Gluten-free cosmetics

‘Gluten-free’ labels have moved from the food section to cosmetics. For some time now, brands have been making an effort to make it clear that their products do not contain gluten, due to the growing demand for this type of gluten-free cosmetics.

Faced with this reality, it is worth reflecting on the issue of gluten and the safety measures that should be taken depending on the case. It is not the same for a person who is allergic to gluten as for someone who is intolerant, that is, coeliac. In this case, experts confirm that the gluten protein is only harmful if ingested, not if it comes into contact with the skin. Even so, there have been cases of adverse reactions due to accidental ingestion caused by the use of a cosmetic or make-up product, such as lipsticks, hand creams, foundations, eye pencils or eye shadows.

Many cosmetic products use moisturising agents such as starch or oats, and therefore cannot be described as gluten-free, although they can only cause a reaction if ingested.

In the case of MATARRANIA’s natural cosmetics, we use extra virgin olive oil as the main emollient, together with other plant oils such as hazelnut, rosehip or almond. In this way, all our products are gluten-free.

The only product that may have raised some doubt is the 100% organic Firming Night Serum from the Eterna range, which contains wheatgerm oil. A wheat grain has two parts: the germ, from which the oil is extracted, and the endosperm, which contains the gluten. The germ itself may contain traces of gluten due to cross-contamination from contact between the parts of the grain, but the oil is completely free from gluten, as gluten cannot dissolve in oil.

Therefore, if you are coeliac or allergic to gluten, you can safely use our cosmetics and enjoy their textures, aromas and many benefits.