I have been reading about coeliacs and those with sensitivity to gluten and their concerns and worries about gluten penetration of the skin. We are told quite firmly that gluten molecules are too large to enter our pores but there appears to be evidence that we may be being affected in other ways.
This will be of interest to you:
"Should we be worried about the gluten-based ingredients found in our skin care routine? The answer is not so black and white, according to New Orleans-based dermatologist Patricia Farris, M.D. “While gluten is not absorbed through the skin, patients may be sensitive to compounds in extracts of wheat, rye, and barley that can actually penetrate the skin,” says Dr. Farris. And even though we’re careful with our beauty products, topical ingredients can still enter the body in trace amounts through the nasal cavities and mouth."
beautylish.com/a/vpqwi/glut...
oldmetairiedermatology.com/...
Another interesting thread from Celiac.com:
celiac.com/gluten-free/topi...
It has also been reported that some people are developing skin rashes when products have wheat in them. Wheat starch is a filler used in many cosmetics - worst offenders are lipsticks and mascaras. Check carefuly foundations, face powders, eye shadows and some creams - especially if your skin is showing signs of erruptions (pimples and rashes)!
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Other ingredients that may have cause for concern when taken orally or applied topically as reavealed by the EUROPEAN COMMISSION - ENTERPRISE DIRECTORATE-GENERAL:
ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/do...
Added note: The picture is of the human sweat glands (pores) in the thumb taken with a microscope camera ...
Extra Note: It is always wise to ask cosmetic companies if their products contain wheat/barley/rye/oat starch as well as gluten. I have personally purchased and tried out several brands. Lipsticks can prove difficult to find that remain firm in the tube, are not brittle, apply evenly (do not have a soapy, flakey appearance), do not snap/break in the tube, are not like a wax crayon on application. So far the one that comes out top out of every one that I have purchased is from the Green People. Although their list of contents doesn't list any form of gluten or grain, I wrote and asked for confirmation .. here is their link: