Are Scrubbing Bubbles gluten-free?

[Esther Sparhawk]

My child has celiac disease. We got one of those sprayer shower-cleaners with the "Scrubbing Bubbles" brand cleansers. For about ten days after we bought the Scrubbing Bubbles product, my daughter was sick, with a celiac reaction -- yellow diarrhea, upset stomach, skin problems. But I don't know if it was due to the introduction of the shower cleaner, or if it was something else.

You see, she started kindergarten at the same time. Any number of things could've caused a reaction. She's very sensitive.

And yes, I understand that all the medical experts say, a celiac must ingest a product in order to have a gluten reaction, but we're talking about a small child here. Her little fingers are in her mouth constantly, so I have to watch out for crayons, lotions, sunscreen--you name it. And besides, she gets bath water in her mouth all the time.

I've emailed the Scrubbing Bubbles company twice now, and they never reply. Has anyone ever had any success in contacting them? I'd love to be able to use my shower cleaner; I just can't take any chances until I've confirmed that the product is safe.

[jerseyangel]

Hi,

I made a phone call to SC Johnson's---hoping to get an answer for you. 1-800-494-4855.

I spoke to a customer service rep. who was able to give me the ingredients, which are--bleach alternative, citric acid, detergent cleansers and fragrance.

I was then forwared to their Medical Safety Dept. and spoke with Mary. She will be checking with their chemists and will get back to me by phone.

When I hear, I will let you know

Hopefully someone else will have some firsthand information for you in the mean time.

[Esther Sparhawk]

Oh thanks a bunch! I work at a public school, and we're not allowed to have our cell phones on during school hours. Since I'm out west, and most of the 800 numbers are for companies back east, they're always closed by the time I get off work. On my days off, I make lots of phone calls, but in the mean time, I rely on this forum and local celiacs to help me out.

Thanks for doing the footwork! I'll look forward to hearing your response.

Mechelle

Hi,

I made a phone call to SC Johnson's---hoping to get an answer for you. 1-800-494-4855.

I spoke to a customer service rep. who was able to give me the ingredients, which are--bleach alternative, citric acid, detergent cleansers and fragrance.

I was then forwared to their Medical Safety Dept. and spoke with Mary. She will be checking with their chemists and will get back to me by phone.

When I hear, I will let you know

Hopefully someone else will have some firsthand information for you in the mean time.

[jerseyangel]

Oh thanks a bunch! I work at a public school, and we're not allowed to have our cell phones on during school hours. Since I'm out west, and most of the 800 numbers are for companies back east, they're always closed by the time I get off work. On my days off, I make lots of phone calls, but in the mean time, I rely on this forum and local celiacs to help me out.

Thanks for doing the footwork! I'll look forward to hearing your response.

Mechelle

No problem--I'll let you know what I find out.

[jerseyangel]

I was surprised to receive a call from SC Johnson medical on a Sunday. This was her answer: "The Scrubbing Bubbles Shower Cleaner is not formulated to contain gluten". The number she called from was in Minneapolis--952-486-7480.

[Esther Sparhawk]

I was surprised to receive a call from SC Johnson medical on a Sunday. This was her answer: "The Scrubbing Bubbles Shower Cleaner is not formulated to contain gluten". The number she called from was in Minneapolis--952-486-7480.

What do you suppose "not formulated to contain gluten" actually means? After all, I'm making choices for my child, not myself. If they can't guarantee that it's completely free of gluten--cross-contaimination included--then I'm not going to use it. It's disappointing, but I must do what's right for my child, not what's easiest for me.

But jerseyangel, you are an ANGEL indeed, for trying your best. Thanks for your effort. Working moms have a tough time calling those -800 numbers. Your friends and family must treasure you for your kindness!

[jerseyangel]

What do you suppose "not formulated to contain gluten" actually means? After all, I'm making choices for my child, not myself. If they can't guarantee that it's completely free of gluten--cross-contaimination included--then I'm not going to use it. It's disappointing, but I must do what's right for my child, not what's easiest for me.

I know, it was vague and she wouldn't elaborate when I pressed her for information on the "fragrance". From her tone, I believe she was only permitted to say as much as she did.

I wish the answer had been more specific. My personal opinion on this is that if you even suspect it's affecting your daughter, stop using it immediately. I have been affected by shampoos that contain "fragrance" and no other suspicious ingredients. I've learned by trial and error that gluten may or may not hide in fragrances, and companies either don't know where the ingredients or the components are sourced or don't want to dig into it that far.

I am using Clorox Greenworks Bathroom/Shower Cleaner--it doesn't contain bleach or fragrance, it's smell comes from lemon oil. I contacted Clorox recently and was told that all the Greenworks products are gluten-free. I've had very good luck with them.

It's not an automatic-type shower cleaner, but it's surprisingly effective for such a mild, non chemical product. With your daughter being so sensitive (as am I), something like this may be worth considering.