Colloidal Oatmeal

TYPE OF INGREDIENT

Anti-inflammatory, moisturizer

COMMONLY FOUND IN

Over-the-counter moisturizers, eczema creams

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF COLLOIDAL OATMEAL?

Colloidal oatmeal functions as an occlusive barrier and moisturizer with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can be soothing to pruritic skin.

WHAT IS COLLOIDAL OATMEAL?

Colloidal oatmeal is a fine powder produced by grinding whole grain oats. It is often emulsified in water to help form an occlusive barrier.

IS COLLOIDAL OATMEAL SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND TONES?

Colloidal oatmeal is regarded as very safe. It has been tested in babies and adults.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

None

Sources:

Allais B, Friedman A. Colloidal Oatmeal Part 1: History, Basic Science, Mechanism of Action, and Clinical Efficacy in the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020 Oct 1;19(10):s4-s7.

Ilnytska O, et al. Colloidal Oatmeal (Avena Sativa) Improves Skin Barrier Through Multi-Therapy Activity. J Drugs Dermatol. 2016 Jun 1;15(6):684-90.

Cindy Wassef, MD

Author

Cindy Wassef is a board-certified dermatologist practicing in New Jersey. She completed a 7-year BA/MD program with New Jersey Institute of Technology and Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. She completed her residency at Stony Brook University in 2018. She continues to remain active in academics mentoring students and producing numerous publications yearly. Her clinical interests include psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and alopecia. Dr. Wassef is assistant professor of dermatology at Rutgers Health Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.