Gluten-Free Shampoo: Why It Matters If You’re Gluten Intolerant or Sensitive
Are you gluten intolerant? Thinking of going gluten-free? It might be worth considering gluten-free shampoo too. At New Dawn, all our natural shampoos are organic, and gluten-free, offering you peace of mind and numerous other benefits outlined below.
Why should you avoid gluten in shampoo?
Many people are surprised to learn that gluten is commonly found in hair care products. Although gluten cannot be absorbed through intact skin, if you have a gluten intolerance or sensitivity, it’s important to avoid gluten in shampoos, as it can be accidentally ingested - especially if the shampoo runs over your face whilst rinsing or you touch your face or lips after washing your hair.
Open wounds, cuts or skin abrasions
Gluten-containing products may also pose a risk if you have open wounds, cuts, or skin abrasions on the scalp, where gluten could potentially enter the body more easily. [1] If you avoid gluten in your diet, why risk putting it on your skin - especially when safe, effective gluten-free alternatives are widely available?
Gluten sensitivity
People with gluten sensitivity may also react to other common ingredients found in commercial shampoos like fragrances, sulphates, or preservatives. Choosing natural, organic, gluten-free products helps reduce the risk of irritation, allergic reactions, or accidental exposure, offering extra peace of mind.
Why is gluten used in shampoo?
Gluten is often added to shampoo because it can help thicken, strengthen, and add volume to the hair. However, for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, especially if they have scalp issues, gluten-free organic shampoos are a safer choice and can offer the same benefits.
How do you know if shampoo has gluten in it?
Gluten-containing ingredients can appear in various forms on product labels, making them tricky to spot. Look out for the following terms, which may indicate the presence of gluten:
- Hydrolyzed wheat protein
- Wheat germ oil
- Maltodextrin
- Dextrin
- Vitamin E (may be derived from wheat)
- Hydrolyzed vegetable protein
- Beta glucan
- Colloidal oatmeal
Note: Some of these ingredients can be gluten-free if sourced from non-gluten grains, but it's usually impossible to determine their origin just from the label.
The benefits of using gluten-free shampoo
Using natural, organic, gluten-free shampoo provides numerous benefits. The plant-based ingredients nourish the scalp and hair without harsh chemicals, reducing irritation and allergic reactions. At New Dawn, we offer a range of gluten-free shampoos developed to meet your specific hair care needs, helping you achieve healthy, vibrant hair while staying safe and natural.
Who should consider gluten-free shampoo?
Gluten-free shampoo can be a smart choice for more people than you might think.
Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity
Anyone diagnosed with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity should be especially cautious, as even trace amounts of gluten, when accidentally ingested through hand-to-mouth contact during hair washing can trigger uncomfortable symptoms.
Autoimmune conditions
Those with autoimmune conditions may also benefit from avoiding gluten-containing skin and hair products, as they often have heightened skin sensitivity or inflammation.
Scalp issues
People dealing with scalp issues such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, or general irritation may find relief by switching to shampoos that are not only gluten-free but also made with gentle, effective, natural ingredients like Aloe Vera and Organic Essential Oils. These plant-based alternatives help nourish and soothe the scalp without exposing it to common irritants found in conventional formulas.
Sensitive skin
For those with sensitive skin, or parents choosing products for young children, gluten-free, organic shampoos offer added peace of mind by reducing the risk of allergic reactions and harsh chemical exposure. If you're already avoiding gluten in your diet, taking the same mindful approach to your personal care routine is a simple and supportive next step.
I hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you have any questions or want to learn more about gluten-free hair care, or need advice on which natural shampoo is best for you - feel free to reach out!
Written by Dawn, Co-Founder.
You might also like:
How to switch to a natural shampoo
References:
Gluten Intolerance Group. (2024). Gluten Free Skincare. Available at: https://gluten.org/2021/02/11/gluten-free-skin-care/
