Letter From Clinique

[WinterSong]

"Thank you for taking the time to contact Clinique.

For the benefit of our gluten-sensitive consumers who may have cross-sensitivities, Clinique takes the extra precaution of including soy, corn and rice in our research in addition to wheat, oat, barley and rye derivatives.

In addressing your concern about gluten, we would like to explain that a vast number of raw materials from many different suppliers and sources are used in the manufacture of Estee Lauder Companies' products, of which Clinique is a brand. It is therefore not possible for us to fully guarantee that our products are completely free of ingredients that may elicit an allergic response in highly sensitive individuals who react to gluten. For example, it is possible that small amounts of a wheat sourced ingredient may remain on shared manufacturing equipment even after a thorough cleaning. We therefore recommend that you discuss this with your physician, because consumer safety is of utmost concern to us."

I don't have DH, so my doctor thinks that most make up products are okay for me (though I am very careful about lip sticks/gloss, ect). But I do have a lot of Clinique facial washes.

I know that companies do legally have to warn people about supplier and manufacturer concerns. But what do you think? Would their products be safe to use?

[IrishHeart]

I think they are being honest in saying that they cannot/ will not guarantee that the products are gluten-free (or any other allergen-free for that matter) and that takes the liability off their shoulders.

I used Clinique facial wash and face cream for years--with no problem. Once the celiac triggered for good and I was really ill, I had a pink, sore face with pimples and raised dots all the time. I had them on my scalp, too. I switched to shampoo without hydrolyzed wheat protein and that stopped that issue.

That could have just been skin sensitivity from being ill, though, and NOT a wheat reaction in the wash itself. I can't be sure.

So, I stopped using it and I use Cleure face wash now. Maybe when I am healed, I may try Clinique again. Their stuff is really good!

I guess it is up to you.

Do the products bother you? If not, maybe you are not super-sensitive and can continue. I assume you're not drinking the stuff ( ) just kidding!!

Lip gloss is another issue. Definitely be careful with that. There are places that make gluten-free lipstick. Just Google and see which ones you like!