Wheat Germ Glycerides

Safety Information

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) includes wheat gluten on the list of ingredients Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for direct addition to food.

Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety

The safety of wheat germ glycerides and triticum vulgare (wheat) gluten has been assessed by the Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety.

The Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that wheat germ glycerides and triticum vulgare (wheat) gluten were safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products. In 2001, as part of the scheduled re-evaluation of ingredients, the Expert Panel considered available new data on wheat germ glycerides and wheat gluten and reaffirmed the above conclusion.

The Expert Panel reviewed the results of laboratory tests on the safety of wheat germ glycerides, triticum vulgare (wheat) gluten, and of numerous cosmetics and personal care products containing these materials as presently used. These data supported the conclusion that wheat germ glycerides (0.25-2%) and wheat gluten (1%), in low concentrations in specific product formulations are non-sensitizing and nonirritating to human skin. Limited photopatch testing of wheat germ glycerides in lipstick bases (1-2%) was also negative.

Link to FDA Code of Federal Regulations for wheat gluten
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr…

Because some people are allergic to wheat, the FDA Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act requires that all food containing wheat be clearly labeled. Information about the FDA Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/Guidance…

Wheat germ glycerides and wheat gluten may be used in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in Europe according to the general provisions of the Cosmetics Regulation of the European Union.

Link to the EU Cosmetic Regulation:
http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/consumers/product_labelling_and_p…

 

Resources

Wheat Germ Glycerides

What Is It?

Wheat germ glycerides is a light yellow or reddish-yellow oil and triticum vulgare (wheat) gluten is a creamy-tan powder. In cosmetics and personal care products, wheat germ glycerides is used most commonly in the formulation of lipsticks and moisturizers. Triticum vulgare (wheat) gluten can be found in mascaras and skin care products.

Why Is It Used?

Wheat germ glycerides acts as a lubricant on the skin’s surface, which gives the skin a soft and smooth appearance. Wheat germ glycerides enhances the appearance of dry or damaged skin by reducing flaking and restoring suppleness. Triticum vulgare (wheat) gluten functions as a binder, or a hair or skin conditioning agent.

Scientific Facts

Wheat germ glycerides is a mixture of fatty acids derived from triticum vulgare (wheat) germ oil. Triticum vulgare (wheat) gluten is a protein substance which is intermixed with the starch portion in the endosperm of the wheat, Triticum vulgare.