Colloidal oatmeal is an ingredient plastered on many of the best eczema and sensitive skin products, but why is there oatmeal in my skin care? “It has both soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it an excellent ingredient to include in skin-care products,” explains Krupa Koestline, cosmetic chemist and founder of KKT Labs. “It helps to soothe and protect the skin while reinforcing a protective skin barrier.” It’s even nationally recognized. “In 2003, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially categorized colloidal oatmeal as a skin protectant, meaning it can be effective at relieving dryness, skin irritation and itching due to skin conditions like eczema,” notes manager of Aveeno R&D Ritamarie Guerrero.
Featured experts
- Krupa Koestline is a cosmetic chemist and the founder of KKT Labs
- Ritamarie Guerrero is an Aveeno R&D Manager
- Kunal Malik, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and CeraVe partner based in New York
- Tia Paul, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in Newport Beach, CA
- Dr. Karan Lal is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York
What is colloidal oatmeal?
“Colloidal oatmeal is finely ground oatmeal that is processed to create a powder that can easily disperse in water. This fine texture allows it to form a protective barrier on the skin, which can help retain moisture and soothe irritation,” explains Koestline. “It’s produced by grinding whole oat kernels, including the bran, into a fine powder, which is then boiled to extract the active ingredients, such as beta-glucans, lipids and proteins.” Guerrero notes that the manufacturing process for this type of oatmeal is achieved without the use of chemical solvents.
How is colloidal oatmeal different from regular oatmeal?
Koestline notes that the primary difference between colloidal oatmeal and standard oatmeal is the degree of processing. “Regular oatmeal is typically used as food and is not finely ground enough to be dispersed in water for topical application. Colloidal oatmeal, on the other hand, is processed specifically for skin care,” she explains. “Its fine particle size and preparation allow it to be used in lotions, creams and bath products, providing benefits that regular oatmeal cannot deliver when applied to the skin.” New York dermatologist and CeraVe partner Kunal Malik, MD, notes that standard oatmeal does have its place in skin care, typically being seen in its whole kernel form in baths or masks.
Colloidal oatmeal retains the moisturizing benefits of the whole oat grain but disperses more easily so that it can be added to topicals, says Guerrero. “It’s finely ground and processed to be more easily absorbed by the skin. This allows it to form a protective barrier, soothe irritation and lock in moisture more effectively than regular oatmeal,” says Newport Beach, CA dermatologist Tia Paul, MD.
Skin benefits
There’s a reason colloidal oatmeal is so popular in products for eczema and irritated skin. It’s a natural emollient, anti-inflammatory and skin protectant, says New York dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal. “Colloidal oatmeal has multiple benefits: it soothes irritated skin, reduces inflammation, provides hydration and forms a protective barrier to lock in moisture,” says Dr. Paul, noting its particular efficacy for dry, itchy skin. “Studies show it reduces redness, itching and inflammation in eczema patients.” Additionally, it helps to restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier, providing hydration and soothing irritation, says Dr. Malik.
Who should use it in their skin-care routine?
“Anyone with sensitive, dry or irritated skin can benefit from including colloidal oatmeal in their skin care. Those dealing with eczema, psoriasis or inflammatory skin conditions are likely to benefit the most,” says Dr. Malik. “Colloidal oatmeal is also a great option for anyone looking to soothe their skin after sun exposure or to calm down post-procedure redness.” Dr. Lal notes that it’s great for those seeking a more natural emollient or one that is safe for all ages.
Skin-care products with colloidal oatmeal to try
