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
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      132,140
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    KP009
    Newest Member
    KP009
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Scott Adams
      Tamale ingredients

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      These are labeled gluten-free: https://www.amazon.com/Corn-Husks-Tamales-Authentic-Flavorful/dp/B01MDSHUTM/
    • Wheatwacked
      GI DX celiac despite neg serology and no biopsy

      By Wheatwacked · Posted

      Just a gluten free diet is not enough.  Now you have to identify and replenish your malnutrition.  Celiac disease is co-morbid with malabsorption syndrome.  Low vitamin D, Low Thiamine caused Gastointeston Beriberi, low choline, low iodine are common the general population, and in newly diagnosed Celiacs in the western culture its is more likely.  It takes time to heal and you need to focus on vitamins and minerals.  Gluten free foods are not fortified like regular processed foods.  
    • Sarah Grace
      Headaches / Migraines and Hypoglycaemia

      By Sarah Grace · Posted

      Dear Kitty Since March I have been following your recommendations regarding vitamins to assist with various issues that I have been experiencing.  To recap, I am aged 68 and was late diagnosed with Celiac about 12 years ago.  I had been experiencing terrible early morning headaches which I had self diagnosed as hypoglycaemia.  I also mentioned that I had issues with insomnia, vertigo and brain fog.   It's now one year since I started on the Benfotiamine 600 mg/day.  I am still experiencing the hypoglycaemia and it's not really possible to say for sure whether the Benfotiamine is helpful.  In March this year, I added B-Complex Thiamine Hydrochloride and Magnesium L-Threonate on a daily basis, and I am now confident to report that the insomnia and vertigo and brain fog have all improved!!  So, very many thanks for your very helpful advice. I am now less confident that the early morning headaches are caused by hypoglycaemia, as even foods with a zero a GI rating (cheese, nuts, etc) can cause really server headaches, which sometimes require migraine medication in order to get rid off.  If you are able to suggest any other treatment I would definitely give it a try, as these headaches are a terrible burden.  Doctors in the UK have very limited knowledge concerning dietary issues, and I do not know how to get reliable advice from them. Best regards,
    • knitty kitty
      High DGP-A with normal IGA

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      @rei.b,  I understand how frustrating starting a new way of eating can be.  I tried all sorts of gluten-free processed foods and just kept feeling worse.  My health didn't improve until I started the low histamine AIP diet.  It makes a big difference.   Gluten fits into opioid receptors in our bodies.  So, removing gluten can cause withdrawal symptoms and reveals the underlying discomfort.  SIBO can cause digestive symptoms.  SIBO can prevent vitamins from being absorbed by the intestines.  Thiamine insufficiency causes Gastrointestinal Beriberi (bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea or constipation).  Thiamine is the B vitamin that runs out first because it can only be stored for two weeks.  We need more thiamine when we're sick or under emotional stress.  Gastric Beriberi is under recognised by doctors.  An Erythrocyte Transketolace Activity test is more accurate than a blood test for thiamine deficiency, but the best way to see if you're low in thiamine is to take it and look for health improvement.  Don't take Thiamine Mononitrate because the body can't utilize it well.  Try Benfotiamine.  Thiamine is water soluble, nontoxic and safe even at high doses.  I thought it was crazy, too, but simple vitamins and minerals are important.  The eight B vitamins work together, so a B Complex, Benfotiamine,  magnesium and Vitamin D really helped get my body to start healing, along with the AIP diet.  Once you heal, you add foods back in, so the AIP diet is worth doing for a few months. I do hope you'll consider the AIP diet and Benfotiamine.
    • captaincrab55
      Finding gluten free ingredients

      By captaincrab55 · Posted

      Imemsm, Most of us have experienced discontinued, not currently available or products that suddenly become seasonal.   My biggest fear about relocating from Maryland to Florida 5 years ago, was being able to find gluten-free foods that fit my restricted diet.  I soon found out that the Win Dixie and Publix supper markets actually has 99% of their gluten-free foods tagged, next to the price.  The gluten-free tags opened up a  lot of foods that aren't actually marked gluten-free by the manufacture.  Now I only need to check for my other dietary restrictions.  Where my son lives in New Hartford, New York there's a Hannaford Supermarket that also has a gluten-free tag next to the price tag.  Hopefully you can locate a Supermarket within a reasonable travel distance that you can learn what foods to check out at a Supermarket close to you.  I have dermatitis herpetiformis too and I'm very sensitive to gluten and the three stores I named were very gluten-free friendly.  Good Luck 
×
×
  • 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.