Colloidal Oatmeal: The Perfect Cold Weather Ingredient RSS

Posted November 2022

Written by Jamie Barrows

Itchy, irritated, and inflamed. Do these words sound all too familiar? Winter is coming, and it can wreak havoc on your skin. Low humidity levels and all the dry indoor heat we are exposed to suck the moisture right out, leaving our skin struggling to keep up. Thankfully, there are products like hydrating masks, lotions, and serums, but you may also want to consider picking up a cleansing bar or other product containing colloidal oatmeal. This ingredient might be regarded as old school, but there are some excellent reasons why it is still used in skincare formulations.
 
What is Colloidal Oatmeal?
 
Colloidal oatmeal sounds fancy and expensive. Doesn’t it? Fear not. Colloidal oatmeal skincare items are generally well-priced and abundant. This classic ingredient is described as “colloidal” because of the way it is prepared. Oat kernels become colloidal oatmeal when they are so finely ground that they can dissolve in water. The milling of colloidal oatmeal has been popular for centuries because it is inexpensive and effective. Colloidal oatmeal is considered an emollient – a treatment that soothes and hydrates the skin by filling the tiny cracks that dryness creates, building a protective layer.
 
What are the Skin Benefits?
 
There are quite a few skin benefits of colloidal oatmeal. As mentioned above, it works as an emollient, protecting your skin from drying out. Emollients keep water in by creating a film on the top layer of the skin. In this way, not only does it keep your skin from becoming dehydrated, but it also protects it from outside irritants.

This superstar ingredient has anti-inflammatory properties and has long been known to soothe irritated skin. The milling process of colloidal oatmeal allows its prebiotic proteins, fatty acids, vitamins, and phenols (anti-oxidants) to work their best for your skin. These components help keep your microbiome balanced. Colloidal oatmeal has been used to treat eczema, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis.

Unless you have a specific condition such as Celiac Disease, one of the most remarkable characteristics of colloidal oatmeal is that it is generally well-tolerated. According to Healthline, one large study reported that only 1% of people who wore a colloidal oatmeal patch for 24 hours reported irritation – and it was minor (Wartenberg).
 
What are Some Great Cleansing Bars with Colloidal Oatmeal?
 

Aveeno Moisturizing Bar – Packed with colloidal oatmeal, this bar is perfect for dry skin sufferers. Don’t believe us? Check out the reviews.

The Grandpa Soap Co. Oatmeal Soothe Bar Soap – This bar promises a skin-smoothing experience and gentle, oaty exfoliation.

Sunaroma Oatmeal and Vitamin E Bar – The Vitamin E in this bar doubles down on fighting inflamed or irritated skin.
 
If you represent a brand that is considering a new soap bar containing beneficial colloidal oatmeal, send us a message through our
contact page. We would love to help you.
 
 

Sources
Wartenberg, Lisa Mfa. “What Is Colloidal Oatmeal? Benefits, Uses, and Safety.” Healthline, 16 Mar. 2020,
www.healthline.com/nutrition/colloidal-oatmeal