The Goods on Gluten-Free Makeup

Gluten has become a dietary dirty word. According to Tara Amen, author of The Omni Diet, sensitivity to its chewy, sticky self can manifest as flu symptoms, IBS, inflammatory skin conditions, arthritis and alopecia.

Serious intolerance is associated with a number of autoimmune health issues, from coeliac disease to type one diabetes and Hashimoto’s thyroid disease.

One in 70 Australians suffer from coeliac disease and 18 percent of consumers are opting for gluten free products at the supermarket.

Add to this, the soirée of svelte celebrities (Gwyneth and Miranda, we’re looking at you) opting wheat-free for optimum beauty.

The latest trend in the cosmetic cosmos is therefore a bit of a no-brainer, yet marketing brainwave: gluten-free makeup and skincare.

“Globally, gluten-free cosmetic and skincare has risen by 22 percent between 2013 and 2o14, fuelled by increasing consumer awareness of the effects of gluten on the body,” reports Lucy Conford, analyst at Mintel global market research.

“Gluten-free launches are most prevalent in skincare, colour cosmetics and haircare.”

Gluten comes from wheat, rye, malt, oats, and barley. These ingredients are often used in cosmetic products as binders or emollients, helping ingredients mix together.

As we know, so much of what we put on our skin is absorbed into our bodies, so for those with gluten sensitivities, we often also think about what’s in our beauty products and look for gluten free skin care, body cream, cosmetics and haircare.

While we understand the ethical and religious reasons behind boycotting non-Kosher and non-Halal topical skincare and cosmetics, the question burns: Do coeliacs, non-coeliac gluten sensitives and other gluten-free adoptees need to forgo beauty products containing gluten derivatives for health reasons alone?

“Topically applied gluten is not absorbed through the skin – the protein molecules are far too large – so it can’t trigger the formation of those antibodies that result in a rash or GI symptoms,” explains Robyn Gmyrek, US dermatologist (and coeliac).

“Gluten-containing beauty products should pose no harm to those with coeliac disease unless they’re accidentally swallowed. While you’re unlikely to ingest enough of any product to cause a reaction, some people with coeliac disease are extraordinarily sensitive.

FACT: The average woman eats more than half a kilo of lipstick in their lifetime!

Like these celebs who famously mouth off about their wheat allergies, anyone – especially those with gluten intolerance – can take in these gorgeous gluten-free lip colours.

Diagnosed with severe coeliac disease in her early teens, actor, director and writer Deshchanel has appeared on cooking shows and revealed favourite recipes to her fans.

Eles Cosmetics Moisture Creme Lipstick in Natural is an exact dupe for her rosebud lip colour. Packed with hydrating ingredients, from hyaluronic acid to avocado oil, this is the best thing since GF sliced bread.

2. Jessica Simpson: Weight-Affecting Wheat Intolerance

Discovering her allergy post-pregnancy, singer and actor Jessica Simpson states that she cannot properly digest wheat products. “My stomach becomes and inflamed and ulcers form,” says.

Replicate her raunchy look with the certified cruelty free cosmetic brand, Jane Iredale’s GF lip crayon in Saucy.

The British fashion icon says that gluten causes her metabolism issues and has problems breaking down gluten in foods, causing her to gain weight.

Her body might be impossible to covet, but you can cover any (GF almond flour puh-lease) cake-hole in Naked Kiss, a seriously sexy shade among Inika’s certified organic vegan lipstick range.

ELESCOSMETICS.COM; JANEIREDALE.COM; INIKA.COM.AU