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

Herbal Essences

Katester

Recommended Posts

Katester Enthusiast
Katester
Posted

I've read about Herbal Essences not being gluten-free on this website. Why does shampoo and conditioner need to be gluten-free? I don't eat it or anything...

  • 3 weeks later...
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


samcarter Contributor
samcarter
Posted

According to Dr Peter Green, the gluten protein cannot be absorbed through the skin (as I read in his book Celiac Disease: The Hidden Epidemic).

There is a school of thought, though, that it is too easy to get shampoo or conditioner into one's mouth while showering (I have never had this happen), or if there are traces of the gluten on your hands, and you put your hands in your mouth, et cetera.

I decided to not worry too much about my lotions and shampoos (I did read the labels, Suave and Neutrogena do not "hide" wheat under a different name), but if I am totally gluten free food wise, and medication wise and still have symptoms, then I'll scrutinize the labels a little better.

It's a personal decision. Some feel better knowing their personal care products are completely gluten free, others feel it's not as important. Lip balms and lipsticks, though, should definitely be gluten free, since you can actually ingest that.

gfp Enthusiast
gfp
Posted
There is a school of thought, though, that it is too easy to get shampoo or conditioner into one's mouth while showering (I have never had this happen), or if there are traces of the gluten on your hands, and you put your hands in your mouth, et cetera.

But I bet you know how it tastes ???

I think its next to impossible not to get any shampoo into your mouth when showering... certainly you can be extra extra careful but then you breath the odd bit in (which end up in your back of the throat) ...

As for adsorbing.... I dunno but I do know I think its a bad idea to get it into your bloodstream and if you have cuts/spots etc. then this is quite easy... as you tend to scrub a bit and perhaps open a half closed wound when showering.. ???

Its just my 2c but I find it easier (after being caught out) to make sure the bathroom stuff is gluten-free then I don't need to worry each time !! I'm not saying you can't be real real careful...I'm just saying I shower half asleep (leastwise the first minute) and making sure I don't have a cut or spot open is not my number one thing in the morning.

samcarter Contributor
samcarter
Posted
But I bet you know how it tastes ???

I think its next to impossible not to get any shampoo into your mouth when showering... certainly you can be extra extra careful but then you breath the odd bit in (which end up in your back of the throat) ...

As for adsorbing.... I dunno but I do know I think its a bad idea to get it into your bloodstream and if you have cuts/spots etc. then this is quite easy... as you tend to scrub a bit and perhaps open a half closed wound when showering.. ???

Its just my 2c but I find it easier (after being caught out) to make sure the bathroom stuff is gluten-free then I don't need to worry each time !! I'm not saying you can't be real real careful...I'm just saying I shower half asleep (leastwise the first minute) and making sure I don't have a cut or spot open is not my number one thing in the morning.

Those are definitely possibilities, and you make a good point about it being one less thing to worry about in the morning if you know your shampoo is gluten free. :)

Like I said, I read the labels on the shampoo I had when I decided to go gluten free. Nexxus actually had wheat FLOUR in it. Ugh. Tossed it out. I read on here that Suave does not hide wheat on their labels, so if they put wheat protein in it, it's on the label as wheat protein, not a fancy botanical name. More and more labels are doing that.

I read my Suave and herbal essences labels, and none had wheat on them. So I continue to use them. I didn't look up all the chemically names on there to see if they were wheat derived, though, so I'm not 100% sure they're gluten free, because the label doesn't say "gluten free".

I feel comfortable with this level because, as I said, I have yet to get shampoo in my mouth. Others may not feel comfortable with this and want to get a shampoo/conditioner that states "gluten free" on the label. I just wanted the OP to know that according to an expert, the gluten protein can't be absorbed through unbroken skin, so on that basis, there's no need to worry overmuch.

gfp Enthusiast
gfp
Posted
Those are definitely possibilities, and you make a good point about it being one less thing to worry about in the morning if you know your shampoo is gluten free. :)

Like I said, I read the labels on the shampoo I had when I decided to go gluten free. Nexxus actually had wheat FLOUR in it. Ugh. Tossed it out. I read on here that Suave does not hide wheat on their labels, so if they put wheat protein in it, it's on the label as wheat protein, not a fancy botanical name. More and more labels are doing that.

I read my Suave and herbal essences labels, and none had wheat on them. So I continue to use them. I didn't look up all the chemically names on there to see if they were wheat derived, though, so I'm not 100% sure they're gluten free, because the label doesn't say "gluten free".

I feel comfortable with this level because, as I said, I have yet to get shampoo in my mouth. Others may not feel comfortable with this and want to get a shampoo/conditioner that states "gluten free" on the label. I just wanted the OP to know that according to an expert, the gluten protein can't be absorbed through unbroken skin, so on that basis, there's no need to worry overmuch.

I am about the same... luckily I do know the scientific names so it's easier ...

My incident in question was quite embarrassing. I'd actually run out of soap and had a old bottle (a present from an aunt) of shower gel I'd been using all week.... to cut a long and embarrassing story short .... I got caught short... the bar toilet was engaged and I had to go home to 'clean up'...

