GLUTEN IN COSMETICS

Dr. Elena Lucchi, Research and Development

It is increasingly common to display the wording on cosmetics 'gluten free' or 'gluten free', information not required for cosmetic products as Celiac disease is linked to the ingestion of gluten through foods.

What is celiac disease?

There celiac disease it is a permanent intolerance to gluten , a protein complex contained in most foods cereals (for example wheat, barley, spelt, kamut®, rye, triticale and spelt) and which can be contained in foods as an ingredient, additive or contaminant.

Gluten introduced through diet triggers, in genetically predisposed subjects, a exaggerated immune response, which follows chronic inflammation with disappearance of intestinal villi and malabsorption.
The target organ is the small intestine , although celiac disease can have various clinical manifestations and can be associated with skin conditions, such as dermatitis herpetiformis.

The celiac does not run the risk of anaphylactic shock due to accidental contact and the strict gluten-free diet it is the only therapy known to date. It is necessary to underline that it is best not to start a gluten-free diet without having undergone medical checks that certify the disease, as this behavior could make the diagnosis of celiac disease impossible and it is important avoid extremes which can lead to a worsening of the life of the celiac.

Presence of gluten in cosmetics

As clearly reported by the Italian Celiac Association the presence of gluten in cleansing cosmetics , or other products that may come into contact with the skin or mucous membranes, as well as those of the mouth, it does not pose any risk for celiacs.

Because of this people suffering from celiac disease do not need dedicated cosmetic products and bearing the indication of the absence of gluten on the label, as required by law only for foods.

Gluten does not pass through the skin integrates and therefore products for the skin and mucous membranes, as long as they are not ingested, do not present particular risks for celiacs, who can safely use the cosmetic products they prefer.