Gluten-free Skincare and Cosmetics

As a dermatologist committed to the well-being of my patients with celiac disease or wheat allergy, it’s crucial to understand how topical skincare products can affect wheat allergic people. Navigating through labels to identify gluten-containing components can be daunting but is essential to avoid inadvertent exposure to gluten. In this guide, we’ll delve into how gluten can interact with sensitive individuals, the significance of recognizing both obvious and hidden sources of gluten in skincare products, and practical tips for finding gluten-free skincare products. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your skincare routine, ensuring it supports your health without compromising on the quality of care for your skin.

We can help you find the best gluten-free skincare routine for your skin. Take the quiz, find your Baumann Skin Type, get our product suggestions and then you can choose gluten-free skincare from our recommended products list. You will still have to read the product labels for now, but it’s my hope that in the near future we will have a filter function where you can search just for gluten-free products that are right for your Baumann Skin Type.

Skincare with Gluten

Many skincare products contain wheat derived ingredients. If you have sensitivity to gluten and want to avoid gluten in skincare, this is the master list of INCI names of gluten containing ingredients on skincare product labels. However, keep reading this blog after you see the list because some of these ingredients can be sourced in a gluten-free manner.

There is limited research directly addressing the effects of topical gluten on individuals with celiac disease. However, the prevailing scientific view suggests that gluten must be ingested to cause a celiac disease response. This perspective is supported by the current understanding of celiac disease pathophysiology, where gluten peptides interact with the immune system in the gastrointestinal tract.

Gluten-free Skincare

We used AI to scan all of the ingredient labels of the products in our online store to find gluten-free products. We did not contact the manufacturers, so to know for sure we advise that you contact them to make sure. But we feel fairly certain that these are gluten free products.

Take our skin type quiz to diagnose your Baumann Skin Type and build a custom skincare routine. After the quiz you will be given a step by step skincare routine with a list of products that are right for each step. You can choose any gluten-free skincare options on the list.

What skin type am I?

Gluten-free Soap and Cleansers

These are the medical grade gluten free soaps, face washes, and cleansers that we found.

coming soon!

Gluten-free Moisturizers

Dry skin types need barrier repair moisturizers while oily types need lighter noncomedogenic moisturizers. These are the best gluten-free face creams and lotions.

Gluten-free Barrier Repair Moisturizers

Gluten-free Noncomedogenic Moisturizers

Gluten-free Lip Balms and Lipsticks

Gluten free eyeliner

List of Skincare Ingredients With Possible Gluten

These are the INCI names for wheat and gluten containing cosmetic ingredients to look for on product labels:

Avena Sativa (Oat)

Cyclodextrin

Dextrin

Dextrin Palmitate

Glycine Soja Seed Extract

Xanthium Strumarium Fruit Extract

Fagopytum (Buckwheat) Leaf Extract

Lactobacillus/Oat/Rye/Wheat Seed Extract Ferment

Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein

Hydroxypropyltrimonium Corn/Wheat/Soy Amino Acids

Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/Siloxysilicate

Lactobacillus/ Oat/ Rye/ Wheat Seed Extract Ferment

Lactobacillus/ Rye Flour Ferment

Lactobacillus/ Rye Flour Ferment Filtrate

Laurdimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Amino Acids

Malt Extract

Maltodextrin

Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids

Beta Glucan (Oat)

Sodium Lauroyl Oat Flour

Phytosphingosine

Polygonum Aviculare Extract

Potassium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Oat Protein

Secale Cereale (Rye) Seed Extract

Secale Cereale (Rye) Flour

Saccharomyces/ Barley Seed Ferment Filtrate

Secale Cereale (Rye) Phytoplacenta Placenta Culture Extract Filtrate

Sodium C8-16 Isoalkylsuccinyl

Sodium Wheat Germanphoacetate

Stearyl Dimonium Hydroxypropyl

Steardmnonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein

Tocopherol Acetate

Triticale

Triticum Aestivum (Wheat) Flour

Triticum Boeoticum

Triticum Carthlicum

Triticum lipids

Triticum Monococcum

Triticum Turgidum Durum (Wheat) Seed Extract

Triticum Vulgare

List of Ingredients That Always Have Gluten

Any ingredient clearly naming wheat, rye, barley or related species as the source will definitely contain gluten proteins. There is no way to derive extracts from these grains without including their signature gluten compounds.

Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein – Contains proteins derived from wheat gluten through an acid hydrolysis process.

Triticum Aestivum (Wheat) Flour – Wheat flour contains gluten proteins.