As I'm showering (cleaning myself up) the shower gel say's right on the front in BIG LETTERS ... "Enriched with pure wheat protein" ... :blink:

SacGFGirl Explorer
SacGFGirl
Posted
I've read about Herbal Essences not being gluten-free on this website. Why does shampoo and conditioner need to be gluten-free? I don't eat it or anything...

Where on the website did you find this? Previous threads discuss herbal essence having wheat protein in them but I do not see that on my bottles' label.

Katester Enthusiast
Katester
Posted
  • Author

I don't see it on the label either. That's why I was asking about it. I've actually been using it anyway. My hair is very picky and that seems to be the only shampoo and conditioner that work well for me. I've heard about Dove and Suave but both leave my hair feeling nasty. I'd rather chance it and have nice hair. =)

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


gfp Enthusiast
gfp
Posted
I don't see it on the label either. That's why I was asking about it. I've actually been using it anyway. My hair is very picky and that seems to be the only shampoo and conditioner that work well for me. I've heard about Dove and Suave but both leave my hair feeling nasty. I'd rather chance it and have nice hair. =)

I think mostly our hair just gets used to a product..... I'm not saying one isn't better or fels nicer but that over time your hair adjusts to whichever product you're using.

Your water can also be a big contributer...

samcarter Contributor
samcarter
Posted
I don't see it on the label either. That's why I was asking about it. I've actually been using it anyway. My hair is very picky and that seems to be the only shampoo and conditioner that work well for me. I've heard about Dove and Suave but both leave my hair feeling nasty. I'd rather chance it and have nice hair. =)

Suave works for me for about, oh, three days. Then it feels gross. I like Herbal Essence's Long Term Relationship Raspberry and Silk (I think that's the name). My hair is past my shouders and I generally flat iron it, and I need a lot of moisture.

Lisa16 Collaborator
Lisa16
Posted

One "hidden" place where it can be is in the tocopherols. This is vitamin E and it can be derived from wheat. Often, if you ask a company, they cannot tell you where they get the tocopherol from.

For me the shampoo and conditioner question is really hard. I feel they must be gluten free (I have DH, not to mention that I am a shower singer and I always get some in my mouth. Always.) And despite what Dr. Green says, there are articles out there they say we absorb up to 30% of whatever we put on our skin. And some people feel he is dead wrong. If you really want to get scared look up the skindeep website, where they talk about cosmetic chemicals and how they are absorbed and what they can do to you).

Then you hair can blow in your mouth, you can touch you hair or scalp and later eat something. And how many times do you find hair in your food? It is just easier not to have to worry..... I could go on. I will let your imagination do the job for me.

There are a lot of postings on this topic because it is controversial to some and also because it is really tough to find good products that are safe.

Here is a list of shampoos that I like.... I tend to switch off among them:

Yes to cucumbers for dry/colored hair (sold in Walgreens) No SLS.

Burt's Bess-- there are two of three safe ones. The shiny hair one for sure. Check the label or the website (under FAQ) No SLS.

Dessert Essences (says gluten-free on tube)

LUSH solid shampoos-- tricomania, godiva, new, shiny.... pretty much all are safe. PLus many do not have SLS.

(you can order online. There is a store in the Mall of America.)

California baby

Other people here have mentioned Herbal Essences as safe, as well as dove, pantene, alterna, kenra and neutrogena (read labels.) There are more small brand that have been mentioned as safe (see the post "losing it over shampoo" in the coping section.) Some of these are not locally available to me. I imagine that is the case for many people.

For conditioners, there are some safe ones by korres, Lush, burt's bees, Dessert essences....

Good luck!

Puddy Explorer
Puddy
Posted

I called the manufacturer about Herbal Essence a couple months ago and they said they couldn't guarantee that some of their ingredients may have become cross contaminated, but don't intentionally add any gluten to their products. I don't care for the way my hair feels using Dove or Suave either, but have had good luck with Garnier Fructis. All their shampoos and conditioners are gluten free, but I always call and double check when I buy a new bottle.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. Florence Lillian
      - Florence Lillian replied to Jane02's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      11

      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      Hi Jane: You may want to try the D3 I now take. I have reactions to fillers and many additives. Sports Research, it is based in the USA and I have had no bad reactions with this brand. The D3 does have coconut oil but it is non GMO, it is Gluten free, Soy free, Soybean free and Safflower oil free. I have a cupboard full of supplements that did not agree...
    2. catnapt
      - catnapt replied to catnapt's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      2

      results from 13 day gluten challenge - does this mean I can't have celiac?

      highly unlikely NOTHING and I mean NOTHING else has ever caused me these kinds of symptoms I have no problem with dates, they are a large part of my diet In fact, I eat a very high fiber, very high vegetable and bean diet and have for many years now. It's considered a whole foods plant based or plant forward diet (I do now eat some lean...
    3. cristiana
      - cristiana replied to hjayne19's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      21

      Insomnia help

      Thank you for your post, @nanny marley It is interesting what you say about 'It's OK not to sleep'. Worrying about sleeping only makes it much harder to sleep. One of my relatives is an insomniac and I am sure that is part of the problem. Whereas I once had a neighbour who, if she couldn't sleep, would simply get up again, make a cup of tea, read,...
    4. SilkieFairy
      - SilkieFairy replied to catnapt's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      2

      results from 13 day gluten challenge - does this mean I can't have celiac?

