Since I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2005, I've struggled with so many eye issues. From dry and itchy eyes to red, swollen and watery eyes. I blamed it on allergy season, my fur babies and my real babies (kidding not kidding). As I fell down the rabbit hole of researching gluten in cosmetics, I came to the very scary realization that not all mascaras are gluten-free. Frustratingly, it was not as easy as I thought it would be to find out if a brand carries gluten-free mascara. I was surprised to find that many of the "big brand" companies weren't transparent at all and I had to jump through several hoops to get a semi-clear answer. Read on for more about what we're putting on our peepers, gluten-free mascara options and options to definitely avoid!
Gluten-Free Mascara Brands (in no particular order)
Gabriel Cosmetics Mascara
Gabriel's mascara has a gentle and non-irritating formula with vitamin B-5 to lengthen & thicken lashes without clumping or smudging. Specially designed brush expertly defines, separates & creates maximum volume.
Gabriel Cosmetics (along with their umbrella companies Zuzu Luxe & Clean Kids Naturally) have been certified gluten-free by the Gluten Intolerance Group.
Their "free-from" list is extensive. Here's a few in addition to being free-from gluten and soy: peanuts & tree nuts*, coal tar derivatives, formaldehyde, lanolin, lead, parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, soy & talc. Cruelty-Free. Vegan.
*Note: Lip Gloss & Cuticle Oil contain Sweet Almond Oil, Banana Smoothie Conditioner contains Shea Butter.
BaeBlue Organic Mascara
BaeBlue mascara's organic oils hydrate your lashes and prevent breaking. Achieve a natural look with one swipe or easily layer to build a dramatic look! BaeBlu was born to revolutionize a paradigm shift in the beauty industry. They've harnessed the power of nature to create a skin care and cosmetic line free of damaging toxins. Their commitment is to us, to our environment, and to our planet.
Gluten-Free. Also free from artificial dyes, artificial fragrances, Bht, dimethicone, formaldehyde, mineral oil, propylene glycol, petroleum, parabens, pthalates, silicones, sulfates/sulfites, talc, triclosan. Cruelty-Free. Vegan. 100% Natural. 85% Organic.
Red Apple Lipstick "The Lash Project" 2-in-1 Lash Conditioning Mascara
Red Apple Lipstick brand is not just lipstick. They've branched out to other cosmetics including mascara. Their 2-in-1 Lash Conditioning Mascara helps restore damaged, stubby lashes to make them healthy again.
None of Red Apple's products contain any harsh chemicals. All of their products are certified gluten-free and made in small batches to keep things fresh. Why does Red Apple do what they do? "Because every woman deserves safe makeup".
In addition to being free from gluten, they are free from GMOs, parabens, corn, soy, phthalates, petroleum, dairy, lead, mercury, talc & toxins. Vegan.
Ecco Bella FlowerColor Natural Mascara
Ecco Bella's mascara gives a flirtatious lash look that volumizes, extends & provides a full fringe effect. Water-resistant, but not waterproof.
Ecco Bella (which means Behold Beautiful!) is inspired by compassion for all living beings to create products that beautify and protect their customers and the planet.
Excellent for sensitive eyes. In addition to being gluten-free, their FlowerColor Natural Mascara is lacquer, shellac, alcohol, talc, FD&C dyes, fragrance & parabens. Cruelty-Free. Vegan.
Zuzu Luxe Mascara
This richly pigmented mascara curls, lengthens and adds lush volume to lashes without smudging, clumping, or flaking. The luxurious nylon brush is specially designed to add length and curl while being clump free.
Zuzu Luxe has been certified gluten-free by the Gluten Intolerance Group.
Zuzu's "free-from" list is extensive. Here's a few in addition to being free-from gluten and soy: peanuts & tree nuts*, coal tar derivatives, formaldehyde, lanolin, lead, parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, soy & talc. Cruelty-Free. Vegan.
*Note: Lip Gloss & Cuticle Oil contain Sweet Almond Oil, Banana Smoothie Conditioner contains Shea Butter.
Afterglow Mascara
Afterglow caters to women with very sensitive skin and bodies. That’s why their entire line also focuses on using certified organic ingredients and is certified gluten-free and soy-free.
Afterglow's cosmetics are made in a 100% certified gluten-free facility. This extra measure ensures there is no danger of cross-contamination between products.
Their "free-from" list is extensive. Here's a few in addition to being free from gluten & soy: mineral oil, parabens, petrolatum, phthalates, polybutene, polyisobutene, PEGs & talc.
Lily LoLo Mascara
Lily LoLo's mascara is easy to apply and will volumize and lengthen lashes to produce a dramatic effect. Lily Lolo is the original Natural Makeup from Europe, now available in the U.S. and Canada. Made with pure inert minerals, organic, and natural ingredients.
Gluten-Free. Also free from GMOs, nano particles, talc, additives, harsh chemicals, parabans, bismuth oxychloride, dyes, fillers, fragrance, preservatives, petroleum based chemicals, and other questionable ingredients. Cruelty-Free. Vegan.
Several of the above mentioned brands have a range of safe cosmetics including gluten-free eyeshadow, gluten-free eyeliner, gluten-free foundation.
Buyer Beware - Mascara Brands Containing Gluten
Chanel (via e-mail)
We do not have a list of all our gluten free products to provide, however we are glad to inquire about specific items. Please know that Chanel Mascaras that are not waterproof, do not contain ingredients derived from barley, oats, rye, spelt or wheat, which are known sources of gluten. However, due to the wide range of raw materials used in our manufacturing facility, we cannot confirm that our products are free from any traces of gluten.
