Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. For people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, exposure to gluten can cause serious health issues like intestinal damage, rashes and headaches. That’s why those with gluten intolerance or allergy need to avoid products containing gluten in their ingredients. This includes skincare and beauty products like face moisturizers.
The good news is that there are many excellent gluten-free moisturizer options available today. When shopping for a face moisturizer that is guaranteed gluten-free, it’s important to check the ingredient list carefully. Oats are a common ingredient added to skincare for their soothing properties, but oats contain gluten. So oat-based moisturizers are off-limits for the gluten intolerant. Sticking to moisturizers made with oils, butters, aloe vera and other plant extracts is a safe bet.
What to look for in a gluten-free moisturizer
If you need to avoid gluten, read face moisturizer ingredient lists closely looking out for these things:
– Oat extract or derivatives – Contains gluten
– Wheat germ oil – Contains gluten
– Barley extract – Contains gluten
– Maltodextrin – Often derived from barley, rye or wheat
– Beer or lager yeast extracts – Contain gluten
– Hydrolized wheat or vegetable protein – Contains gluten
Instead, look for these safe, gluten-free ingredients:
– Aloe vera gel
– Coconut oil
– Shea butter
– Sunflower seed oil
– Safflower oil
– Rose hip oil
– Avocado oil
– Jojoba oil
– Glycerin
– Hyaluronic acid
– Vitamin E
– Plant extracts like chamomile, calendula, green tea
If a product is certified gluten-free, it will say so clearly on the label. Third-party certifications like GFCO (Gluten Free Certification Organization) are extra assurance the product has been tested to be gluten-free.
Reviews of popular gluten-free face moisturizers
Here are some top-rated gluten-free face moisturizers to consider:
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM
CeraVe’s facial moisturizing lotion is a dermatologist-recommended, non-comedogenic moisturizer that is gluten free. It contains hyaluronic acid to help skin retain moisture, as well as ceramides to support the skin’s barrier. The formula is lightweight and absorbs quickly. It’s fragrance-free, non-irritating and ideal for normal to dry skin.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide
Where to buy: Amazon, Ulta, Walgreens
Price: $$$
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream
Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost gel cream is a hydrating facial moisturizer formulated with hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in the skin. This oil-free, non-comedogenic gel formula is refreshing and quickly absorbed by skin. It’s an excellent choice for those with extra dry skin and contains no gluten ingredients.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
Where to buy: Amazon, Walmart, Target
Price: $$
Avène Tolerance Control Cream
Developed for hypersensitive skin, Avène’s Tolerance Control Cream is free of gluten and common irritants. It’s formulated with just a few simple ingredients like squalane to restore the skin barrier and mannitol to retain moisture. This lightweight cream calms and soothes sensitive skin prone to redness.
Key ingredients: Squalane, mannitol
Where to buy: Amazon, Dermstore
Price: $$$
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Face Moisturizer
First Aid Beauty’s face moisturizer delivers intense hydration thanks to ingredients like shea butter, colloidal oatmeal and ceramides. This fragrance-free cream helps repair and strengthen the skin barrier. It is safe for sensitive skin and contains no gluten.
Key ingredients: Shea butter, colloidal oatmeal, ceramides
Where to buy: Sephora, Ulta, Amazon
Price: $$
Paula’s Choice CALM Redness Relief Moisturizer
Paula’s Choice makes a lightweight, soothing moisturizer formulated for sensitive, redness-prone skin. It hydrates while also calming irritation thanks to calendula, ginger and colloidal oatmeal. This gentle gluten and fragrance-free moisturizer absorbs quickly.
Key ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, calendula, ginger
Where to buy: Paula’s Choice, Amazon, Sephora
Price: $$
Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream
Acure’s vegan and gluten free night cream is a great natural moisturizer option. It’s formulated with argan oil, sea buckthorn oil and plant stem cells to deeply hydrate and renew skin overnight. This certified organic whipped cream has a luxurious texture and bright citrus scent.
