You're Avoiding Gluten in Food--But What About Your Cosmetics?
March 24, 2026-Brooke Zalewski, MScN, MASC
Owner & Nutritionist
Embedded Files
Accepting New Clients!
Greetings, my Celiacs, gluten intolerant folks, and NCGS. Hello to you too gluten allergy friends!
Are you afraid you might be getting “poisoned” (glutened) by your lotions and potions? I’m here to flip the cauldron over and spill out all the info you need from your frequently asked questions about products containing gluten.
Your Brewing Questions:
Your Brewing Questions:
Do I need to use gluten-free shampoo and conditioner?
Celiac Disease: Probably not, unless you let an ocean of water rinse out your products and it touches your lips. (but also no judgement if you do this… just make sure your products are gf).
Gluten-intolerance/NCGS: Same as above.
Gluten/wheat allergy: Yes, this is very likely needed to be gf.
Do I need to use gluten-free facial products (cleanser, moisturizer, serums, foundation, concealer, etc.)?
Celiac Disease: Yes. These products have the opportunity to get on your lips and ingested.
Gluten-intolerance/NCGS: Same as above.
Gluten/wheat allergy: Yes.
Do I need to use gluten-free deodorant?
Celiac Disease: No, just don’t eat your deodorant, and wash your hands after using it or scratching your armpits.
Gluten-intolerance/NCGS: Same as above.
Gluten/wheat allergy: Yes.
Do I need to use gluten-free hairspray?
Celiac Disease: Yes. Anything in aerosol format can be inhaled and get ingested.
Gluten-intolerance/NCGS: Same as above.
Gluten/wheat allergy: Yes.
Do I need gluten-free lipstick/chapstick?
Celiac Disease: Yes. Anything going on or near your mouth needs to be gluten-free.
Gluten-intolerance/NCGS: Same as above.
Gluten/wheat allergy: Yes.
Do I need to use gluten-free hand soap/lotion?
Celiac Disease: Yes. You may put your hands in your mouth after using the product or touch food that you will eat, and ingest some gluten.
Gluten-intolerance/NCGS: Same as above.
Gluten/wheat allergy: Yes.
Do I need to use gluten-free body lotion?
Celiac Disease: Probably not, unless you don’t wash your hands after using the lotion and avoid the lotion contacting your mouth.
Gluten-intolerance/NCGS: Same as above.
Gluten/wheat allergy: Yes.
Why are gluten-containing products okay to use for those with Celiac, gluten intolerance, or Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity?
To trigger these conditions, gluten needs to be ingested. It is generally recognized as safe for people with these conditions to touch gluten. Gluten is considered to be large and is too large to be absorbed through the skin. The exception to this is if you have large lesions or wounds and then gluten may be able to bypass the skin barrier and potentially be absorbed in the blood stream. This could be enough gluten to trigger a “glutening”. Just remember, if you do touch gluten, wash your hands thoroughly.
Why is it not okay for those with gluten allergies to use products containing gluten?
Without going deep into the mechanism of action, with a gluten allergy, ingestion can lead to anaphylaxis, and skin contact with gluten can cause a reaction like hives.
Gluten Containing Words that Might Bubble Up on Ingredient Lists for Your Lotions and Potions:
Gluten Containing Words that Might Bubble Up on Ingredient Lists for Your Lotions and Potions:
Secale cereale
Rye
Malt extract
Maltodextrin
Barley
Hordeum vulgare extract
Wheat
Wheat germ oil
Hydrolyzed wheat protein/gluten
Triticum vulgare
Other names that could mean cross-contamination with gluten:
Oats
Colloidal oatmeal
Avena sativa extract
To sum it up, while not required for Celiac Disease, Gluten Intolerance, and Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity, it is likely safer and a little less stressful to banish products containing gluten from your broom closet of cosmetics so that you don’t have to worry about accidental poisoning or forgetting to wash your hands. All in all, most products are likely fine to use as long as they don’t go on or near your mouth.
*This information is for educational purposes and does not replace the guidance that your medical professional has provided.*
As a gluten-free nutritionist, this is a topic close to my heart, and one that I had to learn how to navigate on my own after finding out that I could not eat gluten. I hope this finds you at the right time, when you need it.
Want to add to your brewing cauldron of knowledge about gluten?
Click Here to book with Wild Pine Nutrition!
References
Biesiekierski JR. What is gluten?. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2017;32 Suppl 1:78-81. doi:10.1111/jgh.13703
Sabença C, Ribeiro M, Sousa T, Poeta P, Bagulho AS, Igrejas G. Wheat/Gluten-Related Disorders and Gluten-Free Diet Misconceptions: A Review. Foods. 2021;10(8):1765. Published 2021 Jul 30. doi:10.3390/foods10081765
Bos, J.D. and Meinardi, M.M.H.M. (2000), The 500 Dalton rule for the skin penetration of chemical compounds and drugs. Experimental Dermatology, 9: 165-169. https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0625.2000.009003165.x
Thompson T, Grace T. Gluten in cosmetics: is there a reason for concern? J Acad Nutr Diet. 2012 Sep;112(9):1316-23.
Jiang N, Wang Y, Sun Y, Gao Z, Liu D, Chitrakar B. Allergens from wheat and wheat products: A comprehensive review on allergy mechanisms and modifications. Food Chem X. 2025;29:102871. Published 2025 Aug 5. doi:10.1016/j.fochx.2025.102871
National Celiac Association
The Gluten Intolerance Group
Celiac Disease Foundation
Page updated
Report abuse