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Is It Ok To Use Shampoo/soap W/ Gluten?

jasonD2

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jasonD2 Experienced
jasonD2
Posted

my issues are all GI and i never get rashes or anything skin related from using gluten/wheat based shampoos, lotions or soaps. can i still use these products or does it still cause villi damage? my understanding is that gluten is not absorbed into the skin cause the protein is too big

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Franceen Explorer
Franceen
Posted

All of my research has found the same thing - gluten is not absorbed through the skin - but can be absorbed through mucus membranes (inside nose, mouth, etc).

I've checked all the leading authority people (U. of MD, Mayo Clinic, UVA, other famous places abroad, etc) and had it confirmed by my own 3 doctors.

I have no problem using non-ingested products with Gluten either and my symptoms were Dermatitis Herpetiformis (skin rash), followed by GI symptoms after I went gluten-free. I DO, however, watch out for lipstick, nose sprays and other things that can be ingested, even if accidentally.

I use shampoo, lotions, makeup (except lipstick), hair conditioners, powders, etc that have oats and wheat and have never had a problem.

I can't speak for others though, but am glad I don't have to look at the ingredients of cosmetic items, since they are not required by law to disclose anything!

brigala Explorer
brigala
Posted

Some people have problems with shampoo and stuff but most don't seem to. My shampoo contains wheat. I just make sure I thoroughly rinse before I get out of the shower.

I go with the theory, "don't make it harder than it already is."

I would not use a toothpaste or mouthwash that wasn't gluten-free, however. I also try to avoid hand lotions that aren't gluten-free, because that might end up on my food when I eat. But I don't go too far out of my way to make sure my lotion is gluten-free... I wash my hands often enough that the risk is probably minimal.

-Elizabeth

hannahp57 Contributor
hannahp57
Posted

I think most of the worry is about getting it in your mouth by mistake or something. i mean for those of us who do not react with skin rashes. i have never checked topical pruducts and have never noticed any reaction. the only thing i avoid are the hand sanitizers that may not be safe because chances are that stuff isnt always fully absorbed before the next time you put something in your mouth. i dont want sanitizer gluten all over my m&ms

darlindeb25 Collaborator
darlindeb25
Posted

I don't believe most of the celiacs---it's some of the celiacs. I think just as many react to gluten on the skin, as those who don't. I break out in hives with gluten on my skin.

It's always best to do away with gluten containing products, be it food, or body products. You will have no idea what is glutening you if you continue to use gluten containing products, in any way. There are wonderful products out there that do not contain gluten, why take the chance??

I use Softsoap for bathing and handwashing, I use Pantene Shampoo and Conditioner, sometimes Garnier Nutrisse..I understand Suave is ok, I can't use it on my hair, it's no good for long, thick hair. Dove products are gluten free, I use their lotions. Most toothpaste is safe...I can't think of anything else right now...feel free to ask though.

taweavmo3 Enthusiast
taweavmo3
Posted

Like everyone said, it's different for everyone. Personally, I have become sick from shampoo with wheat. I inevitably get some in my mouth, and although it doesn't make me sick right away, over the period of a few weeks, it does. It took me a while to figure that one out.

It's easy enough to find shampoos w/out wheat...Suave will clearly list wheat in their ingredients, so that's what we use.

jerseyangel Proficient
jerseyangel
Posted
Like everyone said, it's different for everyone. Personally, I have become sick from shampoo with wheat. I inevitably get some in my mouth, and although it doesn't make me sick right away, over the period of a few weeks, it does. It took me a while to figure that one out.

Ditto all of this for me :)

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lizard00 Enthusiast
lizard00
Posted

I tend to be on the side that it doesn't get absorbed through your skin...

But, because of accidental ingestion, there are things that I make sure are gluten-free, specifically my shampoo and conditioner, for the reasons mentioned above. No, I don't drink them :lol: , but I have definitely gotten either or both in my mouth enough times to know that it could pose a risk for me. I also make sure my handsoap doesn't have gluten because I have a bad habit of putting my hands in or around my mouth while on the computer reading, watching TV, etc.

Jill89 Newbie
Jill89
Posted

Can anyone give some name brands of shampoo & conditioners that are wheat free? I don't have a rash but my scalp is uncomfortable - like I've been wearing a pony tail too long.

darlindeb25 Collaborator
darlindeb25
Posted

Dove products...Suave...Pantene...Garnier Nutrisse...Aussie...White Rain

I use Softsoap for the tub and handwashing...Johnson's Baby Powder...Dove lotions

Hope this helps some. ;)

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