Aveeno is a popular skincare brand that uses natural ingredients like oats and soy in many of its products. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, using Aveeno products may seem risky due to potential cross-contamination with gluten. This article will examine if Aveeno products are safe for those with gluten allergies and provide an overview of the ingredients, manufacturing process, and certifications related to gluten content.
What is Gluten and Why is it Problematic?
Gluten is a group of proteins found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten triggers an autoimmune reaction that damages the small intestine. Even small amounts of gluten (as little as 20 parts per million) can cause issues for those with gluten allergies.
When a product contains gluten, there is potential for cross-contamination if equipment or facilities are not thoroughly cleaned between production runs. For example, a facility that makes wheat-based products could contaminate a gluten-free product if traces of wheat remain on the equipment. Many people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities must follow a strict gluten-free diet to avoid adverse reactions.
Common Allergens in Aveeno Products
Oats and soy are two of the primary ingredients in many Aveeno products. Here is an overview of each ingredient:
Oats
Oats are a gluten-free grain, but can become contaminated with gluten through processing. Oats are often processed in facilities that also handle wheat, barley, and rye. Special care must be taken to avoid cross-contamination.
Some individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity may also react to the protein avenin found in oats. However, pure, uncontaminated oats are safe for the majority.
Soy
Soy does not naturally contain gluten. However, soy-based ingredients can become cross-contaminated during growing and processing, especially in facilities that also handle gluten grains.
For example, a facility that produces soy sauce may use wheat in the fermentation process. Traces of that wheat could make the soy sauce unsafe for those with celiac disease.
How Aveeno Addresses Gluten
Aveeno states that their products are gluten-free, meaning they do not contain wheat, barley, rye, or their derivatives. However, Aveeno does use oat and soy-based ingredients, so cross-contamination is a potential concern.
Here are some steps Aveeno takes to reduce gluten risks:
Careful Sourcing of Oats
Aveeno obtains oats from certified gluten-free suppliers. This minimizes the chance of contamination from wheat, barley, or rye.
Testing for Gluten
Both incoming oat shipments and final products are tested for gluten using ELISA tests. Products must contain less than 10 parts per million of gluten to be approved.
Dedicated Gluten-Free Facilities
Aveeno manufactures their natural ingredient products like oat and soy in dedicated gluten-free facilities. This avoids cross-contamination from gluten-based products made in the same facility.
Thorough Cleaning Procedures
Equipment and manufacturing lines are thoroughly cleaned between production runs of different products. This reduces the chance that traces of gluten could contaminate a batch.
Certifications Related to Gluten Content
Aveeno has obtained certifications from recognized organizations confirming their products meet certain gluten standards:
NFS Gluten-Free Certification
This certification from the National Food Service Institute ensures products contain less than 10 parts per million of gluten. Aveeno displays the NFS gluten-free logo on compliant products.
1% Gluten-Free Certification
Aveeno worked with the Gluten Intolerance Group to confirm products with this logo contain less than 10 parts per million of gluten. 1% is 10 times lower than the FDA gluten-free requirement.
NSF Gluten-Free Certification
This certification from NSF International verifies gluten levels are below 10 parts per million in products bearing the NSF gluten-free mark.
Is Aveeno Hypoallergenic?
In addition to minimizing gluten, Aveeno also claims many products are “hypoallergenic.” This means the formulas are less likely to cause allergic reactions.
Aveeno achieves this by avoiding common allergens beyond gluten like:
– Fragrance
– Parabens
– Phthalates
– Dyes
Clinical tests also measure skin reactions when developing hypoallergenic recipes. Any product bearing the Aveeno hypoallergenic seal has passed these rigorous evaluations.
Is Aveeno Cruelty-Free?
Aveeno states that they do not conduct animal testing on their products or ingredients. Nor do they ask others to do so on their behalf. However, Aveeno is owned by Johnson & Johnson, which is not a cruelty-free parent company. J&J allows animal testing where required by law.
So while Aveeno products are not directly tested on animals, the connection to a non-cruelty-free parent company means Aveeno cannot be considered 100% cruelty-free. PETA has designated J&J and Aveeno as a “working towards cruelty-free” company.
Aveeno Products That Are Typically Gluten-Free
Based on Aveeno’s rigorous gluten testing and certification process, most Aveeno products are considered gluten-free as long as they do not contain obvious gluten ingredients like wheat, barley, rye or malt.
