No matter how much (or little) glitter we wear, Petite ‘n Pretty never covers up its core values. To us that means expression is everything and for everyone, and safety is the expectation — never the exception. In our series Behind the Brush, we go deeper into what our core values mean, what makes up our makeup, and, above all, how we aspire to inspire creativity in all young creatives.
Today’s haute topic: Why our makeup is gluten-free.
Walk down any supermarket aisle and it’ll be obvious how many people are now following a gluten-free lifestyle. But bread and pasta aren’t the only products being made without gluten these days. A growing number of makeup brands, too, are touting their gluten-free formulas—in fact, Petite ‘n Pretty is one of them.
Yep, that’s right, many personal-care products are made with gluten-containing ingredients. (Surprised?) Vitamin E, for example, is one ingredient to note as it’s often derived from wheat. It’s commonly found in lipstick, eyeshadow, and other makeup products.
Given that many people have adverse reactions to gluten, some cosmetics brands are choosing to leave gluten-containing ingredients out of their products.
But some experts say that there’s so little gluten in cosmetics that gluten-free formulas aren’t necessary—even for those with a gluten sensitivity. So who’s right?
First, let’s back up and explain why people avoid gluten in the first place.
Gluten is an umbrella term for a set of proteins found in grains. According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, it “[acts] as a glue that holds foods together.”
Some of the most common gluten-containing grains include:
- Wheat
- Rye
- Barley
- Oats (when contaminated with traces of gluten, as they frequently are)
While most people can eat gluten without any problems, those with a digestive disorder called celiac disease need to follow a strict gluten-free diet—otherwise, they face serious intestinal damage.
People with allergies to wheat, barley, rye, or other gluten-containing grains may also seek out gluten-free products to avoid a reaction.
Still others may have non-celiac gluten sensitivity, experiencing digestive distress, headaches, fatigue, and other celiac symptoms without testing positive for celiac disease. They often find their symptoms improve when they cut gluten out of their diets.
Can gluten-containing makeup trigger celiac symptoms or allergic reactions?
Unfortunately, there isn’t much research surrounding gluten in cosmetics. One peer-reviewed study looked at four lip products and two lotions made with gluten-containing ingredients. It found that there was “no quantifiable gluten in any of the products tested,” and as such, would likely be safe for those who must avoid gluten.
While this does sound like good news, the study authors noted that a much larger sample size of products would need to be tested—specifically lip products, which are most likely to be ingested—before any broad statements can be made about the safety of gluten-free makeup.
We’d rather be safe than sorry. That’s why we don’t formulate with gluten-containing ingredients.
Our Sparkle Squad’s safety means everything to us—it’s our mission to provide worry-free makeup for kids, tweens, and teens everywhere.
Until there’s more definitive research on the safety of gluten-free makeup for those with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or allergies, we’re just not comfortable putting gluten-containing ingredients in our formulas.
So if your child follows a gluten-free diet, you can have total peace of mind while they use our 10K Shine Lip Gloss, Glo$$ Balm Glossy Lip Balm, and eye and cheek palettes.
The same goes if you’re buying a birthday gift for a kid, tween, or teen. Not sure if they’re allergic to anything? No problem. Not only are all of our products free of gluten, but they’re also nut-free, talc-free, and proven safe by pediatricians.
Bottom line: No child should have to miss out on creativity and self-expression for the sake of their health. We’re working hard to ensure *everyone* can be included in the world of Petite ‘n Pretty—and that means playing it safe with our formulas, no matter what.
