.

I went to a "retreat" for work last weekend. At a place that charges $800/night and $100 for each dinner.

I spoke to the chef THREE TIMES! I called ahead. I spoke in person when I got there.

It became obvious that this "EXPERIENCED" and WELL PAID "Chief Chef" did not really understand Gluten!

He told me all about MSG.......and "glucose"....... After already being there (6 hr drive) I finally informed him that I meant GLUTEN = wheat barley rye flour pasta spelt oats bread croutons gravy crumbs CC thickeners starches, etc. He said that he had nothing for me to eat except MAYBE the bacon and eggs and fruits at breakfast and plain lettuce at dinner and nothing for lunch. He said they make everything from scratch and make sure that they know all their ingredients. The sauces have a very small amount of flour and no gluten............................................huh? (I asked if it was tapioca or rice flour got deer in headlights).

There was no way to get my own food. No fridge. No stores nearby.

I ate as best I could (bacon eggs plain lettuce plain steak baked potato)..

I got glutened. Probably from everything they had - except the fresh fruit.

That is the type of "cheating" I'm talking about. I knew I was getting Glutened but my hunger got the best of me.

I can eat CAPT Crunch once in a while with no VISIBLE reacton, and don't do that at home very often. But given the alternatives at that fancy hotel, I ate CAPT Crunch (better than Wheaties and Shredded Wheat, and some sort of organic sprouted wheat crunchy stuff - which were the other alternatives).

My diet is far better than Gluten-Lite. It is gluten-free with "mishaps" (which seems to be the same for just about everyone on this site!) It is the best I can do and still eat (I travel over 50% for my job).

And they won't pay extra for me to get a room with a fridge or a suite or go to different restaurants than what they've pre-paid for. And sometimes the chefs aren't chefs but short order cooks.

And mostly the DO NOT KNOW WHAT GLUTEN IS

Johnson and Whales - the most famous cooking school - only touches on gluten food issues in passing!

The only way to be absolutely certain you are 100% gluten-free is to eat a raw food diet at your own house. Nothing packaged, prepared or mixed. I am lucky that I don't suffer that much, like some people on this forum do - and I sympathize with them.

[CarlaB]

Franceen, most hotels have free refrigerators for those with medical problems. I have only had the chance ot take advantage of this option once, and got a small refrigerator put in my room.

[Franceen]

Unfortunately this one did not. They said I could store stuff in their kitchen if it was small like a bottle of insulin and I could get to it during cooking, but not serving hours.

At one hotel that told me they had no fridges I cleaned out the "little fridge" in the room that has a key and snacks, beer, etc and put my own yogurt, milk, etc in it. They tried to charge me over $300 for the contents that were in there that were on top instead! I won the argument money-wise, but lost the use of the little fridge.

And now we can't even take our own food stuff on the plane anymore (except dry stuff)! (That's changing some, I hear). But I lost that argument 2 weeks ago with United. I had a 5 hour flight with NO FOOD United said "too bad, so sad - that's the LAW, take it up with the TSA"..................

There must be a conspiracy with the "wheat growers of America" to ensure that all consumable products have wheat or barley in therm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ARRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH

I get so frustrated and angry!

[happygirl]

Franceen,

Completely agree and understand about the cross contamination when eating out. Happens way too often, even to knowledgable consumers. Frustrating!

But, what I was referring to is the fact that you knowingly eat gluten containing products (Capt Crunch). That, to me, is not gluten free (knowingly putting gluten into your body). Many of us travel and go on conferences (including myself), and I understand the struggle of eating when out. I would say the vast majority of Celiacs would rather go hungry (or, eat plain fruit, although boring!) than knowingly ingest something that says it contains gluten, regardless of outward symptoms.

Hope that helps clarify.

(and I apologize to those who started this thread that we have hijacked it. Sorry!)

[Franceen]

Other than the CC issue with Oats, CAPT Crunch is gluten-free (at least this batch that I currently have). They took the "malt flavoring" out and only have "corn flour, sugar, oat flour, brown sugar, coconut oil, BHT and a bunch of vitamins" now as the ingredients.

So, although the ingredients list is completely gluten-free - I understand that the CC issue with Oats is controversial!

