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Gluten-Free Hygiene: Skin Care

Lotion & Body Moisturizer

Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, is commonly associated with food products, but it can also be present in non-food items like lotions and other skincare products. This is because wheat products can be great moisturizers. For individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, ingesting gluten can trigger adverse reactions, but the topical application of gluten-containing products is generally considered safe.

While the risk of reaction from topical gluten is low, especially since gluten molecules are too large to be absorbed through the skin, some people prefer to avoid any potential risk by choosing gluten-free lotions and skincare products. This is particularly relevant for products that might be accidentally ingested, such as hand creams. As a result, many brands have started to label their products as gluten-free, catering to those seeking to avoid gluten in all forms. 

When selecting gluten-free lotions, check ingredient lists and opt for products marked explicitly as gluten-free to ensure peace of mind and prevent accidental exposure. If you’re looking to maintain a completely gluten-free home, avoid lotions that list wheat, barley, or any of the following ingredients:

  • 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

Hand Sanitizer

It’s common for some brands of hand sanitizer, such as Bath & Body Works*, to contain “wheat amino acids,” but most hand sanitizers do not contain gluten. Research has shown that gluten cannot be absorbed through the skin, so using hand sanitizer should be safe if you do not apply it to an open wound and take care not to ingest it.

If you have a reaction to a hand sanitizer, it’s more likely due to an allergic reaction rather than the presence of gluten.

Brands that offer gluten-free hand sanitizers include EO products, EpiLynx, and Sun Bum.* For the latest information or if you have any questions, be sure to read labels or check with the manufacturer.

*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.

Gluten and Condoms or Personal Lubricants

Most condoms do not contain gluten. In fact, we have yet to come across a condom that has gluten on or in it.

It’s more likely that you would find gluten in a flavored lubricant, although, again, we have never heard of a personal lubricant that contains gluten. When in doubt, review the ingredients list and avoid any product that contains wheat, barley, rye, triticum, hordeum or secale.

Brands that offer gluten-free condoms or personal lubricants include*:

  • Astroglide
  • Lola
  • Glyde
  • Green Condom Club
  • Royal
  • Slippery Stuff
  • Sustain

*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.

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