Some Aveeno products that are typically gluten-free include:
Skin Care
– Daily moisturizing lotion
– Positively radiant daily moisturizer
– Clear complexion foaming cleanser
– Positively ageless firming body lotion
– Absolutely ageless restorative night cream
Hair Care
– Nourish and strengthen shampoo
– Soothing oat conditioner
– Scalp soothing fresh shampoo
– Calm and restore oat conditioner
Body Care
– Soothing bath treatment
– Skin relief moisture repair cream
– Therapeutic shave gel
– Active naturals therapeutic hand cream
Baby Care
– Daily moisture lotion
– Nighttime balm
– Soothing relief creamy wash
– Eczema therapy moisturizing cream
Again, always check the label and look for gluten-free certifications, as rare formula changes can occur. But the above products have been gluten-free for many years.
Aveeno Products That May Contain Gluten
While Aveeno avoids gluten broadly, a small subset of their products do warn about possible gluten or wheat exposure:
– Positively Radiant Anti-Aging Daily Moisturizer SPF 15
This contains wheat-derived tocopherol (vitamin E) and may not be gluten-free.
– Aveeno Active Naturals Skin Relief Body Wash
Some versions of this body wash contain hydrolyzed wheat protein, a gluten-based ingredient. Check labels to confirm.
So consult ingredient lists carefully if you have celiac disease or a wheat allergy. Other products may also contain gluten periodically based on formula changes. When in doubt, contact the company for the most updated info.
How to Use Aveeno Safely if Gluten-Sensitive
Here are some tips for safely using Aveeno if you have issues with gluten:
– Carefully read all product labels and avoid any that contain gluten derivatives or wheat ingredients.
– Look for one of the gluten-free logos from GFCO, NFS, or 1% Gluten-Free certification.
– Spot test a small area of skin first to check for any reactions before broader use.
– Opt for fragrance-free versions when possible, as fragrances can trigger skin sensitivities.
– Only purchase from trusted retailers and be wary of third party sellers on sites like Amazon where product versions can vary.
– Consider contacting Aveeno to ask about any formula changes or gluten testing for a specific product batch.
– Wash hands after application to avoid accidentally ingesting any product residues.
– Keep Aveeno products sealed to prevent cross-contact from other gluten-containing items.
Following these precautions will help minimize gluten risks when using Aveeno. But full avoidance of gluten exposure may not be guaranteed. Work closely with your healthcare team if you have celiac or wheat allergies to decide if using Aveeno is appropriate.
The Bottom Line
Here is a summary of the key points covered about Aveeno and gluten safety:
– Aveeno products labeled gluten-free do not contain wheat, rye, barley or their derivatives.
– However, Aveeno does use oat and soy-based ingredients which can become cross-contaminated with gluten.
– Aveeno thoroughly tests ingredients and finished products to confirm gluten levels below 10-20 ppm.
– Aveeno facilities are dedicated gluten-free operations with protocols to avoid cross-contact.
– Multiple third-party certifications help validate the gluten-free status of Aveeno products.
– Some Aveeno formulations do contain wheat-based ingredients and are not gluten-free. Always check labels carefully.
– Using caution and verifying gluten-free labels are important for gluten-sensitive individuals.
– Work with your healthcare provider to decide if using Aveeno is appropriate based on your level of gluten sensitivity.
So in summary, Aveeno takes extensive steps to eliminate gluten in their products, earning them widespread gluten-free certifications. But a subset of products may still contain gluten, requiring extra care when selecting Aveeno items if you have celiac disease or a wheat allergy. Verify gluten-free labels and consult your doctor to determine if Aveeno can be part of your gluten-free regimen.
References
[1] https://www.aveeno.com/ingredients
[2] https://www.aveeno.com/about
[3] https://www.verywellfit.com/is-aveeno-gluten-free-562807
[4] https://www.glutenfreewatchdog.org/news/aveeno-response-regarding-gluten-free-labeling/
[5] https://www.gluten.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Aveeno-TBAD-1.pdf
[6] https://www.today.com/shop/are-aveeno-products-gluten-free-t151840
[7] https://www.peta.org/living/personal-care-fashion/beauty-brands-dont-test-animals/
[8] https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition/questions-and-answers-gluten-free-food-labeling-final-rule