Key ingredients: Argan oil, sea buckthorn oil, echinacea stem cells
Where to buy: Amazon, Whole Foods, Acure.com
Price: $$
Eminence Organic Skin Care Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Cream
Eminence Organics makes USDA certified organic skincare free of gluten and harsh synthetic chemicals. Their Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Cream contains hyaluronic acid to plump skin, while coconut oil and shea butter deeply moisturize. It has a refreshing, fruity scent.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, strawberry, rhubarb, coconut oil
Where to buy: Amazon, Dermstore, EminenceOrganics.com
Price: $$$
Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Booster Serum
Juice Beauty’s antioxidant-rich serum contains a blend of fruit stem cells, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, smooth and plump mature skin. This certified organic serum is free of gluten, parabens, silicones and artificial fragrance. It works well layered under a moisturizer.
Key ingredients: Fruit stem cells, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid
Where to buy: Ulta, Sephora, JuiceBeauty.com
Price: $$$
Herbivore Emerald Deep Moisture Glow Oil
Herbivore makes a lush, botanical facial oil using hemp-derived CBD and adaptogenic ashwagandha. It hydrates, soothes and balances skin without clogging pores. This lightweight CBD oil absorbs well and leaves skin deeply moisturized and glowing. It is gluten-free and vegan.
Key ingredients: CBD, ashwagandha, squalane
Where to buy: Sephora, HerbivoreBotanicals.com
Price: $$$
Tips for choosing a gluten-free moisturizer
– Carefully read the ingredients list and avoid wheat/gluten ingredients
– Look for trusted gluten-free seals like GFCO on product packaging
– Stick to simple, plant-based formulas with ingredients like aloe, oils and butters
– Avoid oat, barley and malted/fermented ingredients
– Look for fragrance-free options ideal for sensitive skin
– Try samples before buying to test how your skin reacts
– Consult with your dermatologist if you have very reactive skin
Homemade gluten-free moisturizer recipes
While there are many excellent ready-made gluten free moisturizers available today, you can also easily whip up your own custom face cream at home using simple ingredients. Here are a couple recipes to try:
Basic Face Cream
| 1⁄4 cup | Coconut oil |
| 1⁄4 cup | Shea butter |
| 2 tbsp | Sunflower oil |
| 1 tsp | Vitamin E oil |
| 5 drops | Essential oil of your choice (optional) |
Instructions:
1. Using a double boiler, melt the coconut oil, shea butter and sunflower oil together over low heat until just liquefied.
2. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
3. Add the vitamin E oil and stir to combine.
4. Add essential oil if using.
5. Transfer to a jar and allow to cool completely before using.
Keeps for up to 1 month stored in a cool, dark place.
Soothing Aloe & Oat Cream
(Note: use certified gluten-free oats)
| 1⁄4 cup | Distilled water |
| 2 tbsp | Gluten-free oat powder |
| 1⁄4 cup | Aloe vera gel |
| 1 tbsp | Coconut oil |
| 1 tsp | Honey |
| 5 drops | Lavender essential oil |
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, warm the water over medium heat. Remove from heat.
2. Whisk in the oat powder until dissolved. Allow to cool slightly.
3. In a bowl, combine the aloe vera gel, coconut oil, honey and lavender oil.
4. Add the oat water and whisk together until creamy.
5. Scoop into a jar and refrigerate for 30 minutes before using.
Keeps for up to 2 weeks refrigerated.
Conclusion
Finding a good gluten-free face moisturizer is easy when you know what ingredients to look for. There are many excellent hydrating creams and serums on the market today made without wheat, oats or barley. Simple, plant-based formulas using ingredients like aloe, shea butter, oils and hyaluronic acid make ideal gluten-free options appropriate for even sensitive skin. Just be diligent about reading ingredient lists carefully. And for total control over ingredients, try making your own custom gluten-free cream at home. With the right moisturizer, those with gluten intolerance can enjoy hydrated, healthy and radiant skin.
