So you're interested in gluten free makeup.
And skin care, hair care, body care, and everything else topically gluten free.
Maybe this is all new to you. You just heard about it and you're thinking "What the heck?".
Maybe you've known about it for a while. But the concept was so foreign, you had no idea where to start.
Or maybe you're just plain curious. "Gluten free makeup, really? What gives?"
Gluten Free Makeup Gal is the place to be.
Back in 2011, I discovered gluten was in my lipstick.
Well no wonder I got sick every time I left the house with makeup on.
Alarmed and unsure of how to fix the problem, I plundered the internet's resources for help. In forums, blogs and social media, I found people with similar issues asking for help. But everywhere I looked, unfinished threads, comment-less posts and lonely tweets made up the gist of those even thinking about gluten free makeup. Only questions, no answers.
Thus I began Gluten Free Makeup Gal.
Since 2011, I've been hunting down Gluten Free Makeup for Gluten Free Gals. Sharing my research, reviews and exposés on this blog for everyone who to read.
How on earth is there gluten in makeup?
Unlike most gluten foods like bread, most makeup products are not based on wheat, barley or rye products. They are typically added as a supplement to base ingredients. Why?
Gluten could be here...
Texture.
Just like in food, gluten-based additives are used as binders, for additional moisture and to beef up the nutrition. Wheat ingredients are cheap and easy to come by. Some of them (like wheat germ oil) have actually been found to be good for skin.
Well. Good for most people.
Do I need gluten free makeup?
That depends on your level of sensitivity.
Both Celiac and Gluten Intolerant people can have reactions to topical gluten. In 2014 I ran the largest survey to date of people who actively seek out gluten free cosmetics.
The results?
- 53% avoided topical gluten because they had reactions to it.
- 28% avoided it out of cross-contamination concerns.
- 10% chose "Other", and left comments to explain their reasons.
- 9% avoided it because their doctors told them to.
For those with reactions to gluten on their skin, their symptoms were diverse. However the most common included:
- Rashes
- Burning, Watery and/or Swollen eyes
- Hair loss
- Vertigo
- Internal "Like I've been Glutened" symptoms
- Headaches
- Hives
If you suffer from any of the above symptoms and haven't been able to trace it to food, then it's possible you are sensitive to topical gluten.
In that case, making sure all your makeup is gluten free is crucial.
However, even if you don't suffer from any of the above symptoms, if you are internally sensitive it may be wise to avoid gluten in any makeup or skin care that may be injested.
Lipstick? Lip gloss? Lip balm? All of them. Make sure it's gluten free.
Check out some sweet gluten free lipsticks here.
So where do I find gluten free makeup and all that jazz?
Get the Gluten Free Makeup List. You'll have in your possession the names of all the safe brands for gluten free makeup, skin care, hair care and body care.