      It could be a fructan intolerance? How do you do with dates? https://www.dietvsdisease.org/sorry-your-gluten-sensitivity-is-actually-a-fructan-intolerance/
    5. Lkg5
      - Lkg5 replied to Matthias's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      6

      Unexpected gluten exposure risk from cultivated mushrooms

      Thank’s for addressing the issue of mushrooms. I was under the impression that only wild mushrooms were gluten-free. Have been avoiding cultivated mushrooms for years. Also, the issue of smoked food was informative. In France last year, where there is hardly any prepared take-out food that is gluten-free, I tried smoked chicken. Major mistake!
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,353
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    ace14219
    Newest Member
    ace14219
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.6k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Florence Lillian
      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      By Florence Lillian · Posted

      Hi Jane: You may want to try the D3 I now take. I have reactions to fillers and many additives. Sports Research, it is based in the USA and I have had no bad reactions with this brand. The D3 does have coconut oil but it is non GMO, it is Gluten free, Soy free, Soybean free and Safflower oil free.  I have a cupboard full of supplements that did not agree with me -  I just keep trying and have finally settled on Sports Research. I take NAKA Women's Multi full spectrum, and have not felt sick after taking 2 capsules per day -  it is a Canadian company. I buy both from Amazon. I wish you well in your searching, I know how discouraging it all is. Florence.  
    • catnapt
      results from 13 day gluten challenge - does this mean I can't have celiac?

      By catnapt · Posted

      highly unlikely  NOTHING and I mean NOTHING else has ever caused me these kinds of symptoms I have no problem with dates, they are a large part of my diet In fact, I eat a very high fiber, very high vegetable and bean diet and have for many years now. It's considered a whole foods plant based or plant forward diet (I do now eat some lean ground turkey but not much) I was off dairy for years but recently had to add back plain yogurt to meet calcium needs that I am not allowed to get from supplements (I have not had any problem with the yogurt)   I eat almost no processed foods. I don't eat out. almost everything I eat, I cook myself I am going to keep a food diary but to be honest, I already know that it's wheat products and also barley that are the problem, which is why I gradually stopped eating and buying them. When I was eating them, like back in early 2024, when I was in the middle of moving and ate out (always had bread or toast or rolls or a sub or pizza) I felt terrible but at that time was so busy and exhausted that I never stopped to think it was the food. Once I was in my new place, I continued to have bread from time to time and had such horrible joint pain that I was preparing for 2 total knee replacements as well as one hip! The surgery could not go forward as I was (and still am) actively losing calcium from my bones. That problem has yet to be properly diagnosed and treated   anyway over time I realized that I felt better when I stopped eating bread. Back at least 3 yrs ago I noticed that regular pasta made me sick so I switched to brown rice pasta and even though it costs a lot more, I really like it.   so gradually I just stopped buying and eating foods with gluten. I stopped getting raisin bran when I was constipated because it made me bloated and it didn't help the constipation any more (used to be a sure bet that it would in the past)   I made cookies and brownies using beans and rolled oats and dates and tahini and I LOVE them and have zero issues eating those I eat 1 or more cans of beans per day easily can eat a pound of broccoli - no problem! Brussels sprouts the same thing.   so yeh it's bread and related foods that are clearly the problem  there is zero doubt in my mind    
    • cristiana
      Insomnia help

      By cristiana · Posted

      Thank you for your post, @nanny marley It is interesting what you say about 'It's OK not to sleep'. Worrying about sleeping only makes it much harder to sleep.  One of my relatives is an insomniac and I am sure that is part of the problem.  Whereas I once had a neighbour who, if she couldn't sleep, would simply get up again, make a cup of tea, read, do a sudoku or some other small task, and then go back to bed when she felt sleepy again.  I can't think it did her any harm - she lived  well into her nineties. Last week I decided to try a Floradix Magnesium supplement which seems to be helping me to sleep better.  It is a liquid magnesium supplement, so easy to take.  It is gluten free (unlike the Floradix iron supplement).  Might be worth a try.        
    • SilkieFairy
      results from 13 day gluten challenge - does this mean I can't have celiac?

      By SilkieFairy · Posted

      It could be a fructan intolerance? How do you do with dates?  https://www.dietvsdisease.org/sorry-your-gluten-sensitivity-is-actually-a-fructan-intolerance/
    • Lkg5
      Unexpected gluten exposure risk from cultivated mushrooms

      By Lkg5 · Posted

      Thank’s for addressing the issue of mushrooms.  I was under the impression that only wild mushrooms were gluten-free.  Have been avoiding cultivated mushrooms for years. Also, the issue of smoked food was informative.  In France last year, where there is hardly any prepared take-out food that is gluten-free, I tried smoked chicken.  Major mistake!
×
×
  • 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.