Our waterproof mascaras do contain gluten. If you have specific questions or concerns regarding gluten, we recommend that you consult your physician. Please know that Chanel Mascaras that are not waterproof, do not contain ingredients derived from barley, oats, rye, spelt or wheat, which are known sources of gluten. However, due to the wide range of raw materials used in our manufacturing facility, we cannot confirm that our products are free from any traces of gluten.
e.l.f. (via chat)
e.l.f. products do not carry the gluten-free label, however the majority of our products are products without gluten ingredients. We do not certify that they were manufactured in a gluten-free facility. Please note that the following products do contain gluten: 81911 – Wrinkle Refiner 21665 – Volumizing & Defining Mascara 81421 – Mascara Primer 81436 – Lash Extending Mascara
Urban Decay (via e-mail)
We appreciate your interest in Urban Decay. Our Cannonball Ulta Waterproof Mascara and Troublemaker Mascara are not gluten-free.
Mascara Brands with Potential Contamination or Gluten
Bare Minerals (from website)
Many of our products do not contain ingredients derived from barley, oats, rye, spelt or wheat, which are commonly known sources of gluten.
However, due to the wide range of raw materials and equipment used during the manufacturing of our products, we cannot confirm that our products are free from any traces of gluten. If you have specific questions or concerns regarding gluten, and the ingredients contained in our formulas, we recommend that you consult your physician.
Benefit (via e-mail)
Note: I've put Benefit cosmetics under the "iffy" section despite their claim that "they ensure their products are gluten-free" due to 1) their stance that "gluten is not absorbed through the skin" and 2) their statement on "...the very low level of gluten residue exposure...".
Adverse reactions to gluten have never been verified after using cosmetic products, because gluten is not absorbed through the skin. To reassure our customers on the gluten issue, Benefit Cosmetics has enacted the following policies: We no longer formulate with gluten as a cosmetic ingredient. We have high quality standards for ingredients derived from grain sources.
Despite these precautions, trace levels of gluten could be present from some raw materials in all cosmetic products. For people suffering from intolerance to gluten who choose to avoid the use of all products derived from grain sources, we recommend avoiding the following ingredients: Triticum vulgare (wheat), Avena sative, Secale cereal and Hordeum distichon. Given our policies and the very low level of gluten residue exposure, we ensure that our cosmetic products are safe under normal and reasonable use.
Clinique (owned by Estee Lauder - see details below)
Estee Lauder (via e-mail)
In addressing your concern about gluten, we would like to explain that a vast number of raw materials from many different suppliers and sources are used in the manufacture of Estee Lauder Companies' products. It is therefore not possible for us to fully guarantee that our products are completely free of ingredients that may elicit an allergic response in highly sensitive individuals who react to gluten.
For example, it is possible that small amounts of a wheat sourced ingredient may remain on shared manufacturing equipment even after a thorough cleaning. We therefore recommend that you discuss this with your physician, because consumer safety is of utmost concern to us. We appreciate the opportunity to explain that we do not have a comprehensive list of products that contain or don't contain certain ingredients. However, if you would kindly provide us with the specific product names with which you are interested, we will then consult our laboratories and share our findings with you.
Lancome (owned by L'Oreal - see details below)
L'Oreal (via e-mail)
Thank you for your inquiry concerning gluten in L'Oreal products. Most ingredients derived from grain sources are highly refined and retain no traces of gluten proteins. For less refined ingredients from natural sources, The L'Oreal Group has established strict limits on the level of potentially allergenic proteins. Since individuals exhibit a wide range of sensitivities to these proteins, if you have any questions or concerns you should discuss with your medical care provider.
All the ingredients we use in a product are listed on the package or the label of the product itself. For products too small to accommodate the list, a separate ingredient list is available on the display unit in the store for your convenience. Since some ingredients are known by more than one name, we use the standard industry FDA-recognized names. A review of the ingredients that are listed on all of our products or packages will alert you to the presence of this type of ingredient.
Maybelline (via e-mail)
Thank you for contacting Maybelline. Most ingredients derived from grain sources are highly refined and retain no traces of gluten proteins. For less refined ingredients from natural sources, Maybelline has established strict limits on the level of potentially allergenic proteins. Since individuals exhibit a wide range of sensitivities to these proteins, if you have any questions or concerns you should discuss with your medical care provider.
All the ingredients we use in a product are listed on the package or the label of the product itself. For products too small to accommodate the list, a separate ingredient list is available on the display unit in the store for your convenience. Since some ingredients are known by more than one name, we use the standard industry FDA-recognized names. A review of the ingredients that are listed on all of our products or packages will alert you to the presence of this type of ingredient.
NARS (from website)
Many of our products do not contain ingredients derived from barley, oats, rye, spelt or wheat, which are commonly known sources of gluten.
However, due to the wide range of raw materials and equipment used during the manufacturing of our products, we cannot confirm that our products are free from any traces of gluten. If you have specific questions or concerns regarding gluten, and the ingredients contained in our formulas, we recommend that you consult your physician.
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Surprise to see you did not put Tarte as a gluten free mascara. Their whole line of cosmetics is gluten-free, do you know about this line? It’s the only brand of cosmetics I will use. I’m one of those people that need to see “gluten-free“ on their packaging to feel safe about the product LOL
TC
Sara