Body Products

[Sam'sMom]

I'm just wondering if someone might share which body products you have found that are gluten free. I'm wondering about shampoos, tooth paste, lotion, lip balm etc.... Along with that, I'm wondering what some of the more common ingredients are that indicate gluten. A lot of times when I read the labels I don't see anything that would be gluten, but they are also not labeled gluten free. I'm wondering with these types of products if they are just not labeling them as much yet, because it is less common to have a reaction to them than to food. Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks

[jebby]

The last I checked, about 6 months ago, these brands were safe (and I have used without a problem):

Shampoo: Pantene and Garnier

Body wash: Dove, Suave

Toothpaste: Crest and Colgate

[smsm]

I've experimented a lot with different shampoos/washes lately - and I find I just am more comfortable is something actually labeled gluten free instead of relying on absence in ingredients (my two small children also have Celiac, so the chances of it getting in the mouth are much higher here!). In the end, I think Desert Essence is the best and it smells so good! (careful - not all of the products are gluten-free - make sure it is labelled!)

[Sam'sMom]

The people at Whole Foods also told me the 365 Shampoo and body lotion are gluten free (although also not labeled), and Jason makes some gluten free toothpaste which is labeled. They also said Burt's Bee's shampoos, but I just threw some out that actually said "wheat protein" in the ingredients, so if they are gluten free now, it is new.

Thanks

[heatherjane]

I've experimented a lot with different shampoos/washes lately - and I find I just am more comfortable is something actually labeled gluten free instead of relying on absence in ingredients (my two small children also have Celiac, so the chances of it getting in the mouth are much higher here!). In the end, I think Desert Essence is the best and it smells so good! (careful - not all of the products are gluten-free - make sure it is labelled!)

Have you checked with Desert Essence and confirmed that they have gluten-containing products? I know their labeling has changed recently and some labels state gluten free and others don't. I checked with them before the label change, and they told me that they don't use gluten ingredients in anything but didn't label some products as gluten free because they're made in a shared facility.

Not sure if that info is still accurate, but just wanted to throw that out there. Their products have a pretty clear ingredient list and I haven't noticed gluten in anything so far.

Here's the thread I started after I contacted DE. It is now 2 yrs old, so it may be wise to check again if you are in doubt about any of their products:

[smsm]

Have you checked with Desert Essence and confirmed that they have gluten-containing products? I know their labeling has changed recently and some labels state gluten free and others don't. I checked with them before the label change, and they told me that they don't use gluten ingredients in anything but didn't label some products as gluten free because they're made in a shared facility.

Not sure if that info is still accurate, but just wanted to throw that out there. Their products have a pretty clear ingredient list and I haven't noticed gluten in anything so far.

Here's the thread I started after I contacted DE. It is now 2 yrs old, so it may be wise to check again if you are in doubt about any of their products:

I just looked at the website (desertessence.com) and most products are designated gluten-free, but I found wheat in the ingredients for the shea butter (body scrub). Almost everything was labeled gluten-free but I don't think it all is? Did I read it right? I tend to be someone that has made several mistakes by confusing "a company whose labeling I can trust" with "a company that is always gluten-free", I just have to remind myself to always see the words "gluten free" before I buy it! I've been using several of the products for myself and the kids for over a month and I really like them.

[heatherjane]

I just looked at the website (desertessence.com) and most products are designated gluten-free, but I found wheat in the ingredients for the shea butter (body scrub). Almost everything was labeled gluten-free but I don't think it all is? Did I read it right? I tend to be someone that has made several mistakes by confusing "a company whose labeling I can trust" with "a company that is always gluten-free", I just have to remind myself to always see the words "gluten free" before I buy it! I've been using several of the products for myself and the kids for over a month and I really like them.

You're right! I stand corrected. I just looked up the body scrub and "hydrolyzed wheat protein" is in the ingredients. Obviously, things have changed.

But...it's nice that they've taken the guesswork out of things by putting gluten free on the labels now for the products that actually are. It used to be just their Organics line where it would state that.

[BabsV]

This has been really helpful...I'm still figuring this all out also as I'm only 2 months into the whole gluten free adventure.