Triticum Durum (Wheat) Seed Extract – Extracts derived from wheat seeds contain gluten.

Triticum Vulgare – A species of wheat that contains gluten proteins.

Secale Cereale (Rye) Extract – Rye is a grain closely related to wheat that contains gluten proteins like secalin.

Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Extract – Barley is a gluten grain that contains hordein proteins.

Malt Extract/Maltodextrin – Usually derived from barley so contains hordein gluten proteins.

Lactobacillus/Wheat Seed Extract Ferment – Bacteria fermentation of wheat sources produces compounds with gluten.

These Ingredients May Have Gluten

Oats, cyclodextrin, vegetable proteins, and vitamin E may or may not contain gluten. They have a variable content of gluten. The gluten content in ingredients like tocopherol (vitamin E) listed below can vary depending on the source. If tocopherol is derived from wheat germ oil, it may contain gluten. However, tocopherol derived from other sources, such as soy, is considered safe. It underscores the importance of manufacturers disclosing the source of such ingredients to help consumers make safe choices. It is impossible to know by reading the product label, so you have to ask the skincare brand if their product is gluten free.

These ingredients may or may not have gluten depending upon the source

Avena Sativa (Oat) Extract – Oats do not naturally contain gluten but could be cross-contaminated. Oat extracts sourced from certified gluten-free oats should be safe.

Cyclodextrin/Dextrin – Made from starch so could come from wheat but not always. Need to verify the source.

Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein – Could contain protein from wheat but if made with corn/soy only, may be gluten free.

Lactobacillus/Oat/Rye/Wheat Seed Extract Ferment – Bacteria ferments likely contain gluten sources like wheat.

Malt Extract/Maltodextrin – Usually made from barley which contains gluten.

Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids/Oat Flour – As with oats, could be cross-contaminated.

Rye (Secale Cereale) Extracts – Rye contains gluten proteins.

Tocopherol Acetate – Vitamin E from wheat germ oil would have gluten but other vegetable oil sources would be fine.

Skin Absorption of Gluten

While gluten is unlikely to be absorbed through the skin due to its large molecular size, individuals with celiac disease or wheat allergies are advised to opt for gluten-free skincare products. This precautionary measure is recommended to avoid any risk of gluten transfer to the mouth or eyes, which could lead to systemic absorption and potentially trigger an allergic reaction or celiac response.

Celiac Disease and Skincare

For those living with celiac disease, the ingestion of gluten triggers an autoimmune response that can damage the small intestine. Therefore, choosing skincare products that are explicitly labeled as gluten-free can minimize the risk of accidental gluten ingestion. It’s also wise to be cautious with products applied near the mouth or on the hands, which could easily come into contact with food.

Research Studies

Summaries of studies of the effects of gluten on skin. These studies show the benefits of wheat and gluten on skin:

1. A 2008 study by Akhtar and Yazan explored the moisturizing effects of a stable emulsion with vitamin C and wheat protein on the skin, showing increased skin moisture. (10)

2. Demidov et al.’s 2008 research on fermented wheat germ extract (Avemar) highlighted its positive impact on melanoma patients’ survival, suggesting its potential as an adjunct therapy.(11) Obviously wheat and gluten will not cure melanoma but I include this just to be complete.

Studies showing downsides to using gluten and wheat on skin:

Codreanu et al. warned against the use of food proteins, including wheat in products for neonates and infants with atopic dermatitis due to the risk of sensitization. (12)

Fukutomi et al.’s 2014 study linked the use of facial soaps containing hydrolyzed wheat protein to a higher risk of wheat allergy. (14)

Laurière et al. in 2006 discussed the augmented allergenicity of hydrolyzed wheat proteins in cosmetics, leading to contact urticaria and possibly preceding food allergies. (19

Studies that showed the effects of gluten in the diet on skin:

1. Bonciolini et al. in 2015 showed improvement in patients with non-celiac gluten sensitivity and skin lesions after starting a gluten-free diet. (13)

2. In a 2011 study by Celakovská et al., researchers examined the effects of wheat allergy on atopic eczema in 179 adults through multiple testing methods, including double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge tests. They discovered that wheat allergy exacerbated the condition in 4.5% of the participants, indicating a direct impact of wheat on the progression of atopic eczema. This study highlights the importance of identifying potential dietary triggers in managing skin conditions effectively. (18)

These studies collectively underscore the complex relationship between topical wheat/gluten exposure and various skin reactions, especially among sensitive and allergic individuals.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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