Did you know that some cosmetics and drugs contain gluten? If you’re gluten-sensitive then this is a must-read!

Gluten is a commonly found protein in various categories such as food, cosmetics, medicine, etc. You’ll often see it in the ingredients of the items you’re purchasing; however, sometimes, it is not as clearly mentioned as the rest of the main ingredients. Although gluten is a common protein, it doesn’t provide essential nutrients. Some people with certain health issues are sensitive to gluten. Their immune systems are affected by even a slight touch, smell, or taste of gluten. If you have celiac disease or gluten triggers your immune reaction, then worry not since this blog explains the important measures for you to take to remain gluten-free.

Where Is Gluten Hiding In Your Life?

Perhaps you have already read the labels of the items to look out for gluten products, but you still might react to certain things. Now see, most people, perhaps even including you, aren’t aware of the hidden sources of gluten. Let’s look at some of the sources through which you are unknowingly getting exposed to gluten:

Cosmetics And Beauty Products

Gluten is most commonly present in beauty products. If you’re a female, you might not be happy about it since you’ll have to refrain from using specific products.

Beverages

Most beverages include gluten because of the natural flavors, preservatives, and coloring that are added to them. These include beer, juices, milkshakes, smoothies, etc. Make sure you’re aware of how your drink is made so you can detect gluten in the process.

Sauces And Gravies

Some sauces and gravies are prepared using hydrolyzed wheat starch, wheat flour, and other wheat proteins. That certainly indicates that those sauces will contain gluten. Some examples include soy sauce, malt vinegar, creamy sauces, etc.

Medications

Most medicines contain gluten. If you don’t find it on the labels, you can always ask your pharmacist or doctor if the medicine is gluten-free. Some drugs or vitamins only mention the important ingredients on the label and may miss out on gluten, so always ask your doctor for confirmation

Processed Foods

Whether we talk about sausages, meatballs, or deli meats – most processed foods use wheat-based fillers to bind the food together. Seasoned or marinated foods likely contain gluten as well.

Common Toxins In Beauty Products

If you’re gluten-sensitive, you should be a little more careful when choosing the right beauty products for yourself – cosmetics, hair care, and other body products contain gluten and other toxins that can cause dermatitis or asthma. Some of the most common products include everyday shampoo, cleaner, soap, toothpaste, hairspray, lotions, etc. The beauty products on your shelf may contain the following gluten toxins:

  • Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
  • Hydrolyzed Wheat Gluten
  • Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
  • Triticum Lipids
  • Avena Sativa
  • Triticum Vulgare
  • Wheat Bean extract
  • Wheat Germ Extract or Glyceride

There are gluten-free products on the market as well. For example, you can try shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil, or other products after consultation with a good dermatologist. 

In modern times, more brands are coming up with gluten-free cosmetics and beauty and skin-care products, as well. The Nu Skin Cellulite Cream is an excellent gluten-free lotion that moisturizes the skin and makes it smooth.

Ingredients To Look Out For

The primary source of gluten involves the following ingredients found in food items that you should refrain from at all costs:

  • Wheat
  • Barley
  • Rye
  • Kamut
  • Malt
  • Starches
  • Oats
  • Semolina 
  • Triticale

For cosmetics and other beauty products, make sure to look out for the following ingredients:

  • Cyclodextrin, Dextrin
  • Yeast Extract
  • Hydrolyzed Malt Extract
  • Hydrolyzed Oat Flour
  • Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
  • Hydrolyzed wheat ingredients
  • Secale Cereale ((Rye) Seed Flour
  • Triticum Vulgare
  • Triticum Wheat Amino Acids
  • Wheat Germ Glycerides
  • Wheat Protein
  • Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate

To get younger and brighter skin, get rid of the gluten and other toxins from your routine. If there are products that you love but contain gluten, then try looking out for alternate gluten-free products. You can even get some products customized by a pharmacist by contacting them.

Best Practices For Avoiding Hidden Gluten

It’s better to take precautions than to suffer the aftermath. Always ask your doctor if the medications prescribed to you are gluten-free, or not. A second check for confirmation with your pharmacist will complete your satisfaction. If there’s no equivalent for a gluten medication available, then contact your pharmacist to get in touch with a customized-compounding pharmacy. Make sure you are aware of the ingredients that could contain gluten. Choose naturally gluten-free starches like rice, potatoes, etc. in your diet.

Remember, mindfulness for healthy skin comes with great care in your beauty products. There are popular brands in the industry, which offer gluten-free make-up and skin care products. Since these do not contain toxins, your skin wouldn’t react and remain healthy.

The cosmetics industry is not safe for everyone – gluten reactions can be dangerous for your health and skin if you consume them in any way. Therefore, you need to be specific about your products and their ingredients. Hopefully, now with this article, it’ll be easier for you to choose the right products for yourself to remain gluten-free. You can remove gluten from your diet and products by following the tips above. Be sure to check the labels and take preventative measures before your purchase. Always go for brands that offer gluten-free products or customized order options for their customers.

Study Links:

What is gluten? – PubMed (nih.gov)

Gluten in cosmetics: is there a reason for concern? – PubMed (nih.gov)

Gluten Sensitivity – PubMed (nih.gov)