Lipsticks, chapsticks, and other lip products are particularly concerning for those avoiding gluten because they are applied directly to the lips and can be accidentally ingested. This includes lipsticks, chapsticks, lip gloss, lip liners, liquid lipsticks, and lip scrubs.
When buying lip products, there are two important points to keep in mind:
Always review the ingredients list before purchasing lip products, and avoid any product containing wheat, barley, or rye.
Cosmetics are not covered under The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA), meaning manufacturers are not required to label allergens explicitly. Therefore, you must read the entire ingredients list carefully to ensure it does not contain gluten.
In addition to the usual words wheat, barley and rye, be on the lookout for the following in lipsticks:
Triticum lipids
Triticum vulgare
Hordeum vulgare extract
Malt extract
Cyclodextrin, dextrin
Dextrin palmitate
Hydrolyzed vegetable protein
Secale cereale seed flour
Triticum amino acids
Yeast extract
Lip care brands that offer gluten-free products*:
Badger Balm (chapstick)
Bare Minerals
BITE Beauty
Ecco Bella
E.L.F
Ilia
Inner Beauty Cosmetics
Tula
*Any information on the gluten content of particular brands shared above was obtained during the last update of this page. Be sure to check with the manufacturer for the latest info or if you have any questions.
Other Gluten-Free Cosmetics
Gluten can be present in various cosmetic products, including blush, foundation, mascara, eyeshadow, and eyeliner. While topical application generally poses a low risk for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, some people prefer to use gluten-free cosmetics to have peace of mind and avoid any potential reactions, particularly if the products come into contact with the mouth or eyes.
Cosmetics may contain gluten-derived ingredients such as:
Hydrolyzed wheat protein
Triticum vulgare (wheat) germ oil
Hordeum vulgare (barley) extract
Secale cereale (rye) seed extract
Here are some companies that offer gluten-free cosmetic options*:
Blush
EpiLynx: This brand offers a variety of gluten-free, allergen-free, and vegan blush options.
Gabriel Cosmetics: Known for natural and gluten-free products, Gabriel Cosmetics provides a range of blushes suitable for sensitive skin.
Foundation
BareMinerals: Offers gluten-free foundations that are free from harsh chemicals.
Jane Iredale: This brand’s mineral foundations are gluten-free and designed for sensitive skin.
Mascara
Zuzu Luxe by Gabriel Cosmetics: Their mascaras are gluten-free and made with natural ingredients.
EpiLynx: Also offers gluten-free mascaras.
Eyeshadow
Red Apple Lipstick: This brand offers gluten-free eyeshadows.
Afterglow Cosmetics: Provides a range of gluten-free eye shadows made with organic ingredients.
Eyeliner
EpiLynx: Offers gluten-free eyeliners that are hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive eyes.
100% Pure: Known for natural and gluten-free products, they offer eyeliners that are safe and gentle on the skin.
Tips for identifying gluten-free cosmetics
Read labels: Always check the ingredient list for common gluten-containing ingredients.
Look for certifications: Some products are labeled as gluten-free and have been tested and certified.
Contact manufacturers: When in doubt, contact the company for confirmation about the gluten status of their products.
*Any information on the gluten content of particular brands shared above was obtained during the last update of this page. Be sure to check with the manufacturer for the latest info or if you have any questions.
For more information and additional resources on personal hygiene and gluten, please visit our Personal Hygiene page.
