Makeup/lotions...help!

[Calicat 0]

More obstacles! I've been gluten-free for about 10 months now, but I just discovered that the Lancome HydraZen under-eye/face cream I've been using for a few months has wheat germ oil in it. I'm a bit perplexed though, because I don't have any of my old gluten symptoms, and no rash although I used to get a rash when I ate any gluten. I would never use anything with gluten in it on my lips, but since I haven't reacted to the face cream...does that mean it's okay since it isn't getting into my mouth?

Any thoughts and/or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated, thanks!!

Cheers,

Cali

[plantime 12]

I'm too much of a "fingers-in-my-mouth" person. I would touch my face, then touch my food, and get contaminated.

[Guest cassidy]

I know I have tasted my face lotion before. I also get freaked out because if you put lotion on and then don't want your hands and touch other products you could be getting gluten all over everything. I don't like to take chances. If I'm going to get sick it will be because I went out for a nice dinner, not because I put lotion on that morning. Maybe you have been lucky so far, or maybe you have been glutened a few times and attributed it to food, but I wouldn't do it.

There are plenty of good lotions out there that are gluten-free.

[purplemom 1]

I agree with the others, I wouldn't do it. Plus once I suspect something could possibly gluten my family, I have to fix it or it will haunt me!

I'm freaking about your name and screen name. My name is also Cali and my family calls me CaliCat. I've never met another Cali before.

Cali

[Calicat 0]

Thanks for the input! Sometimes it's just helpful to have confirmation from others who are in the same boat, lol. Makes it easier to stick to some of the strict gluten-free guidelines, so thanks for your responses and support : )

Cali,

I have to admit that Cali is my nickname, not my given name. My friends used to call me Cat and then added the Cali after I moved to California and coauthored a book centered on a main character with the name Cali. After that it started to stick! It's a treat to meet an authentic Cali! Thanks again for the support.

Can I ask you a question about a gluten-free household? I'm the only one in my family with Celiac, and from your signature I'm guessing you're outnumbered by Celiacs but don't have it yourself?

I've been trying to figure out how reasonable it is for me to expect other people to be gluten-free when they come to visit. One house-guest recently brought in grocery bags of gluten-containing foods, which was really hard for me, but I didn't want to make her stay unpleasant by telling her that it wasn't okay. Do you allow that sort of thing in your house or is all gluten strictly taboo? Thanks for the perspective!

[purplemom 1]

Hi Cali

You are correct, I am the only one in the house without celiac. I do still eat gluten, but I am so careful not to contaminate any surfaces or use any of the same appliances or pots and pans...even utensils. As time goes by I realize that it becomes less appealing to even make my gluten containing food. I do all of the cooking, shopping and cleaning in the house so I can control my gluten food with a clean conscience. As far as others bringing food into our house...No Gluten Allowed. Especially when I have friends over for my kids. They are welcome to come in and eat our gluten-free food, but not bring other snacks. I have to protect my family from getting sick. It's just the way it is. I don't think it's wrong to ask others to respect what you are going through. If they are good friends they will understand. It's totally a different story when you go to their houses. Then I'm prepared to bring our own food.

Good luck!!

Cali