I don't seem to have a problem with Capt Crunch, but I do limit when I'll eat it to times when there is no great alternative (like a hotel).

You can't go hungry for 4 days! I would have a hypoglycemic attack and go into a coma (I'm not Diabetic, but have low blood sugar all the time and reactive Hypoglycemia if I don't eat).

The fruit was only available at breakfast until 9 AM and it was all cut stuff so you couldn't walk out with it.

I've tried EVERYTHING when traveling and haven't had too much luck. Expensive places are the WORST.

[happygirl]

Franceen, I don't envy your position at all. I sure hope that your next trip affords you more options! Thank goodness we are all back at home and can eat without fear!

Hope you have a great day...good chatting with you.

Laura

[munchkinette]

I was still using all my cosmetic products with wheat for the first six months. I posted that thread about being really tired, and a few people suggested I was still getting glutened. I just didn't feel it before because I still had a tolerance, but now I really don't have a tolerance. I started getting stricter with my diet and got rid of shampoos and stuff with wheat. I noticed a difference. Even my hair stylist noticed I had psoriasis or some other non-dandruff irritation. I told her about the wheat thing, and how I'd had to cut out my shampoo within the last few weeks.

She'd never heard of wheat causing skin problems before, but now she checks everything before using it on me. She said to look for products with silk protein, because silk has a similar strengthening effect, which is why they put wheat in there in the first place.

I also have a wheat allergy confirmed by skin test- I'm not sure how much of a difference cutting out the cosmetics made for the gluten-intolerance.

[Drama-Queen]

I have a severe sensitivity to wheat not only when I consume it (hence the Celiac diagnosis) but also when it is on my skin.

I get hives if I even touch the outside packaging of a product that is made with wheat. It happened to me once when I was helping a friend put food on the checkout counter at a supermarket. I had a severe reaction to touching the plastic bag on a loaf of wheat bread.

I also have anaphalaxis symptoms if I am in a kitchen or bakery that cooks with wheat flour. I had to move out of an apartment near campus because my roommate left flour out on the counter and my throat started closing up. I asked her if she understood the problem and she said she did but she just didn't care at all.

Therefore I have to be careful what comes in contact with my skin and what I eat.

'Nothin like getting your picture taken one day with makeup on and the next day waking up with your eyelids swollen shut, your face puffed up like a basketball, and your lips the size of a bad celebrity collagen injection (on the left side of my lower lip, it looked wierd believe me ).

My question here is what lotion do you guys recommend that has no gluten in it? My skin is severely dry, as I have been having hives everyday for the past 7months. I need something that really moisturizes the heck out of my skin, it is that bad. I also have DH and that has done a number on my skin too.

I am also looking for skin care products, hair care products (I have short, thick, dry hair), and makeup. I need makeup because I often do modelling for local artist venues/fiber arts organizations.....I am no model believe me.

If you guys have any recommendations that would be great!

[happygirl]

check out gfsoap.com for gluten (and other foods, including casein, etc) free soap, liquid soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, etc. Because of my multiple issues, I've started using them. They test to be gluten free and none of the products they make has any gluten in them.

Hope that helps some!

[Drama-Queen]

check out gfsoap.com for gluten (and other foods, including casein, etc) free soap, liquid soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, etc. Because of my multiple issues, I've started using them. They test to be gluten free and none of the products they make has any gluten in them.

Hope that helps some!

Thanks, I am going to check it out.

Forgot to mention....I am also looking for a pain reliever. I cannot take tylenol because of interaction with some of my medications. Any recommendations on that? I have very stiff joints. I weighed in at the doctor at 139, I was 166 two months ago. He says that most of my muscle is gone and my bone density has decreased significantly. So I am stopping caffeine and taking up milk! I also have a previous back injury that caused alot of scar tissue and abnormal muscle re-attachment in my lower back. It has only gotten worse since I started to have celiac symptoms. This is where most of my pain is. Any suggestions will help.

[happygirl]

I started using aleve because some of their products are corn free (hard to find meds that are safe for all my issues)

Open Original Shared Link you can click on the different products and it tells you the active/inactive ingredients. hopefully that will help you with some of your decisions, at least in terms of aleve.

good luck!