Finding Green Gluten and Corn-free Cosmetics and Personal Products

If you have issues with sensitive skin, and especially if you have recently been diagnosed with allergies or intolerances, you may want to take a long look at your soaps, deodorants, perfumes, and cosmetics bag and perhaps do a little purging this weekend. Many favorite name brand cosmetics and personal products are full of common allergens and known cancer causing toxins. After having had a few strange reactions after using popular drugstore brands over the years I finally switched to high end cosmetics only to find that even those irritated my skin. I soon became an occasional makeup wearer, but now there are better options available for women with sensitive skin and known allergies. Not only will your complexion improve, and your confidence, but you may actually feel healthier too.

According to the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, “Various studies reveal that up to 10% of dermatologic patients who are patch tested are allergic to cosmetic products or their constituent ingredients. Causative products include deodorants and perfumes, skin care products, hair care products, and nail cosmetics” [1].

I have always had sensitive skin. As a teen I was wrought with blemishes that came and went in seemingly cyclical fashion. I would still get minor appearances of the odd pimple well into my thirties. During this time, I spent quite a bit of money on foundations and concealers. I never really considered that what I was feeding my body could possibly contribute to my complexion, nor did I ever consider exactly what ingredients the cosmetics contained. It wasn’t until just before I went gluten free that I noticed my face reacting quite strongly against certain brands of makeup and certain moisturizers as well. Some actually caused my skin to get blotchy and itchy, others made my face puffy. Certain brands even caused my eyes to get extremely watery and irritated.

I found a few companies that offer organic or all natural cosmetics and personal care products. Gluten free folks, especially, should check out AfterGlow Mineral Cosmetics. All their products are gluten free. A company spokesperson informed me that the Pure Soul Mascara and natural color lock (used to make powder liners liquid prior to application) are the only two products made from corn. The ‘vanilla-flavored’ lip gloss is made with oil, so there is no hidden corn. This is a great place to start for those with food intolerances and chemical sensitivities, and you can feel good knowing that it is a green company. Not many stores currently carry these products but they do have an extensive sample supply and will work with customers to find the perfect shade via the internet. I recently purchased a variety of samples from them and promptly received my order by mail within a week. The makeup is very light, easy to apply, and covers well. I was very surprised at how light it feels on my face. If you are considering making a switch to mineral makeup, be sure to check this company out.

Aubrey Organics also has a line of cosmetics and personal care products. Gluten and Corn allergies sufferers will find a long list of safe products. I have compiled my own safe list, based on information I received from the company spokesperson. Do double check with Aubrey for accuracy before you order any product.

Gabriel and Zuzu Luxe also has a line of health care products, some of which are also gluten and corn-free. They can be found at Whole Foods as well as specific health food stores in your area, just visit their store locator page. Not all of their products are gluten and corn free, so you must view their complete ingredient page prior to ordering any product.

Natural Family Botanicals is another green beauty care company that offers some products that are both gluten and corn-free. All their facial and body oils, massage oil (although it contains soy), salt scrubs, lip and body balms are safe for GFMF folks. Their creams and lotions contain citric acid, and are not corn-free, but they are gluten-free.

Savonnerie Gluten Free Soaps offer a toiletry collection of gluten, casein, soy and corn-free products. It is also fragrance, and dye free. Unlike some of the other companies mentioned, this company does use chemicals in their products that may cause irritations in some people. Dakota Free, their sister company, also has gluten free products, but not all products are corn free, so do read the labels and inquire before you buy.

Often times you may get lucky searching for allergy friendly green products by just simply thinking outside the box. Visit ethnic stores for rare import products. For example, you may find a store that sells Agno Bar Soaps, made from 100% olive oil. If you are daring and have the time to experiment, make your own make-up or body care products at home. It could be quite fun, especially for teens.

If you are looking for a safe toothpaste, Tom’s of Maine has two varieties that are free from gluten and corn, according to a company spokesperson: their Silly Strawberry or their Children’s Orange Mango Toothpaste are both made without xylitol, a corn-derived sweetener.

If you find that the many chemicals or ingredients in your hygiene products are causing you discomfort but you don’t really know where to start, here is a list of helpful articles, databases, and organizations that may make your decision process a little less time consuming for you:

• The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is a coalition of women’s, public health, labor, environmental health and consumer-rights groups. Their goal is to protect consumer and employee health by requiring the health and beauty industry to phase out the use of chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects and other health problems, and replace them with safer alternatives.
• Skin Deep offers you information on select brands of cosmetics. They rate products according to chemical safety and publish known toxic hazards (ie: cancer risks) according to scientific studies and analysis. cosmeticsdatabase.com
• Most Celiacs are aware of Clan Thompson’s Celiac Site. They have provided a short list of gluten free soaps, shampoos, and personal products. Do double check, though, as manufacturers are always changing formulations.
• Use Natural Energies Chemical Ingredient Glossary for Personal Care Products as a tool while you are cleaning out your vanity and reading the ingredient listings of your toiletries.
  

1. Orton, David I.; Wilkinson, John D.: American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 5(5):327-337, 2004.

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Caryn Talty

The editor of this website has a master's degree in English from Northern Illinois University and a bachelor of science degree in special education. She has taught students from early elementary school through college freshman level. Today she enjoys reading and writing about both hot topics and those not so commonly discussed on other websites. Most of her days are spent playing all kinds of make-believe with her three very young and active sons. | All articles by Caryn Talty.

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