Quick summary
Makeup often contains ingredients derived from wheat, barley, rye, or oats, which means makeup products may contain gluten. While using makeup with gluten is generally considered safe for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, certain precautions should be taken:
- Avoid makeup that lists gluten-containing grains in the ingredients
- Look for makeup labeled “gluten-free” when possible
- Avoid makeup with oats or oat derivatives, as purity standards for gluten-free oats are controversial
- Focus on minimizing ingestion risk by not using lip products with gluten
- Test a small amount of new makeup on your arm before full application to check for skin reactions
Overall, incidental skin contact with gluten through makeup is not a major risk factor. But those highly sensitive should take care to use only gluten-free cosmetics, especially for the lips and eyes.
Which ingredients in makeup contain gluten?
Gluten refers to the proteins found in wheat, barley, rye and sometimes oats. These grains are common ingredients used in beauty and personal care products, including:
- Wheat – Wheat flour, wheat germ oil, wheat bran extract
- Barley – Barley extract, hordeum vulgare extract
- Rye – Rye flour, secalin extract
- Oats – Oat flour, oat bran extract, avena sativa kernel extract
These grain-derived ingredients can potentially contribute to skin issues or reactions in those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. They may also cause damage to the small intestine if accidentally ingested.
Common makeup products that may contain gluten
Gluten-containing grains are used in many different makeup and skincare items. Here are some common products that may include gluten:
- Foundations, concealers, BB creams – Wheat protein, oat extract
- Blush, bronzers, highlighters – Barley extract, rye flour
- Eye shadows, eyeliners – Wheat starch, barley extract
- Mascaras, brow gels – Barley wax, wheat germ oil
- Lipsticks, lip glosses, balms – Oat oil, wheat germ extract
- Powders – Wheat starch, rice powder, oat kernel flour
- Primers – Wheat germ oil, barley extract
- Nail polishes – Wheat protein
Is makeup with gluten generally safe for celiacs?
For most people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, incidental skin contact with gluten through makeup and skincare products is not considered a significant health risk. Since these products are not ingested, the gluten does not normally reach the digestive tract to cause damage and inflammation.
One 2011 study tested gluten absorption through the skin by applying skincare creams with hydrolyzed wheat protein to the forearms of those with celiac disease. Even with prolonged exposure, no gastrointestinal symptoms were provoked and no changes were seen in the intestinal mucosa.
However, there are a few caveats to consider:
- Those highly sensitive may react to topical gluten with skin rashes, redness, itching or other signs of contact dermatitis.
- Use of lip products with gluten introduces some risk of ingestion, especially with repeated reapplication throughout the day.
- Applying eye makeup with gluten could potentially lead to eye irritation in those very sensitive.
Overall, most experts consider the use of gluten-containing makeup to be low risk. But those highly sensitive, especially in active disease flares, may want to take extra care.
Precautions when using makeup with gluten
While skin contact with gluten through makeup is not dangerous for most, here are some recommended precautions for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity:
1. Check the ingredients list
Get in the habit of reading cosmetic ingredients lists and avoiding products that contain wheat, barley, rye and oats. Called out ingredients like “wheat germ oil” or “oat kernel extract” clearly indicate gluten.
However, gluten grains are sometimes hidden in ingredients like starch, maltodextrin, natural flavor and more. When in doubt, look for a gluten-free label on the packaging.
2. Use gluten-free labeled makeup when possible
More makeup brands now explicitly label products as “gluten-free” or “safe for gluten-free diets”. Choose these options for peace of mind when available.
Some reputable gluten-free makeup brands include:
- Axiology
- Bellapierre
- Gabriel Cosmetics
- Honeybee Gardens
- Jane Iredale
- Normani
- Pure Anada
- Red Apple Lipstick
- Rejuva Minerals
- Sappho New Paradigm
3. Avoid oats and oat derivatives
Most experts advise avoiding oats in a gluten-free diet, as purity standards to prevent cross-contamination during growing and processing are controversial.
While many can tolerate gluten-free oats, it’s best to be cautious and avoid them in makeup as well.
4. Use caution with lip products
Pay special attention to ingredients in lipsticks, glosses, balms and liners. Since lips inevitably come in contact with these products, try to only use gluten-free options to prevent any accidental ingestion.
5. Do a skin patch test
Before using a new makeup product that may contain gluten, consider doing a skin patch test:
- Apply a small amount to your inner forearm
- Cover with a bandage and leave on for 24 hours
- If no reaction after 24 hours, the product is likely safe for you to use
- If any redness, itching or irritation results, avoid using the product
This can identify ingredients you may be sensitive to before applying new makeup all over your face.
Is gluten-free makeup more expensive?
There is a perception that gluten-free specialty products come with a higher price tag. But thanks to the growing market, gluten-free makeup prices are becoming more comparable to mainstream brands.
For budget-friendly drugstore options, gluten-free lines from Wet n Wild, Milani and NYX can cost under $10 per product. Higher-end brands like Jane Iredale or Anastasia Beverly Hills offer luxe gluten-free choices at prestige beauty prices.
Checking for deals online and in-store can help you find great values. And shopping professional makeup artist brands often offers salon-quality gluten-free cosmetics for less.
Tips for identifying gluten in makeup when shopping
With so many makeup products on store shelves, how can you quickly identify options free from gluten? Here are some helpful tips for shopping gluten-free cosmetics:
1. Learn the Latin names for gluten grains
Ingredients lists often use scientific names that may not immediately register as wheat, rye, barley or oats. Here are the Latin names to look out for:
| Grain | Latin Name |
|---|---|
| Wheat | Triticum vulgare |
| Barley | Hordeum vulgare |
| Rye | Secale cereale |
| Oats | Avena sativa |
2. Watch for risky hidden ingredients
Terms like maltodextrin, starch or natural flavor can sometimes indicate the presence of gluten. When unsure, look for a gluten-free label or contact the manufacturer.
3. Shop specialty brands
Visit gluten-free specialty retailers online and in person to discover new makeup options guaranteed to be gluten-free.
4. Research gluten-free lists
Consult gluten-free brand lists from reputable health organizations and allergy sites to find recommended and tested options.
Conclusion
While makeup with gluten is generally safe for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, some precautions are recommended. Avoid products listing wheat, barley, rye or oats. Seek out gluten-free labels for peace of mind. And take special care with lip makeup to prevent any accidental ingestion.
By learning to identify gluten-containing ingredients and shopping specialty brands, you can find quality cosmetics that won’t put your health at risk. With an abundance of gluten-free options now available, you don’t have to give up your favorite lipstick or eyeshadow.
