The cosmetics gluten free o gluten-free is one of the rising trends in the sector. In fact, the cosmetics sector represents only the tip of the iceberg: society as a whole has turned its attention to coeliac condition and gluten intolerance-related diseases. This has led to a transformation process in the food and beverage industry as well as in the catering industry (bars and restaurants).
In cosmetics, more and more brands are taking care to add the gluten-free label to their products. However, there are various arguments to determine that the majority of cosmetic products with gluten do not represent a danger to their coeliac users. And in view of this controversy, we believe that the time has come to talk about this new trend on our blog.
First things first: let's talk about coeliac condition
The protein that causes health problems in coeliacs is gliadin, one of the components of gluten. Even in small doses, it can trigger adverse reactions in the body.
One aspect to bear in mind is that there are different pathologies related to gluten consumption. On the one hand, gluten intolerance or coeliac disease. On the other, gluten sensitivity, which is very difficult to diagnose, as its most obvious symptoms are not related to the digestive system, but rather to sudden changes in behaviour, pain and fatigue. And finally, gluten allergy, which produces an immediate response in the organism, in the form of urticaria, oedema, respiratory difficulties, etc.
The four TACC cereals: wheat, oats, barley and rye
Finally, we would like to talk about the origin of gluten and its relation to the cosmetics industry. Gluten is found in the cereals wheat, oats, rye and barley (TACC). And many derivatives of these cereals are used in the manufacture of cosmetic products. People with coeliac condition should therefore inform themselves about the composition of the cosmetic products they are using.
But when it comes down to it....
Is gluten-free cosmetics necessary from the point of view of safety for people with coeliac condition?
According to scientific evidence, most gluten-free cosmetics do not provide greater safety for their coeliac consumers. This is because gliadin cannot be absorbed through the skin.
As the specialist María José Alonso states, the high molecular weight of gliadin prevents this protein from being absorbed through the skin, i.e. through the skin. In fact, many studies have been carried out on the subject, and the results of all of them point in the same direction: gliadin is not absorbed through the skin. This means that, in practice, most cosmetics are safe for coeliacs, whether they contain gluten or not.
Only in some specific cosmetic uses, in cosmetic ranges that are applied in or near the mouth - lipsticks, toothpastes, powder foundations, face creams, etc. - would it be justified to distinguish between gluten and gluten-free products. And only as a preventive measure in two cases:
- accidental ingestion of the cosmetic
- cross-contamination (hands must be washed thoroughly if you intend to handle food after using a gluten-containing cosmetic)
What are the cosmetic ingredients to watch out for?
On the platform Zero TACC Coeliacs Connected, have a specific section dedicated to gluten free cosmetics. And they have created a list of gluten-free cosmetics. But if a cosmetic you use is not on the list, and does not have a Gluten Free or TACC Free seal, these are the ingredients to avoid in cosmetics:
Hydrolysed malt extract
Hydrolysed proteins
Vegetable proteins
Vitamin E
Cyclodextrin
Grain extract
Peptide complexes
Phytosphingosine extract
Triticum
Dextrin
Palmitate
Maltodextrin
Secale cereale
C8-16
Conclusions on gluten-free cosmetics
Gluten intolerance affects all products that are consumed orally. For this reason, most cosmetics, whether or not they contain gluten, can be used by coeliacs without any safety problems. We recommend, however, paying special attention to those products that are intended to be used close to the mouth.
There are gluten free cosmetic seals which can serve as a guideline for people who decide to use gluten-free cosmetics. In addition, there are various online platforms that provide information about the brands that sell gluten-free cosmetics and about gluten-containing ingredients in the cosmetics industry.
In case of doubt as to whether a cosmetic is gluten free, we recommend that a small test of the cosmetic is applied to the skin. If no reactions are observed, the cosmetic can be used without any problems.
Are you interested in articles about trends in cosmetics? Here you have several proposals about what we deal with in our blog: