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What is colloidal oatmeal?
Colloidal oatmeal is the powder obtained from the grinding and processing of whole oat grain. Oatmeal has been used for centuries as a topical ingredient to moisturise and soothe skin:
- Rich in ingredients that retain moisture.
- Helps maintain the pH balance of the skin.
- Contains ingredients that soothe the skin to reduce itching.
Oat composition and benefits
The main components of colloidal oatmeal are polysaccharides (including beta glucans), proteins, lipids, saponins, vitamins (including Vitamin E), minerals, Avenanthramides and other protective compounds.
- Beta-glucans and starches: Polysaccharide constituents with potent hygroscopic (water holding) qualities.
- Avenanthramides & polyphenols: Phenolic compounds that have been shown to soothe and calm the skin.
- Lipids: Play a crucial role in the stratum corneum, particularly in its barrier function and ability to prevent excess loss of water.
- Proteins: Skin pH buffering, water-binding and barrier-enhancing hydrophilic amino acids.
- Saponins: Compounds that provide the cleansing activity of colloidal oatmeal on the skin.
How is it processed?
Colloidal oatmeal is manufactured using the following process:
- Separate and clean whole oats to obtain raw oat grains.
- Perform CO2 extraction to obtain oat oil as a secondary product.
- The raw oat grains are then dehulled into oat grouts.
- The oat grouts are then cut, ground and milled into colloidal oatmeal.
- The colloidal oatmeal undergoes a H2O/Alcohol extraction process to obtain oat extract which is rich in Avenanthramides.
What ingredients are in Aveeno®?
Oat extract / essence (Avena Sativa Kernel Extract)
Oat extract is a liquid that’s obtained from the oat plant. It’s naturally abundant in Avenanthramides, which are popular for their soothing and antioxidant properties.
Colloidal oatmeal (Avena Sativa Kernel Flour)
Colloidal oatmeal is a powder derived from finely grinding oat. It has moisturising properties that prevent the skin from losing water. Colloidal oatmeal is also a prebiotic, with the ability to support the growth of microorganisms naturally found in the skin microbiome.
Oat oil (Avena Sativa Kernel Oil)
Oat oil is a liquid extract taken from the oat grain. Oat oil contains naturally occurring lipids, which are essential ingredients for a functioning skin barrier.
Ceramides (Ceramide 3)
These are structural components of the epidermis (outermost skin layer) that are vital in preventing water loss from the skin. Ceramides can also help maintain skin barrier function.
Why are oats used in skincare?
Colloidal oatmeal’s effective chemical properties make it an essential ingredient in many skincare products. It helps offer a wide range of benefits, such as:
- Restoring a normal pH level and acting as a buffering agent for the skin.
- Rich in ingredients that retain moisture.
- Contains ingredients that soothe the skin to reduce itching.
- Preservation of the skin barrier function.
- Holding in moisture through a smooth colloidal film on the skin’s surface to improve dry skin conditions.
- Cleanses through a soap-like action on the skin.
How we create our skincare solutions
For more than 75 years, Aveeno® has developed innovative ways to harness the powerful effects of ingredients to make them more beneficial to the skin. These ingredients undergo a rigorous three-step process to make sure they maintain their strength and purity before finding their way into Aveeno® products.
Get to know the three main steps involved in the process.
1. Screen a range of ingredients
Aveeno® scientists screen a range of plants and botanicals to determine which ones can deliver the most skincare benefits. Preclinical testing on these ingredients is performed to show their suitability and stability on the skin.
2. Validation
Further clinical tests are carried out on these ingredients to ensure they are mild and gentle.
3. Develop world-class skincare solutions
These ingredients are then turned into skincare products. Further clinical testing is conducted to validate the efficacy and safety of Aveeno® products, before making their way to your customers.
Find Aveeno® products for your customers
Take a look through our full range of Aveeno® products to find the right skincare product for your customers.
Want to learn more about our ingredients?
Explore the different research and resources available, including clinical findings, peer-reviewed articles and more.
References
Allais B, Friedman A. Colloidal Oatmeal Part 1: History, Basic Science, Mechanisms of Action, and Clinical Efficacy in the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(10):s4-s7.
Sur R, Nigam A, Grote D, Liebel F, Southall MD. Avenanthramides, polyphenols from oats, exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-itch activity. Arch Dermatol Res. 2008;300(10):569-74.
Grais ML. Role of colloidal oatmeal in the dermatologic treatment of the aged. AMA Arch Derm Syphilol. 1953;68(4):402-407.
Kurtz ES, Wallo W. Colloidal oatmeal: history, chemistry, and clinical properties, Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2007;6(2):pp167-170. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17373175/.
Cerio R et al. Mechanism of action and clinical benefits of colloidal oatmeal for dermatological practice. J Drugs in Dermatol. 2010;9:pp1116-20. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20865844/.