Should you use gluten-free make-up?
There has been a huge rise in the number of cosmetics brands who have started offering gluten-free make-up, but is gluten in make-up really an issue that you should be worried about?
If you’re gluten intolerant or have coeliac disease, then you can’t ingest anything containing gluten. When discussing what you can and can't ingest because of this we mostly talk about food, but more blogs are starting to suggest that people with gluten intolerance's should use gluten-free make-up.
It is not possible for gluten products put on your face, such as foundation, to be absorbed through your skin and into your digestive system. So as long as you’re not pouring foundation into your mouth there isn’t a risk here.
One of the main claims by the bloggers is that you can ingest make-up accidentally, especially lipstick and lip-gloss, making it a danger and a risk that shouldn’t be taken.
However Coeliac UK’s advice on the matter differs greatly. They state that is very unlikely that you would swallow enough lip balm or lipstick to cause a problem.
They explain that it is possible to be sensitive to ingredients used in cosmetics, but this has nothing to do with being gluten-intolerant specifically.
If you do experience skin irritation from using any cosmetics, then you should visit your GP.
So you don’t need to worry about the make-up you use, but if you’re still concerned then talk to your GP or a gluten specialist who will be able to answer any questions you have.
