It may not be immediately obvious, but for those who have gluten intolerance or Celiac disease, avoiding the protein found in wheat, rye, barley and oats can extend to skincare, hair care, body care and cosmetics. There is a veritable laundry list of ingredients that can indicate that gluten is present in a product, but, since there are no formal regulations, companies can still label products gluten free, even if technically they’re not. After sorting through a lot of material, here’s a short list from DelightGlutenFree.com of what to look for:
Amino Peptide Complex
Barley Extract
Beta Glucan
Cyclodextrin
Dextrin Palmitate
Dextrin
Fermented Grain Extract
Hydrolyzed Malt Extract
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Hydroxypropyltrimonium
Oat (Avena Sativa)
Phytosphingosine Extract
Samino Peptide Complex
Secale Cereale
Wheat Protein Sulfonate
Triticum Vulgare
Triticum Aestivum
Wheat Germ
Yeast Extract
On gluten-free beauty sites the often-used phrase, “what goes on, goes in,” implies that any substance placed on the skin is absorbed by the body. While medical science hasn’t advocated theory, widely accepted is the idea that using products that contain gluten can be problematic. Some studies reveal gluten as the culprit for acne, rosacea, eczema, hives, psoriasis, etc., for many with intolerance to this protein. If you have gluten sensitivity, it’s possible that beauty products could be a problem.
Personally, as a diagnosed Celiac, I find certain products will make my eyes water or my head itch. Erring on the side of caution, I lean towards products marked “gluten-free,” and free of any of the above ingredients (and more). Visit GlutenFreeMakeupGal.com and GlutenFreeBeauty.com for the most up-to-date information and product recommendations.
My favorite product line right now is Red Apple Lipstick. Available online only, the colors and formulas are fantastic. The eyeshadows don’t cause tearing, and the color pay-off is excellent. Their lipsticks are soft, rich and creamy, with lovely, lasting color. Of the bigger cosmetic companies, my top picks are: eyeshadow palettes from Too Faced; Urban Decay products (the new Metal Crush shadows are gorgeous); Hourglass face powder palette; and Cover FX concealer. For skincare, I use Tatcha cleansing oil, Sunday Riley oils, When masks, Boscia; Ren and new on the scene, Drunk Elephant.
For hair it’s all about Verb, Gloss Moderne, or select Lush solid shampoo bars. Speaking of Lush, there are two new locations: Royal Street and Magazine Street.
For lips my favorites are from Bite Beauty and Tata Harper. The Louboutin nail polishes are stunning, but if you don’t want to drop the big dollars for a bottle, Magazine Nails & Spa has some seasonal and neutral Louboutin polishes to use in a manicure. Expect a small up-charge.
Have questions or products to recommend? Email SouthernGlow@MyNewOrleans.com.
Love List
This month goes fall/winter in color, texture and scent:
Face:
• Vital Assist 35 SPF Primer
• Too Faced Born This Way foundation in Natural Beige
• Giorgio Armani under eye corrector/concealer in No. 1 and No. 2
• Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
• Red Apple shadows, Black and Porcelain
• Make Up Forever Artist Shadow, M738 and M656
• Touch in Sol Browza Super Proof Gel Brow Pencil
• L’Oreal Paris Telescopic Carbon Black mascara
• Too Faced Love Flush in Baby Love
• Too Faced Prep and Prime pressed powder
• Red Apple Lipstick in Firecracker
• Real Techniques foundation buffing brush
Body:
• Mistral Imperial Jasmine Soap
Scent:
• Diptyque Philosykos
Purchases made at Saks, Earthsavers, Sephora, Ulta, Red Apple (online) and Walgreens
