But when you finely grind and boil oats, you can extract colloidal material; this gel-like substance has a rather high lipid content (30%, to be exact). “These are the same moisture-trapping molecules that are plentiful in prepubescent skin,” says board-certified dermatologist Loretta Ciraldo M.D., FAAD. In other words, colloidal oats aren’t just regular oats—they have significant antioxidant properties that are unique to their makeup. Here, we break down the benefits of using colloidal oatmeal in skin care: “There are polysaccharides (long sugars) that bind water to the skin surface, making colloidal oatmeal a humectant. It has lipids, which reinforce the skin’s barrier, and saponins, which are like natural soaps and anti-infective. It also contains the antioxidants ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and coumaric acid,” says holistic board-certified dermatologist Cybele Fishman, M.D. Chemical jargon aside, colloidal oats have quite the antioxidant content. Because of these antioxidants, Ciraldo mentions that the FDA even approved colloidal oatmeal as an over-the-counter drug, specifically as a skin protectant. Slather on the creamy formula, and feel your skin soothe. “Extracts of colloidal oatmeal have been shown to lessen inflammatory mediators in the skin, giving significant clinical improvements in skin dryness, scaling, roughness, and itch intensity,” adds Ciraldo. That’s not to say you should use colloidal oatmeal in place of proper sunscreen (it’s not an active SPF ingredient, says Ciraldo), but its UV-absorbing ability makes it a valuable addition to formulas. If you’re experiencing dry skin, you also might want to consider your water: Many people live in areas of “hard water,” where heavy minerals can dry and irritate your skin. “If you live in an area of hard water, you should consider using an oatmeal body wash or lotion to mitigate the drying effects,” says Ciraldo, which is why colloidal oats are a star ingredient in many body washes and lotions. And there’s research to back it up, too: Clinical trials have shown that a 1% colloidal oatmeal cream alone was enough to calm symptoms of atopic dermatitis5. However, Ciraldo also notes that colloidal oatmeal can be an effective cleanser, especially for people with sensitive skin: “I love colloidal oatmeal cleansers for babies,” she says. “They are safe and effective if your baby seems to be showing dry skin or redness or if you have a family history of rashes like atopic dermatitis.” Colloidal oats contain saponins, which act as a natural soap and can help give it that foamy lather—a perfect gentle cleanser for inflamed skin or to dab on your T-zone in the mornings. If you’re going to use commercial products, just make sure to take a peek at the ingredient list to make sure there are no harsh irritants in the formula. “Avoid using any that have artificial fragrance or sulfates (listed as sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate),” says Ciraldo.