I had bought a bunch of Andalou products as a treat to myself just prior to diagnosis...happy to find out that they are gluten free. The lotions are really really nice and not greasy. You can order online.

Also just saw 'Neutrogena Naturals' which are listed as gluten free online. Haven't tried them yet but will be checking them out.

I read somewhere that Suave products are usually well-labelled in terms of allergens but you have to read the ingredients. And Garnier labels for gluten, if I remember properly.

[Celtic Queen]

Blistex is gluten free. I called the company to ask last week as I'm totally addicted to the stuff! I know some Burt's Bees stuff has gluten but their Lip Shimmer glosses do not.

When I first got diagnosed a couple of weeks ago, I went to Whole Foods to try and buy Desert Essences shampoo and they were totally sold out. They clerk said they have a hard time getting it from the manufacturer. He recommended Everyday Shea shampoo, which I loved. But unfortunately I got the one type (Vanilla Mint) that wasn't gluten free. The other types are gluten free. This is from their website:

"For those customers that are gluten sensitive, we recommend our Unscented & Lavender shampoo since they are gluten free. Our Vanilla-Mint shampoo is not verified to be gluten free" The ingredients look gluten free, so my guess is it's an issue with the fragrance.

When I went to exchange it, they were out of the other brands of Everyday Shea. So I ended up with another shea based shampoo. I can't remember the name. It says something about curls on the bottle. And it's marked Gluten Free on the bottle. It's pretty good but I liked the Everyday Shea better and will probably go back to it when I run out. It's also a lot cheaper - about $14 for a pretty big bottle. A couple of things I've noticed with the shea butter shampoos is that they don't lather as much as regular shampoos and my hair doesn't feel as squeaky clean when I'm in the shower, but I think that's because they don't strip all the natural oils out of your hair. My hair actually feels better after it dries.

I started using Garnier Fructis Style Pure Clean Gel. Again, I called the company to verify that it's gluten free. I really like it because it holds really well and is still light. And I can find it at my local drug store.

At Target I found Dr. Bonner's liquid soap and have been using it too. I really like it. Again, it doesn't lather as much but it also doesn't seem to dry out my skin as much either.

Sorry for the rambling post. Hope some of the info helps.

[heatherjane]

I think you're speaking of Beautiful Curls, which is gluten free.

The "not verified to be gluten free" just sounds like a CYA to me. It's probably fine if you don't see any gluten ingredients on the label.

[Celtic Queen]

Beautiful Curls - That's it! Thanks heatherjane.

I didn't see any gluten ingredients on the label but it made me nervous when I saw the website. I will definitely try the other 2 types if they ever have them at Whole Foods again.

[AMom2010]

The Kirkland brand (Costco) labels items that are gluten free. I just bought the bodywash, and it was a great price!!

[norcal-gf]

The Body Shop has an extensive list of gluten free products. They will emailed you the list but it's about 72 pages long - if you compare the gluten-free list to their products online not everything is on the website. But you can go into their store - the staff can bring up the gluten free list from their computer. They will provide you a sample of most of their products from the store to take home and try. They were extremely helpful! And I love their products!

I've only been gluten free for about two months, and was already using The Body Shop products. I only had to change one lotion that had Oats in it.

Also, I contacted Johnson & Johnson for Neutrogena and this is the response I received:

Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies fully comply with all regulations on ingredients in the countries in which our products are sold. Wherever regulatory authorities have set limits on certain ingredients, our product formulations either meet those limits or contain a lesser amount of the regulated ingredient. We are committed to maintaining the high standards of quality and safety that have been our hallmark for generations of consumers.

Although gluten was not added to our products, we cannot guarantee that cross contamination with gluten did not occur in the manufacturing process. In addition, some of the ingredients in the products may have been purchased by us from outside distributors and we cannot say with absolute certainty that cross contamination did not occur at their facilities. We recommend that you speak with your treating physician if you are concerned that with your self particular sensitivity, the product's listed ingredients may trigger an allergic reaction.

Delores R.

Consumer Care Center

----

I still use my Neutrogena make up - I found on another gluten-free blog site that the ingredients were okay, but buyer beware. Good luck!