Gluten-Free Skincare Products For Your Baby

Gluten-Free Skincare Products – There are various adverse effects of gluten in individuals who have celiac disease. Additionally, people that don’t have celiac but are sensitive to gluten, called non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), and non-celiac wheat sensitivity (NCWS), can experience irregular bowel movements, weight gain, fatigue, and irritability. Many of these people are opting for gluten-free products ^[1].

What Is Gluten And Why Does It Cause Such Discomfort For Some?

Gluten derives from a group of proteins typically found in grains, rye, and barley. These proteins give bread a chewy texture. If you’re sensitive to gluten, it may cause a reaction in your body whether through inflammation, or an immune response located in your small intestine ^[2].

What Does Gluten Free Mean?

The Food and Drug Administration defines the term “gluten-free” as a food that contains less than 20 parts per million, or ppm, of gluten. This amount of gluten is considered safe for those who have celiac disease. Many of these products are easy to spot in stores because they are clearly labeled with ‘free of gluten’, ‘gluten-free’, ‘no gluten’, and ‘without gluten’. However, there are also gluten-free products that are not labeled as such that naturally do not contain gluten ^[3].

Gluten-free products are not limited to only food products but also found in personal care products such as skin care and cosmetics. The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness has advised that the risk is less for those using products that contain gluten versus ingesting gluten in those with gluten intolerance.

An adverse reaction most commonly occurs when gluten is consumed. However, there are cosmetic products that may be ingested such as lip balms, lipsticks, and toothpaste which may be dangerous if you are sensitive to gluten.
If you are unsure whether the skincare product that you are using on yourself or your baby is gluten-free, you can always check the label for gluten-containing ingredients such as Triticum Vulgare, hydrolyzed wheat protein, as well as sodium lauroyl, and oat amino acids just to name a few ^[4].

How Is Gluten Free Skincare Different From Non-Gluten Free Skincare Products?

The difference lies in the ingredients used in skincare products. The manufacturing process and packaging do not impact the presence of gluten.

Gluten-free and vegan skincare products tend to contain natural ingredients considered gentler for those who have sensitive skin (when compared to synthetic products). Gluten-free baby skincare products are usually free from wheat gluten ingredients to minimize any potential reactions.

What Are The Benefits Of Gluten Free Skincare Products?

For those who have celiac disease, or even a wheat allergy, you know what getting gluten into your system is going to do to you. However, while not as common an occurrence, if you have very sensitive skin, you’ve probably noticed an allergic reaction to products that contain gluten. This is one of the reasons why gluten-free moisturizing and other personal skincare products are fast becoming in demand. Aside from being formulated for those who have celiac disease or sensitivity, other benefits can be gained from switching to gluten-free products. Here are a few that you should know:

Reduce unhealthy skin

Irritated skin may appear as a result in those who have celiac disease. But when you use a product that is free from gluten, you should not experience skin irritation as you might with products containing gluten.

Minimize exposure to toxins

If you have been paying attention to the list of ingredients in your lotions, moisturizers, and cosmetics, you will find that some may contain chemicals of concern such as parabens phthalates, mineral oil, and synthetic fragrances just to name a few. These ingredients can trigger adverse reactions on your skin, such as the development of rashes, dark skin, and even cause eczema flare-ups. Switching to gluten and paraben free products can help reduce your exposure to toxins. However, when choosing a gluten-free product, read the ingredients label and make sure that it does not contain harsh chemicals ^[5].

Improve the quality of life

If you have a wheat allergy or celiac disease, switching to gluten-free products may reduce your overall risk of having an adverse reaction.

What Are The Benefits Of Gluten Free Skincare For Infants, Babies, and Toddlers?

Your little one’s delicate skin may be prone to irritation when exposed to harsh chemicals like parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances which are commonly used in cheap baby shampoo and body wash.

Even if your baby doesn’t have celiac disease or an allergy to wheat, when exposed to harsh chemicals that can be found in baby lotion and shampoo, an adverse reaction can still occur ^[6].

Fortunately, choosing gluten-free, natural and organic skincare products for your child comes with these benefits ^[7].

Less prone to infections

Since your baby’s skin is delicate and is still undergoing growth, exposing it to products that are cheap or harsh can lead to side effects such as redness, rashes, and the like. Choosing a baby shampoo and skincare products that come with organic ingredients, such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, and others can help nourish the skin without the use of a plethora of synthetic ingredients.

Lessen dryness

With the right ingredients, such as natural oils and vitamins, you will be protecting your baby’s skin from dryness naturally.

Protects against endocrine disruptors

Synthetic ingredients typically in many shampoos and baby washes can disrupt your little one’s endocrine system. The problem with these ingredients is that it can leave your baby at risk of growth and development issues. Making the switch to gluten-free baby skincare products, on the other hand, may reduce your baby’s exposure to certain chemicals that can interrupt your baby’s proper growth.

Environmentally friendly

Another reason why you should go for vegan or organic products for your baby is that they are usually safe for the environment. What you’ll notice is that the ingredient list tends to contain plant extracts, seed oil, and other natural ingredients derived from sustainable sources.

How To Choose The Right Skincare Products For Your Baby

It is understandable that you want the best quality products for your baby especially if there are potential skin irritations at stake. The great news is that gluten-free products are now widespread in the market enabling greater access to better products at lower prices.

Check certification labels

A good indication that the product that you are checking is safe to use is to review the certification labels. You will see that there are those that have certified as gluten-free, organic, and natural which can help shorten your list of products to choose from.

By switching to gluten-free, vegan, or organic baby products, you will be able to nourish and moisturize your baby’s skin while reducing the risk of common side effects. You’ll end up with a happy baby for bath time which can make this moment a great way to bond with your precious little one.

Gluten-Free Skincare Products Resources:

[1]   Gluten Intolerance Group; Celiac Disease, Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity Or Wheat Allergy: What Is The Difference?, October 05, 2017.
[2]   Celiac Disease Foundation; What is Gluten?.
[3]   U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, FDA; Questions and Answers: Gluten-Free Food Labeling Final Rule.
[4]   Beyond Celiac; Hidden Gluten In Dental And Cosmetic Products, March 15, 2011.
[5]   Campaign For Safe Cosmetics; Chemicals of Concern.
[6]   Choice; Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals, Karina Bray, July 28, 2014.
[7]   EWG; ‘Natural’ or ‘Organic’ Cosmetics? Don’t Trust Marketing Claims, Carla Burns, January 11, 2018.