Going gluten free? You may want to consider switching to gluten-free hair care products, as well. At Desert Essence, our shampoos and conditioners are all gluten free for total peace of mind — and we’re sharing why you may want to give them a try.
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a combination of two proteins — gliadin and glutenin — which are commonly found in grains such as wheat, rye and barley. Together, these proteins give dough its sticky, elastic consistency. While typically associated with bread, cereal and baked goods, gluten is also found in soups, salad dressings, food coloring and even beauty products (hair care in particular).
Unfortunately, gluten can cause a variety of health issues for people with gluten sensitivities, including celiac disease, wheat allergies and dermatitis. Consuming just a small amount of gluten can negatively impact some individuals, which makes sticking to gluten-free foods, drinks and beauty products all the more important.
Why Do Some People Avoid Gluten?
Roughly 1 in 100 people suffer from celiac disease, while wheat allergies rank in the top eight most common food allergies. For those who suffer from celiac disease, wheat allergies and other gluten sensitivities, the only treatment is to avoid products containing gluten. And while this primarily applies to ingesting foods and drinks with gluten, it can also apply to topical products.
Gluten itself can’t be absorbed through the skin, as the gluten molecule is too large. But accidental ingestion is certainly cause for concern. Using beauty products with gluten can lead to these mishaps (think cross-contamination from beauty products to food via your hands or kids accidentally ingesting soap bubbles in the bath). These potential issues have more and more people turning to gluten-free shampoo and beauty products to avoid the risks altogether.
Why is Gluten Used in Shampoo?
Gluten is a staple ingredient in numerous shampoos, hairsprays and styling products thanks to its glue-like consistency. In other words, it’s easy to see why so many beauty companies rely on gluten for their shampoo formulations — but it’s not the best option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Fortunately, many alternatives exist in today’s market that give gluten a run for its money.
Gluten-Free Shampoo Benefits
While you’re not likely to ingest shampoo and conditioner in the shower, incorporating gluten-free hair products into your routine is a good way to promote peace of mind. In fact, those with sensitive skin could notice less skin and scalp irritation when they switch to gluten-free shampoos and styling products.
When it comes to what to look for in shampoo, we suggest browsing gluten-free formulas made for your specific hair type. We also recommend testing any new products on a small patch of skin to ensure no irritation occurs. (Those prone to gluten sensitivities are oftentimes more prone to other allergic reactions.)
At Desert Essence, we take gluten intolerance seriously and are committed to providing you with natural beauty products you can feel confident using. All of our shampoos and conditioners are gluten-free, so you never have to stress about worrisome ingredients