How Imp. Is It To Use Gluten-Free Make-Up, Shampoo, Etc?

[VitaminDGirl]

Do Celiacs have to use gluten-free shampoo, make'up ,etc?

Is that a debatable topic?

Thanks.

[Chakra2]

From what I gather, it is somewhat debatable. Gluten is too large a molecule to be absorbed by the skin but some people seem to get symptoms from the accidental ingestion of gluten bath and skin products. I can tell you that I was feeling pretty good a few months after going gluten free, but still noticed a significant improvement when I weeded out all of the products I was using that contained gluten (or soy -- I'm intolerant). I also switched all of my toddler's products since I thought I could be getting those on my hands (and then in my mouth), or just getting glutened from kissing him. I use California Baby products for myself and for my son now and try to use baking soda and vinegar for anything I possibly can (non-toxic, no gluten, and cheap!). Dropping my gluten-containing lip

gloss (vit e from wheat) and my body lotion I think were especially helpful.

I'm sure those were both getting in my mouth.

[VitaminDGirl]

From what I gather, it is somewhat debatable. Gluten is too large a molecule to be absorbed by the skin but some people seem to get symptoms from the accidental ingestion of gluten bath and skin products. I can tell you that I was feeling pretty good a few months after going gluten free, but still noticed a significant improvement when I weeded out all of the products I was using that contained gluten (or soy -- I'm intolerant). I also switched all of my toddler's products since I thought I could be getting those on my hands (and then in my mouth), or just getting glutened from kissing him. I use California Baby products for myself and for my son now and try to use baking soda and vinegar for anything I possibly can (non-toxic, no gluten, and cheap!). Dropping my gluten-containing lip

gloss (vit e from wheat) and my body lotion I think were especially helpful.

I'm sure those were both getting in my mouth.

Thanks so much for responding. This really helps me out. I think I will take baby steps into this. Which feel HUGE. Like let's start with the food, and work our way toward products I use 'on' my body and my kids' bodies...

Thanks again for your feedback. I'm glad to hear you're finding what works for you.

[oceangirl]

Many, many people on this board over the years discovered the hard way that they are VERY sensitive to gluten and the problem with personal products, cosmetics and cleansers is that it is VERY easy for them to end up in your mouth. (and if you wear lipstick, well, that's a no-brainer...)so, for those like us, it is essential to use ONLY substances without the offending gluten.

Somewhere on this board I know there's an extensive list, perhaps someone will repost it for you. For the record, I use Garnier Fructis or Suave shampoo, Lancome's Le Rouge Absolu line of lipstick and eyeliner, Banana Boat sunscreen and apple cider vinegar to soften my hair and make it shine!

Good luck and good health to you,

lisa

[jerseyangel]

Oceangirl said it perfectly--many of us need to use gluten-free personal care products.

The problem is not that gluten is absorbed through the skin, but that it's all too easy for things like shampoo and lotions to make their way into our mouth--and for the very sensitive, it does not take much at all.

It's an individual decision--I tend to say to someone new to use your own judgement. If you are sensitive, go with the gluten-free products. If not, try using brands you like that contain gluten but keep your eye out for reactions. Also, it's very possible to become more sensitive to smaller amounts of gluten over time, so bear that in mind.

[Coolclimates]

I, too, had this question. So I called and spoke to someone at the Chicago Celiac Center (I had several other questions as well). That person told me it was really important to use gluten-free make up, shampoo, etc. i can understand the lipstick, but shampoo and soap and such seem a bit more extreme. But I'm assuming that she knew what she was talking about so I've tried to switch to some of these products. But they are very hard to find, and not to mention expensive! The Body Shop has some good all natural products that they claim are gluten-free.

[oceangirl]

Suave shampoo is cheap; Ivory soap is okay. The only way to decide this is by discovering for yourself if you are highly sensitive. I never would have believed it 5 years ago, either, that just a smidge of gluten could cause the autoimmune response, but, getting sick again and again enlightened me!

I have a gluten-free house, including the pet food, but some people don't need to go to those extremes. There are products, mainstream products, that are fine- there used to be a list here. Maybe a moderator will point you to it.

lisa