Co
Colloidal Oatmeal
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract · Colloidal OatmealSoothing
Colloidal oatmeal: an FDA-listed skin protectant for minor itch, with trials in eczema and dry skin.
What it does
Colloidal oatmeal is finely ground oat. At 0.007% or more, the FDA lets a product say it protects skin and relieves minor irritation and itching, such as from rashes or eczema. For dry skin, an oatmeal moisturizer beat the same cream without oatmeal. If your product lists oat kernel extract instead, the FDA rule doesn’t cover it, since an extract from oats isn’t colloidal oatmeal.
The evidence, graded
strongLisante et al. (2017), a double-blind randomized trial by Johnson & Johnson Consumer researchers: 90 children aged 6 months to 18 years with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis used an over-the-counter 1% colloidal oatmeal cream or a prescription barrier cream for 3 weeks. The oatmeal cream was non-inferior on eczema scores, and itch scores improved in both groups.Lisante 2017 · Journal of Dermatological Treatment ↗
strongKalaaji and Wallo (2014): in a randomized, double-blind trial in xerosis, a commercial colloidal oatmeal moisturizer showed significant benefits versus its own vehicle on several measures of skin dryness. Sobhan et al. (2020): 79 people with chronic irritant hand eczema used fluocinolone ointment for 2 weeks, then 1% colloidal oatmeal cream or base cream for 4 more weeks (50 completed). Symptoms did not return to baseline with oatmeal cream, but did with base cream.Kalaaji 2014 · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology ↗
expert consensusColloidal oatmeal is the one calming ingredient with an FDA skin-protectant rule. At 0.007% or more, a product may say it temporarily protects and helps relieve minor skin irritation and itching. Trial evidence is thinner: a Cochrane review found no clear change in eczema severity with oat moisturizers, but fewer flares in one small study.FDA 2003 · Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR) ↗
Graded per the methodology: strong · moderate · emerging · expert consensus. A weak source on a strong claim gets the weaker label.
Also known as
avena sativa, oat kernel extract, oat
Pairs worth knowing
Browse all 1238 ingredients — grouped by what they do, each with whatever evidence we can cite.
This page is public so a shared ingredient card always has its sources behind it — and so you can check them without an account.
Want more like this?
Every evidence-based flag cites its source, Drop tells you when your routine is complete, and it helps you simplify — instead of selling you more. The app launches on iOS and Android in October 2026. Rate my routine works today at /rate — no sign-in.