“As much as 60% of topical skin-care products are absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream,” Says Dr. Nancy Lonsdrof, M.D. an lowa-based physician, “They should be consumed with the same prudence that we use to choose our breakfast cereal.”
– April 2006 issue of Women’s Health Magazine.

I don’t really know if there are studies to back that statement up, and I take it with a grain of salt, however, some people just swear that they feel “off” or “glutened” when they use gluten-containing products, and feel better when they don’t use them. There are also those who get contact rashes and skin problems with gluten products.

Lipstick should definitely always be gluten free (and lots of it isn’t) if you, or someone you are kissing is gluten free, but obviously, you are not really ingesting shampoo or make-up. If it’s worth it to you to go gluten free in this area, read on . . .

I have found two blogs, and there may be more, that have been focusing on this for years, so their archives are great resources:

Gluten Free Cosmetic Counter

Naturally D’Ahlin

Also, Gluten-free Lifestyle has a great list of Gluten free products by type, including deodorants, shave creams, laundry items, etc.

Here are some GLUTEN INGREDIENTS TO AVOID:

• Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour
• Barley extract
• Cyclodextrin
• Dextrin
• Dextrin Palmitate
• Fermented grain extract
• Hydrolyzed Malt Extract
• Hydrolyzed Oat Flour
• Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
• Hydrolyzed Wheat Flour
• Hydrolyzed Wheat Gluten
• Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
• Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/PVP Crosspolymer
• Hydrolyzed Wheat Starch
• Maltodextrin
• Phytosphingosine extract
• Samino peptide complex
• Secale Cereale (Rye) Seed Flour
• Sodium C8-16 Isoalkylsuccinyl
• Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Extract
• Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil
• Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Gluten
• Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Starch
• Vitamin E (MAY have wheat germ as the source of the vitamin E)
• Wheat Amino Acids
• Wheat Germ Glycerides
• Wheat Germamidopropalkonium Chloride
• Wheat Protein Sulfonate
• Wheatgermamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate
• Yeast Extract

Here are just a few companies with products I found that claim to be gluten free, although their websites all list the standard disclaimers about cross-contamination possibilities. These are subject to change as the companies deem, so always read labels and verify for yourself.

Click each company name to go to their websites.

Avon

One of our fabulous Facebook fans, Eileen, sent me this list of Avon Gluten Free Products. They have a list of products they claim are gluten free which is 12 pages long! Available online, from Avon consultants everywhere, and from our friend, Eileen.

Click here to order from Eileen’s online store.

Click here to see the extensive list of products they claim are gluten free.

Afterglow Cosmetics

Their website claims that their cosmetics are infused with organic anti-oxidants like pomegranate and grape seed extract: Paraben free, talc free, gluten free, petro-chemical free, carmine free, lanolin free, GMO free, lake and fd&c free, mineral oil free

Similar product line to the popular Bare Minerals/ Bare Escentuals, Certified Organic

Mission: ”Afterglow Cosmetics believes that everything is connected. We pledge to create products that respect women’s bodies and the earth. Our mission is to elevate women’s beauty products to an alternative that is safe, purely natural and fashionable.”

Available online and on their website.

Arbonne

Arbonne is another home party type product line sold by independent consultants. They carry a wide range of products for adults, teens and babies from moisturizers, to cosmetics, to supplements. They claim their products are “pure, safe and beneficial.”

Click here to see the extensive list of products they claim are gluten free.

Bare Minerals

All gluten free:
-Bare MInerals Foundation
-Bare Minerals Blushes
-Bare Minerals Eyeshadows, Glimpses, Glimmers
-Bare Minerasl Multi-Tasking Bisques
-Bare Minerals Buxom lip gloss.
-Bare Minerals Mascara

Burt’s Bees

Burt’s Bees is the original natural products cosmetic company. They have a large variety of gluten free adult and kid’s products. Widely available online and at many drugstores and discount stores.

Click here for a list of the products they claim are gluten free.

California Baby

Gluten Free Baby Lotions, soaps, shampoos, sunscreens for sensitive skin

“California Baby products are free of common allergens such as milk, egg, peanut, walnut, cashew, almond and pecans, fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat. California Baby products are also free of gluten and casein.”

Available at Whole Foods, Target & Babies R Us (and online) essential oils, safe bug sprays and more

Joelle

They claim all products are gluten free.
Mineral based make-up, mascara, shampoo, soap, lotion and more. Free shipping.

NARS

They claim all products are gluten free and produced in a gluten free facility.
Make-up, cleansers, lotions and more.

Available online and at stores like Sephora and Nordstrom.

Neutrogena

This company has a huge list of gluten free shampoo, sunscreen, acne products, washes and more. Chances are good that you probably already use some of these products.

Available just about anywhere that sells cosmetics.

Click here to see a partial, but extensive list.

Smashbox

These are the products they claim are gluten free:

Bionic Mascara, Jet Black
Layer Lash Primer
Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder, Fair, Light, Medium and Dark
Doubletake Lip Color, Praline, Gossamer, Sugar Spice, Cranberry
Lip Treatment
Lipstick Tinted Lip Treatment, Solar, Ray, Beam, and Shine

Available online and at stores like Sephora. I’ve even seen a few products at Costco.

This is just a small listing of gluten free products. If you have helpful information or experience with one of these or another company, share it below!