Olay, Dove, Almay Responses

[Calikat4]

How frustrating... I recently contacted some companies regarding their gluten content. These are the responses I received. I know it's a long post, but I figured that I should pass along this info (at least Dove takes some initiative):

ALMAY:

Thank you for your recent comments from the Almay website and your interest in our products.

Unfortunately, because of the way cosmetic ingredients are made and transported, we cannot guarantee that a product is gluten-free.

OLAY:

We know Celiac is a serious disease, so we want to give you clear information regarding the use of our beauty care products. If wheat and/or gluten aren't directly added to a product by us, these ingredients won't be listed on our packages. Like many companies, we often purchase the scents for fragranced products from outside suppliers, and the components of these substances are proprietary information belonging to those companies. Therefore it's possible that a very small amount (generally parts per million) of gluten may be present.

We sought advice from physicians; they told us it would be very unlikely a person with Celiac disease would have a reaction from a trace amount of gluten coming into contact with his skin or hair. This is because wheat, rye, barley and/or gluten generally cause symptoms when they're ingested. Since our beauty care products are designed to be used externally on the skin, their use shouldn't be an issue for someone with this disease.

Since gluten sensitivity can vary among people, it would be best if you consulted with your physician about the use of all types of consumable goods, if you haven't already. You might even consider using one of our fragrance free products that doesn't list gluten or wheat extracts on the label.

DOVE:

We do not specifically test our products for the presence of gluten...In labeling our products, our company follows the guidelines established

by the International Nomenclature for Cosmetics; Ingredients (INCI)

process. Therefore, if we use an ingredient derived from a grain such as

wheat, oat, rye, and/or barley, those names will appear on the label.

One common example is "Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein".

[JennyC]

OLAY:

We sought advice from physicians; they told us it would be very unlikely a person with Celiac disease would have a reaction from a trace amount of gluten coming into contact with his skin or hair. This is because wheat, rye, barley and/or gluten generally cause symptoms when they're ingested. Since our beauty care products are designed to be used externally on the skin, their use shouldn't be an issue for someone with this disease.

Too bad they have not about little ones with celiac disease kissing our faces! How frustrating! I guess I too will stick with Dove.

[snowcoveredheart]

i had trouble with Dove too, when i called them they said gluten was a sugar and only found in food...*raises eyebrows*...but i have seen othe rpeeps who have had responses confirming they are gluten-free (unless other wise indicated)

Simple have repsonded to me very well and all but two of their products are gluten-free and dairy free (i have posted the repsonse in the products thread and on the blog)

[spunky]

I got the same reply from Oil of Olay. I would love to use the stuff...but won't.

I'm comfortable only with stuff I can get a gluten-free guarantee from...some brands of lotions and soaps found in health food stores state it on the label. I appreciate when they do that, and they get my business because of that reassurance.

Most stuff on my outsides usually finds its way into my insides, sooner or later.