For years I’ve been conscious of what exactly goes into my beauty products, onto my skin and eventually into my bloodstream. Parabens, estrogen mimickers that have been linked to breast cancer and are known to interfere with the body’s natural hormonal harmony, have in fact become feared ingredients.

Largely due to the incomparable efforts of the Environmental Working Group, women and men are learning that what is applied to their skin can be absorbed into the body–up to 60%! And as consumers took action to avoid these synthetics, manufacturers quietly began phasing them out–adjusting the formula. Had “New Coke” been so sneaky back in the 80s by simply altering the favorite original product, instead of rolling out of their “new and improved” formula and doing away with the old, perhaps it might have even been a success.

It might be shocking to compare some product labels of today to ones from just a few years ago. After all, if you soda tastes different, you’re suspicious. But if your deodorant, eye makeup, cleanser or moisturizer feels or performs differently than it used to, it’s doubtful you’d give it a second thought.

Well, we the gluten-free consumers have spoken, and while manufacturers are very up front about the fact that their products have always been gluten-free, others are quietly reacting.

• Gluten Free Baby -With food allergies and intolerances on the rise, especially in younger generations, conscientious companies like California Baby and Jason Kids Only are making sure their products are safe for your tiny tots. In a pinch for a gluten-free hair or skin product, look to natural kids’ lines, which were formulated with sensitivities in mind.

• Gluten Free Hair Care -Hydrolyzed wheat protein, a most obvious gluten-containing ingredient seemed to be on just about every hair care label I checked not even two years ago. But recently, when I called L’Oreal about a home coloring kit, not only did the rep verify that this particular product was gluten-free, but the information was readily available! It seems that even the majors are making some changes.

• Gluten Free Labeling -Today when buying tofu, I noticed that one brand was labeled gluten-free, one was not. I know that plain tofu should be gluten-free and my brand of choice is gluten-free despite its lack of a label stating such, but for those cases that aren’t so cut and dry, a gluten-free label can be very helpful. And food companies are not the only ones realizing the value of a gluten-free label. Thankfully the hair and skin care lines by Desert Essence Organics, were some of the first to realize that gluten-free labeling is quite helpful for harder to decipher cosmetic ingredient lists.

Of course, all beauty products are not safe yet. So for those who are topically gluten-sensitive or don’t want those bits of nasty gluten seeping in through their skin, know what to look for.

Click here for a print-worthy list of gluten-containing ingredients to consult when you’re out shopping for a new product. (Best printed on landscape paper.) And when in doubt, take a minute to call or e-mail the manufacturer.