Freedom from gluten

Victoria Beckham, Chelsea Clinton, Jessica Simpson and Zooey Deschanel are just some of the famous names who have an intolerance to gluten. Gluten intolerance and celiac disease are allergies that result from hypersensitivity to a protein composite found in wheat grains. The average woman ‘eats’ about eight pounds of lipstick or lip gloss in her lifetime, if such products contain gluten, then it is a huge amount of gluten to consume for a woman with celiac disease. Gluten allergies are molecular and sensitive to even the tiniest triggers and therefore people are moving towards more of gluten-free cosmetics and beauty products, while being health conscious.

Most makeup brands today, in their endeavour to become popular, ignore the needs and desires of women’s make-up. Although a large number of women are comfortable using products that are synthetic with a chemical base, there are a growing number of women who have extremely sensitive skin, live alternative lifestyles or even suffer from gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Not only them, but the healthy woman too should opt for lesser chemicals in her make-up.

Besides being gluten-free, products that are vegan as well are making their way into our markets. Veganism has become very popular in India recently, especially because it helps in diabetes and losing weight. It is best to avoid chemical cosmetic ingredients in beauty products as these are applied every day. Cosmetic manufacturers use cheaply sourced chemical ingredients to improve their product’s ability to cleanse, moisturise, beautify or to improve the smell of the product.

Cosmetics and make-up do not need harsh chemicals to work, so paraben-free alternative options reflect upon your health greatly. Parabens are a group of chemical preservatives that have been scientifically proven to disrupt the normal functioning of the female hormone, oestrogen. It mimics the actions of the natural hormone and studies have linked it to breast cancer.

You should be extremely conscious of the ingredients that go into your lipsticks and lotions. Purchase products that have been certified by PETA for being environment friendly animal-cruelty free.

The writer is the head of a global beauty company.