Colloidal oatmeal

Botanical0.5–2%

Finely milled oats that soothe and protect dry, sensitive skin, including baby skin.

What it is

Colloidal oatmeal is whole oat kernels ground to a very fine powder that disperses in water. It leaves a soft, protective layer on skin and carries natural compounds that calm the look of redness. It is a long-standing choice for baby care, sensitive skin and very dry skin.

Good for

Dry skinSensitive skinBaby skinRedness

How it works

Oat starches and beta-glucans hold water and form a light film that protects the skin's surface. Oat lipids support the skin barrier, and antioxidants called avenanthramides are behind its calming effect. Natural saponins give a mild cleansing action, which suits wash products.

Ratings

Evidence

4/5

Clinical studies in dry, sensitive skin, including in children.

Gentleness

5/5

Very low irritation, with long use in infant products.

Formulation difficulty

3/5

Insoluble powder that needs good dispersion and suspension.

Cost

2/5

Low to moderate, with certified gluten-free grades costing more.

Popularity

4/5

Strong demand in baby and sensitive-skin ranges.

Pairs and cautions

Pairs well with

In a routine. Pairing in one formula depends on matching pH windows.

Take care with

Clear gel formatsIt clouds them

Formulations it suits

Lotion Body wash Baby washBath soakHand cream Nappy and barrier balm

Packaging

Regional considerations

Australia	A cosmetic while claims stay with soothing and moisturising dry skin; claims to treat or relieve eczema make it a therapeutic good. Confirm oat origin before an Australian-grown claim.
United States	An OTC skin-protectant drug active at 0.007% minimum (0.003% with mineral oil), so US products can claim to relieve itch from eczema, rashes and insect bites, with a Drug Facts panel.

In the lab

Specifications

Typical use level

0.5–2%0525%

pH window

pH 5–72 acid7 neutral10 alkaline

Solubility

Water-dispersibleParticulate

Lotions and creams use 0.5–2%. Bath soaks are almost pure oatmeal and are diluted in the bath water.

INCI	Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour
Also known as	Colloidal oat, Oat kernel flour
Origin	plant-derived

Lab notes

Solubility and phase

Pre-disperse in glycerin or the water phase, as it stays as insoluble particles. Thin systems need a suspending agent to stop it settling.

Stability

Specify low bioburden and run a thorough preservative efficacy test. Allow for starch and beta-glucans thickening or shifting viscosity, though it is heat-stable.

Regulatory, Australia

Cosmetic ingredient in Australia. In the US it is an over-the-counter skin protectant (21 CFR 347), so US 'eczema' labels do not transfer to Australia.

Claims to take care with

Cosmetic claims include 'soothes dry skin' and 'gentle for sensitive skin', while claims to relieve eczema, rashes or dermatitis, or eczema imagery, can make it therapeutic (TGA). Take care with 'gluten-free': Australian food standards bar the claim on foods containing oats, so even with a certified oat supply it needs careful substantiation.