With the rising popularity of gluten-free diets and increased awareness around gluten sensitivity, many people are now wondering if their skincare products need to be gluten-free as well. Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye, and it’s estimated that around 1% of the population has celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten consumption. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, ingesting even small amounts of gluten can cause serious health issues. But what about applying gluten to your skin through skincare products? Here’s what you need to know.
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a general name for the proteins found in wheat, rye and barley. It helps give elasticity to dough, allowing bread to rise and keep its shape. Gluten is found throughout the grain, including in the endosperm, germ and bran.
There are two main proteins that make up gluten:
- Gliadin
- Glutenin
When flour and water are combined, these proteins form elastic strands called gluten. For those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, the immune system mistakenly views gluten as a threat and attacks it when consumed.
Is Gluten Found in Skincare?
Gluten proteins are rarely used in skincare and cosmetic products. Most skincare ingredients are derived from non-gluten sources like:
- Plant oils
- Plant butters
- Essential oils
- Clays
- Botanical extracts
The most common gluten-containing ingredient found in some skincare products is wheat germ oil. This oil is extracted from the germ of the wheat kernel, which contains a small amount of gluten protein.
Here are a few examples of skincare products that may contain gluten:
- Products containing hydrolyzed wheat protein – This wheat-derived film-forming agent can help improve moisture retention.
- Products containing wheat germ oil – This nutrient-rich oil has antioxidants like vitamin E.
- Oatmeal skincare – Oatmeal naturally contains avenin, a gluten-like protein. Look for certified gluten-free labels.
- Beer-infused skincare – Most beer contains gluten.
That being said, the amounts used are typically minimal and rinsed off the skin. But for those highly sensitive, even small amounts may cause issues.
Should You Avoid Gluten in Skincare If You Have Celiac Disease or a Gluten Sensitivity?
For most people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, using skincare products containing hydrolyzed wheat protein, wheat germ oil or oatmeal is considered safe and should not cause any reactions. The amount of gluten is negligible, and the products are used topically rather than ingested. But everyone has a different level of sensitivity.
According to research, for gluten to cause health issues, it needs to be ingested. Gluten proteins are too large to be absorbed through the skin. However, those who are highly sensitive may prefer avoiding products listing any type of wheat or gluten as an ingredient to be safe.
The highest risk skincare products are those used around the mouth, like lip balms or lipsticks. It’s possible that small amounts could be accidentally ingested. Opting for gluten-free oral products can minimize any potential risk.
Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity who decide to try products containing gluten should watch carefully for any adverse reactions. Signs of a reaction could include:
- Rash
- Redness
- Itching
- Inflammation
- Dermatitis herpetiformis (gluten rash)
If any reaction occurs, discontinue use. Otherwise, the amounts present in most skincare should not be an issue.
What About Using Skincare Products After Eating Gluten?
There are no special precautions needed for using skincare products after consuming gluten. Even if gluten was ingested recently, skincare products applied topically to the surface of the skin should not cause any issues or reactions.
Gluten-Free Skincare Labeling
Currently, there are no regulations around labeling skincare products as “gluten-free.” The FDA gluten-free labeling rules only apply to ingestible foods. However, some skincare brands voluntarily choose to label products gluten-free to cater to those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities.
When looking for gluten-free skincare products, check the ingredients list carefully. Avoid products containing:
- Wheat
- Barley
- Rye
- Oats (unless certified GF)
- Malt
- Beer
Instead, look for skincare focused on natural, gluten-free ingredients like:
- Aloe vera
- Coconut oil
- Olive oil
- Shea butter
- Jojoba oil
- Essential oils
- Tea tree
- Lavender
- Clays
- Avocado
If a product claims to be “gluten-free,” contact the manufacturer to ask about their testing and verification processes to confirm the claim is valid.
The Bottom Line
For most people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, using skincare products that contain gluten proteins should not be an issue. The amounts are small, the products are used topically, and the gluten proteins are unable to be absorbed through skin.
However, those who are highly sensitive may want to avoid products listing gluten sources like wheat just to be safe. It’s also smart to use caution with products used around the mouth. Everyone has a different sensitivity level.
Look for products focused on natural, gluten-free ingredients if you are concerned. And if any reaction occurs after using a product containing gluten, discontinue use immediately.
With few exceptions, most skincare products do not contain high-risk gluten ingredients. But taking the time to understand labels and product sources can help identify the best options for your individual needs and sensitivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can skincare products containing gluten hurt your skin?
For most people, skincare products containing small amounts of gluten are unlikely to cause any skin reaction or issues. Gluten proteins are too large to be absorbed through the skin. However, those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should use caution and monitor for any adverse reactions, especially with products used around the mouth.
Should you avoid skincare with wheat germ oil if sensitive to gluten?
Wheat germ oil contains a small amount of gluten protein. For highly sensitive individuals, avoiding skincare products containing wheat germ oil is recommended as a precaution. For most, the minimal amounts in skincare are not a cause for concern.
Can you develop a gluten rash from skincare?
It’s very unlikely. Dermatitis herpetiformis, also known as “gluten rash,” occurs when gluten is ingested. There are no documented cases of skincare products causing the condition. However, those highly sensitive to gluten may prefer avoiding skincare with gluten as a precaution.
Is oatmeal gluten-free?
Oats contain the protein avenin, which is similar in structure to gluten. Some individuals sensitive to gluten also react to avenin. Be sure to look for skincare products containing certified gluten-free oats, or oat extracts sourced from purity protocol oats.
Can you use skincare containing gluten if you have celiac disease?
In most cases, it should not be an issue as the gluten is not ingested and absorbed through the skin. However, some with celiac disease prefer avoiding gluten in skincare as a precaution. Monitor for any adverse reactions with new products containing gluten sources.
The Takeaway
When it comes to skincare, products containing gluten are generally considered low risk for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. However, it’s smart to read labels carefully, look for gluten-free options when possible, and monitor for reactions with new products. Being informed on ingredient sources and potential sensitivities is key to finding skincare that works with your individual needs and health conditions.
