Shopping for Gluten Free Shampoos: Knowing Your Label

"I have a gluten sensitivity. Is it vital that I use gluten-free shampoos and conditioners?"

The simple answer is: no. But as any smart consumers will know, the simple answer is not always the safest or the wisest. An increasing amount of anecdotal and scientific evidence have identified gluten in cosmetic products as the source of some pretty serious side effects.

Why Gluten Free Matters for Your Hair

Your scalp, as an extension of your skin, can be highly absorptive. This can be easily exemplified if you have ever applied cream or lotion to your skin. Up to 60% of that lotion can be absorbed through the skin and into the body over the  course of the day. Your scalp functions in much the same way. Some people with more sensitive skin types have reported rashes and skin irritations after being exposed to shampoos with gluten ingredients. Two studies (Contact Dermatitis 50.3; Contact Dermatitis 54.5) have linked cosmetic use of hydrolyzed wheat protein with the development of hives in persons with dietary allergies to the same substance, supporting the theory that symptoms of dietary restrictions can manifest from ingredients applied topically.   Lastly, many cosmetics, especially lipsticks and shampoos, can be inadvertently ingested. More and more doctors are recommending those with Celiac or gluten insensitivity avoid cosmetics products containing gluten for this reason.

Where to Start: Deciphering Your Shampoo Label

Since shampoos are not considered food products, shampoo companies can be very liberal with gluten ingredients without much indication.  Gluten appears most frequently in styling products, such as mousse or gels, because of gluten's "glue-like" texture, which can help hold hair in place. Deciphering ingredients is the best way to identify gluten ingredients in shampoos and conditioners. Here's a list of the most popular forms of gluten:

• Triticum vulgare (wheat)
• Hordeum vulgare (barley)
• Secale cereale (rye)
• Avena sativa (oats)
• Wheat germ oil
• Hydrolyzed wheat protein
• Stearyl dimonium hydroxypropy (hydrolyzed wheat protein)
• Laurdimonium hydroxypropyl (hydrolyzed wheat protein)
• Colloidal oatmeal
• Dextrin palmitate (starch, possibly gluten-based)
• Malt extract (usually barley)
• Beta glucan (frequently derived from wheat)
• Vegetable protein (may contain wheat, barley, rye and/or oats)

[caption id="attachment_7136" align="alignright" width="241"] Morrocco Method's Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoos is a great gluten free option![/caption]

Choosing a Gluten Free Alternative

Over the past couple of years, food and cosmetic companies have become increasingly aware of the affects of gluten ingredients, and as a result, many gluten free alternatives have become available. When researching a cosmetic brand, always check to see if the ingredients lists are supplied online. If they are not, consider calling the company to obtain them. By taking the extra step to research ingredients list of your shampoos and conditioners, you can assume better control of the health of your hair and scalp.