Colloidal oatmeal, the best-documented soothing ingredient
By Jeremy Fain, founder of Restelys. Updated 17 October 2026. 4 sources cited.
Ground very finely, oats form a veil that protects the skin and calms tightness. It is one of the rare plant ingredients whose effect is recognised by a health authority.
Colloidal oatmeal is simply oats ground into a powder so fine that it stays suspended in water. Used in baths for centuries, it has the distinction of having been studied closely: in the United States, the FDA recognises it as a skin protectant, a category reserved for ingredients whose effect is established.
Its action comes from several components. Its starches and proteins leave a film on the skin that limits water loss. Its avenanthramides, polyphenols found only in oats, have shown in the laboratory and in people an activity that reduces redness and itching.
That is why we wrote it into the specification of our body lotion, our shower gel and our hand soap: after a hot shower the skin feels dry and tight, which is exactly when this ingredient helps.
Sources
- Kurtz E.S., Wallo W. “Colloidal oatmeal: history, chemistry and clinical properties”. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2007.
- Sur R. et al. “Avenanthramides, polyphenols from oats, exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-itch activity”. Archives of Dermatological Research, 2008.
- Reynertson K.A. et al. “Anti-inflammatory activities of colloidal oatmeal (Avena sativa) contribute to the effectiveness of oats in treatment of itch associated with dry, irritated skin”. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2015.
- FDA, monograph on over-the-counter skin protectant drug products (21 CFR 347).
The studies cited concern the ingredient or the skin, not our finished products.
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