With intolerances and allergies to various ingredients constantly increasing, the need for gluten-free skin care products is rising exponentially. Whether you suffer celiac disease or want to decrease your exposure to a specific ingredient, it's important to know exactly what your skin products are made of before you buy.
Needing Gluten-Free Skin Care Products
According to the Mayo Clinic, gluten can't be absorbed through the skin, so cosmetics and other skin-care products, including soap and shampoo, that contain gluten aren't a problem unless they are swallowed. However, it's also understood that a person can't be too careful when they are trying to take care of the largest organ of the body, particularly since there is still much that isn't known about gluten intolerance. Since more gluten-free skin care products are available than ever before, it's just as well to gravitate towards these and thus avoid any possible reactions.
Of course, people with celiac disease or other intolerances absolutely must avoid lipsticks, lip balms, mouthwash and toothpaste that contain gluten. If you have any doubts about a product you're currently using, call the manufacturer and insist on full disclosure.
Shopping for Gluten-Free Products
Celiac disease and other gluten allergies and intolerances have increased in recent years for a variety of reasons. As such, the number of gluten-free skin care products has also grown. Many are available either online or in health food shops. Take your time browsing to find the product that's best for you.
- Dakota Free specializes in products that can be used for skin with any sort of sensitivity. Free of gluten, fragrance, alcohol, latex and casein, Dakota's products will keep you looking great without any irritations. They make soaps, scrubs, moisturizers, bath crystals, lip balms and deodorants.
- Gluten-Free Savonnerie makes mild unscented skin care products including lotion, lip balm, shea butter and shaving foam, to say nothing of bar soaps, liquid soaps and hair care products.
- Arbonne International has been making gluten-free skin care products since 1980. By far one of the most popular names in natural, hypoallergenic products, the Swiss company's wares are all botanically based and free of mineral oils, dyes, chemicals and fragrances (unless specially marked). Their gluten-free skin care line encompasses an enormous range of products, including balancer, eye cream, cleansers, hand cream, acne wash, toner, bronzing powder, lip balm with SPF 30, body oil, diaper rash cream, sunscreen and shaving gel.
Additionally, Arbonne makes gluten-free cosmetics in their About Face line, so you can be pretty without fear. They've got just about everything you can imagine: eye pencils, lip pencils, blush, shadow, concealer, pressed and loose powder, mineral powder foundation with SPF 15, lipsticks, makeup remover and even brow wax.
Consult Your Doctor and Dermatologist
When in doubt, you should always contact your medical professional's office to ask about a specific ingredient. Don't worry that a question seems too petty - it's their job to help you stay well!
