'Gluten free' increasingly important to cosmetics consumers
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye, as well as many common food additives. Those allergic to the protein can trigger an autoimmune reaction once ingested, which can refer to your make-up.
Scientists have recently suggested that wearing a lipstick or gloss with gluten ingredients can cause an autoimmune reaction if digested or left on the skin, which has spurred on cosmetic makers to fill up this gap of opportunity.
The trend had been prompted by consumers suffering celiac symptoms, including gastrointestinal complications or even skin rashes after using ‘natural’ cosmetics products.
Innovation in 'gluten free'
Oat Cosmetics is one brand to have reacted to consumer demand with a gluten-free oat oil, free of proteins and featuring skin and hair care benefits for both the formulator and consumer.
According to the brand, 'Oat Lipid e' includes a high level of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids and contains membrane-identical phospholipids; ceramides, phosphatidycholine and phosphatidylethanolamine, which support the barrier function helping to keep skin in a healthy condition, and slow down ageing.
"This multifunctional oil also contains antioxidants including alkyl phenolates and Vitamin E concentrated in the form of potent tocotrienols as well as tocopherols, to protect skin lipids from free radical induced peroxidation," company reps explain.
The versatile ingredient is reported to be easy to use in a wide range of cosmetic applications including baby care, moisturising, anti-ageing, sun care, tanning products and bath oils.
