The ingredient, explained

Colloidal Oatmeal

A primary study examines this ingredient in the specified preparation and setting.

AbrasiveAbsorbentBulkingSkin protecting

Explore connections

Ingredient guide

What it is and what it does

Naturally occurring substances oatmeal obtained from the Oat, Avena sativa L., Poaceae,

About this ingredient: EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗

Abrasive: Provides mechanical surface cleaning or polishing.
Absorbent: Takes up dispersed or dissolved material, including water or oils.
Bulking: Changes a product's bulk density.
Skin protecting: A technical role associated with protecting skin from external factors.

Function definitions: European Commission ingredient function definitions (SCCNFP/0299/00, pages 16 to 20) ↗

Registry functions describe possible formulation roles, not results for a finished product. A dictionary entry is not an approval or a safety assessment.

A closer look

What the research shows

Human topical treatment study

Oatmeal cream improved eczema scores similarly to prescription barrier cream in the reported Black/African-American pediatric subgroup.

What this does not tell us

Subgroup of a prior trial, 49 children. Active comparator, not inactive vehicle; formulation and pediatric AD setting limit transfer.

Sources for this summary. PubMed 37592879 ↗

Research review checked Oct 1, 2026

Bounded review of local candidates, exact-name indexed primary journal/PubMed safety and topical searches; not a systematic review.

Ingredient research is not proof that a product containing this ingredient works.

Read the 1 selected study

Human topical treatment study · n=49
A 1% colloidal oatmeal OTC cream is clinically effective for the management of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in Black or African American children. ↗
The Journal of dermatological treatment · 2023

Follow the formula

Products containing this ingredient

All 7 products ↗

From the Serenfold edit. Linked by the ingredient list, without an efficacy ranking.

Dermalogica

Daily Microfoliant

Targeted treatments · 19 linked ingredients

Inside the formula

Names and identifiers

Registry identity