Colloidal oatmeal has long been celebrated as one of nature’s most effective soothing ingredients for the skin. Derived from finely ground oats suspended in water or another liquid, colloidal oats have earned recognition not only in traditional remedies but also in modern dermatology. Today, they are a common component in moisturisers, cleansers, and treatments for sensitive or irritated skin.
What Are Colloidal Oats?
Colloidal oatmeal is produced by grinding oat grains (Avena sativa) into an ultra-fine powder and dispersing it evenly in a liquid. This process ensures that the beneficial components, such as beta-glucans, avenanthramides, lipids, and polysaccharides, remain bioavailable and active when applied to the skin.
Key bioactive compounds include:
Beta-glucans: Sugars that help retain moisture and improve skin barrier function.
Avenanthramides: Unique antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties.
Saponins: Natural cleansing agents that gently remove dirt and oil.
Lipids and proteins: Help repair the skin’s protective barrier and maintain hydration.
Benefits for the Skin
1. Soothes Irritation and Itching
Colloidal oats are particularly effective in reducing itching and redness caused by eczema, psoriasis, insect bites, and dry skin. The avenanthramides in oats suppress inflammatory cytokines and histamine release, providing immediate relief for irritated skin.
2. Moisturises and Strengthens the Skin Barrier
Oats form a thin, occlusive layer on the skin that helps prevent water loss. The high concentration of polysaccharides and beta-glucans attracts water molecules, enhancing hydration. Over time, this strengthens the stratum corneum (the skin’s outermost layer), improving resilience and softness.
3. Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties
The phenolic compounds in oats neutralise free radicals, protecting the skin from oxidative stress caused by pollution, UV radiation, and ageing. This contributes to calmer, healthier skin with reduced inflammation.
4. Gentle Cleansing Action
Due to natural saponins, colloidal oatmeal can cleanse without stripping the skin’s oils. This makes it ideal for sensitive or compromised skin types that cannot tolerate harsh surfactants.
5. Safe for Sensitive
Because colloidal oats are hypoallergenic and non-irritating, they are often used in sensitive-skin formulations.
Colloidal Oats at OSKIA
For their many skincare benefits, from calming inflammation and relieving itching to strengthening the skin’s barrier, we’ve selected Colloidal Oats as one of the key ingredients in our Rest Day Barrier Repair Balm.
This rich, protective, multi-purpose balm is designed for dry, damaged, or stressed skin, providing instant protection, comfort, and restorative nourishment.
Colloidal Oats, in combination with Micro-Algae, Lupin Seed Extract, and our Bio-Mimetic Nutri-Barrier Complex, protect and support the skin’s vital barrier function and microbiome, encouraging the skin to repair, rest, and recuperate.
