Colloidal Oatmeal at a Glance
- Form of oatmeal used in cosmetics
- Can help soothe skin
- United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA) categorizes colloidal oatmeal as a skin protectant
Colloidal Oatmeal Description
Colloidal oatmeal is a form of oatmeal used in cosmetics and skin care products. It is produced by finely grinding oats, then boiling them.
Research shows avenathramides, potent types of antioxidants found in oats (and colloidal oatmeal), can help soothe skin. A high concentration of beta-glucan and starches in colloidal oatmeal also mean it has water-binding properties and is an effective skin protectant. In fact, the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA) categorizes colloidal oatmeal as a skin protectant, allowing it to be listed as an active ingredient on skin care products.
Colloidal Oatmeal References
Food and Drug Administration. CFR - Code of Federal Regulations Title 21. [Internet] [Cited April 2016] Available from: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/cfrsearch.cfm?fr=347.50
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, September 2010, issue 9, pages 1116-1120
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, February 2007, issue 2, pages 167-170