Hidden Gluten in the Bathroom

Purge Your Bathroom, Purge Your Body

Gluten lurks in many amazing places.  Your bathroom shower and your medicine cabinet hold many potential routes of gluten exposure.  Gluten-containing starches are used as a thickening agent, filler and stabilizer in many things.

Every single item that goes on or in your body must be examined.  Shampoo, conditioner, hair styling products, make-up, lotion, and personal care items very often contain gluten.  My first trip to the store to try to find gluten-free make-up and body products resulted in tears.  Below are some sources for gluten-free items to help you in your search.

Lotion

Personally, I use coconut oil as a lotion.  It is easy to use, versatile, and isn’t expensive compared to most lotions on the market.  It also doesn’t have any harmful fillers or additives or petroleum byproducts to have to worry about.  It absorbs in quickly without feeling greasy, and can also double as a personal lubricant.  In the winter, it can be mixed with something such as shea butter to give it more moisturizing and staying power.

Make-up

I wear mineral make-up due to its versatility and lack of fillers and additives.  Not all brands are filler and additive free- you have to check the label.  J Lynne is my preferred brand, they have the most natural colors out of the brands I have tried.  If you make a purchase from J Lynne, use referral code “RKF37481” to get 10% off and I will receive a small store credit.   They have many different products, and you can order sample sizes of just about everything, which allows you to try items and find your right colors without having to spend a lot of money.  Their samples are generous and last a long time.

For lipstick, I use Mahya mineral lipsticks from Soap Hope.  The Mahya lipstick seems to have better staying power than the lip-balm style lipsticks from JLynne.

For nail polish, I purchase Priti from Organic Beauty Now.

Hair Care

Jason’s fragrance-free shampoo is gluten-free and is my favorite for regular use.  Desert Essence Organics also has gluten-free options.  They are labeled on the back of the bottle.  Gluten-Free Savonnerie offers shampoo, conditioner, soap, and many other products that are gluten-free, soy-free, corn-free, and dairy free, but the ingredients are mostly chemical based and the line is very expensive.  However, if you need a lot of different products and don’t have time to read a lot of ingredient lists, it can be a good first-stop so you have something to use while you look around and contact companies to find out what is safe to use.  If you want to make your own, going the no-poo route with hair care is great.

Vitamins/Supplements

Most companies do label their products that are gluten-free, you just have to look at the side of the package.  Iherb is good about labeling which products are gluten-free.

Oral Care

Tooth Soap is my favorite toothpaste.  It doesn’t contain glycerin, artificial sweeteners or fillers.  Tom’s of Maine and Eco-Dent are two brands available at health food stores and some mega-marts that do not contain gluten.  Don’t forget to get a new toothbrush and any other oral appliances.  I glutened myself with a toothbrush once, and have met others who did the same.

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