Navigating Gluten-Free Skincare: Tips for Sensitive Skin

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 Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

Related Articles

Ad Blocker Detected