Is There Gluten in Head and Shoulders Shampoo?

December 21, 2025 •

4 min read

According to ingredient analysis from third-party sites like SkinSAFE, many common Head and Shoulders shampoo formulas are certified to be free of added gluten. This provides reassurance for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity who are wondering, "Is there gluten in Head and Shoulders shampoo?"

Quick Summary

Head and Shoulders shampoos do not contain added gluten ingredients, according to product ingredient lists and third-party certifications. While topical exposure is generally considered low-risk for celiac disease, many individuals prefer to avoid it entirely. Reading labels and understanding potential cross-contamination are key steps for ensuring product safety.

Key Points

Head and Shoulders is Gluten-Free: Product reviews from third-party sources and analysis of manufacturer information suggest that Head and Shoulders shampoos do not contain added gluten ingredients.
Read the Label: While generally safe, individuals with severe gluten sensitivity should always check the ingredient list of specific Head and Shoulders products for potential gluten-derived compounds.
Topical vs. Ingestion: The primary risk for celiac patients comes from ingesting gluten, not from topical application to the skin. However, accidental ingestion can occur with products like shampoo, especially for children.
Identify Gluten Ingredients: Watch for ingredient names such as Triticum vulgare (wheat), Hordeum vulgare (barley), and Secale cereale (rye) on product labels.
Be Mindful of Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein: Some cosmetics use hydrolyzed wheat protein (HWP), but Head and Shoulders formulations do not appear to contain it.
Minimize Risk: For ultimate peace of mind, highly sensitive individuals can choose products specifically labeled as 'certified gluten-free' to eliminate any risk of cross-contamination.
Contact Manufacturers: If there is any doubt about an ingredient or manufacturing process, contacting Procter & Gamble directly is a reliable way to get definitive information.

Understanding Gluten in Personal Care Products

The presence of gluten in personal care items is a growing concern for individuals with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. While gluten is primarily a dietary issue, concerns extend to products that may come into contact with the mouth or open skin, like shampoos and conditioners. For Head and Shoulders, a popular anti-dandruff brand, ingredient analysis confirms that intentionally added gluten is not used in its formulas.

How to Verify for Yourself

Although reliable sources indicate Head and Shoulders is safe, it is always best for sensitive individuals to check the ingredient labels of specific products. The manufacturer, Procter & Gamble, has stated that any gluten ingredients would be listed clearly on the packaging. When reviewing a label, look for Latin-based ingredients that indicate a gluten source. These include:

Wheat: Triticum vulgare or triticum lipids
Barley: Hordeum vulgare
Rye: Secale cereale
Oats: Avena sativa (often processed in facilities with wheat, increasing cross-contamination risk)

By carefully reading the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) list, you can be certain of the product's contents. This practice is a crucial step for anyone managing a severe gluten allergy.

Why Some Brands Still Use Gluten

Gluten-derived proteins, particularly hydrolyzed wheat protein (HWP), are sometimes used in cosmetics for their beneficial properties. They can act as binding agents, thickeners, or emulsifiers, improving a product's texture and consistency. However, the use of HWP has been linked to allergic skin reactions in some people, unrelated to celiac disease. This highlights why many brands, like Head and Shoulders, choose to formulate without these ingredients, and why sensitive individuals must remain vigilant.

Gluten in Head and Shoulders: A Comparison

To better understand how Head and Shoulders compares to other hair care products, consider the table below. It outlines the gluten status of several common shampoo types.


Shampoo Brand/Type	Gluten Status	Notes	Potential for Cross-Contamination	Ingredient Check
Head and Shoulders	Gluten-free ingredients	P&G confirms gluten ingredients are listed.	Low, but not zero.	Check specific product labels.
Certified Gluten-Free	Certified gluten-free	Rigorously tested for trace gluten.	Very Low.	Look for official certification logos.
Generic/Store Brand	Varies by formulation	May contain wheat protein derivatives.	Possible.	Read all ingredients carefully.
Natural/Organic Brands	Can be misleading	Some 'natural' ingredients contain gluten (e.g., wheat germ).	High, if ingredients are not refined.	Confirm with the manufacturer.
Specific HWP-containing	Contains gluten derivatives	Used as a binding or conditioning agent.	High.	Avoid products with Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein.

Practical Steps for a Gluten-Free Hair Care Routine

Following a gluten-free regimen for personal care products involves more than just reading one label. It requires a mindful approach to your entire routine.

Best Practices for Avoiding Gluten in Shampoo:

Verify Certifications: Look for products specifically labeled "gluten-free." This is the most reliable method for avoiding gluten in personal care products.
Check Ingredients Thoroughly: Read the INCI list on every product. As cosmetic formulas can change without notice, regular checks are prudent. Be aware of ingredients like hydrolyzed wheat protein or triticum vulgare.
Contact Manufacturers: If you are unsure about a product's gluten status or processing methods, reach out to the manufacturer directly. Many companies provide information on their allergy protocols.
Consider Cross-Contamination: Even if a product does not contain gluten ingredients, it could be manufactured on shared equipment. While the risk of a reaction from topical application is generally low, it is a consideration for extremely sensitive individuals.
Use Gluten-Free Brands: To eliminate all doubt, consider switching to brands that specialize in gluten-free personal care products.

Conclusion

For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, the good news is that Head and Shoulders shampoo is generally considered safe. Multiple ingredient reviews confirm that its formulations do not contain added gluten. However, product formulations can change over time. It is always a recommended practice to check the ingredient list on any product you purchase. For the most sensitive individuals, opting for certified gluten-free products and minimizing the risk of accidental ingestion are the best ways to ensure a completely safe and comfortable personal care routine.

For additional guidance on living a gluten-free lifestyle, the National Celiac Association provides comprehensive resources on managing celiac disease, including tips on selecting personal care products.

Potential Risks and Precautions

While the risk of a reaction from a topical shampoo is minimal for most celiac sufferers, taking precautions is wise. Accidental ingestion can occur when washing hair, particularly for children. The small amounts of product that might get into the mouth are not typically enough to trigger a reaction, but the concern remains for those with high sensitivity. Those with dermatitis herpetiformis, a form of celiac disease that causes an itchy rash, may also prefer to avoid gluten topically. Staying informed and being cautious are the best strategies for managing any level of sensitivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Head and Shoulders is widely considered safe for people with celiac disease because it does not contain added gluten ingredients. The risk from topical application is minimal, as gluten molecules are too large to be absorbed through healthy skin.

To be certain, you should read the ingredient list on the specific product bottle. The manufacturer, Procter & Gamble, states that all gluten ingredients would be listed on the label. Third-party websites like SkinSAFE have also reviewed multiple Head and Shoulders formulas and confirmed them to be gluten-free.

While it is rare, some individuals with a severe wheat allergy or a specific skin condition like dermatitis herpetiformis may experience reactions. However, this is distinct from the internal reaction caused by gluten ingestion in celiac disease.

The risk of cross-contamination with gluten is very low for Head and Shoulders based on ingredient analysis. For those with extreme sensitivity, looking for a 'certified gluten-free' product is the only way to guarantee zero trace gluten.

Common gluten-derived ingredients include hydrolyzed wheat protein, triticum vulgare (wheat), hordeum vulgare (barley), secale cereale (rye), and sometimes avena sativa (oats).

The amount of shampoo potentially ingested is likely very small and not enough to trigger a significant reaction in most cases. However, to minimize all risks, especially with young children, some parents opt for certified gluten-free bath products.

No, there is no indication that the fragrances used in Head and Shoulders contain gluten. While 'fragrance' can be a broad term for chemicals, ingredient breakdowns for Head and Shoulders do not list any gluten components.