THE TRUTH ABOUT GLUTEN AND SKIN CARE written by Sherina Jamal founder of Ancient Secrets Inc. and developer of the Beauty Through Balance Spa Line.
You may have noticed the increase in personal care products claiming to be “Gluten Free”. Its certainly caused some confusion in the public especially for those that have intolerance to Gluten. Due to this I wanted to share some insight into how certain active ingredients used in skin care formulations that may contain gluten actually react in comparison to ingesting food that contains gluten. Gluten – While we understand it’s important to have information on which ingredients contain gluten in a skin care formula – it’s also equally important For consumers and spa professionals to know that if one has an allergy to gluten it doesn’t mean they will react negatively to a product containing a cosmetic ingredient which contains some level of gluten. “Some people develop a form of celiac disease called dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), which causes an itchy, blistering rash.
This skin disorder is also linked to gluten intolerance. But although it involves the skin, DH is caused by ingesting gluten, not by skin contact with gluten.” Dr. Michael Picco Mayo Clinic The form the gluten may be in for a cosmetic ingredient is often different then found in raw food ingredients so will react differently. A product in a formula contain small amounts of gluten generally has zero negative effect when applied topically . The reason is the form the raw ingredient is in to be used on the skin topically in many cases does not contain the active component that causes an allergic reaction. Gluten in products may cause a reaction around the mouth or lips so it’s best to avoid in mouthwash and toothpaste for those that are sensitive or allergic. Celiac Society . “Gluten molecules are too large to be absorbed through the skin.
If you’re having a reaction to a personal care product (for example, a moisturizer or sunscreen lotion) that contains gluten, you may be allergic to one or more of the other ingredients.” Primary sources of gluten are listed as Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat Germ) Oil or Extract and Sodium Lauryl Oat Amino Acids.
The U.S. FDA and WHO Codex Alimentarius have set preliminary thresholds of less than 20 ppm of gluten for a gluten-free claim – for any products containing these actives we use less than that amount per ingredient which is why we never get reactions to someone using our products that have gluten allergies. The International Dermal Institute agrees with the Celiac Society and the many scientists that contend topical application is not an issue. Unless a product is used on the lips or in the mouth (think lip conditioners, lipstick, toothpaste or mouthwash), there is often no need for concern.
Keep in mind If you do have a gluten sensitivity and you get a negative reaction from a skin care product there is a chance that you may be reacting to another ingredient in the formula simply because you happen to have sensitive skin or it could mean you have eaten something that has caused a reaction to occur topically. For questions or more information please contact us 1-888-796-0589 toll free
