Cosmetics Green

AOECS position statement on medicines and cosmetics

Version 2 / 2024

Summary

The AOECS Licensing System, based on the AOECS Standard for pre-packaged food products, does not permit the use of the Crossed Grain Trademark on the packaging of medicines, cosmetics, or hygiene products. This text and the position paper which you can download here explains the rationale for this decision.

Medicine Excipient

Understanding Excipients in Pharmaceuticals

Medicines are composed of an active ingredient, which provides the desired effect, and excipients, which are substances added to support the medication's stability, shape, and flavour.

Excipients like wheat starch are sometimes used in medicines, which may contain trace amounts of gluten. While this usually poses no risk to coeliacs, caution is advised, particularly with long-term medication use.

Eating Medicine

Importance of Excipients for Coeliacs

Although some medicines contain gluten, they are generally safe for coeliacs. Wheat starch, an excipient used in some tablets, capsules, and pills, may contain gluten depending on its quality.

However, the levels are typically so low that they do not pose a risk. The European Pharmacopoeia sets strict limits on protein content in excipients, aligning with gluten-free food standards.

EU regulations require certain excipients to be declared, usually in the medicine’s leaflet, though ‘gluten’ does not need to be explicitly mentioned.

Doctors should consider gluten content when prescribing medication to coeliac patients, especially those requiring long-term or high-dose treatments.

Medicine Cartridges

Are Medicines Safe for Coeliacs?

Yes, medicines in the European market are safe for coeliacs and those with Herpetiformis Dermatitis. However, patients with hypersensitivity should consult their doctor, as alternative formulations without gluten may be available. Any side effects that mimic gluten ingestion symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Green Cosmetics

Hygiene and Cosmetic Products

For coeliacs, gluten is only problematic when ingested. Hygiene products, cosmetics, and even toothpaste and lipsticks, which may contain gluten, are not a risk as they are used externally and do not typically enter the digestive system. The molecules in these products are too large to penetrate intact skin and cause a reaction.

Though there is no specific allergen legislation for these products, the INCI system helps identify ingredients. Cosmetics Europe advises against using 'gluten-free' claims as they may not offer real consumer benefits and could be misleading.

Download the full position statement for a more detailed reading.