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Oats, Oat Extract, and Oat Kernel

Are oats good for skin when used topically?

Oats aren’t just a great-tasting choice for breakfast—they’re incredibly beneficial for the skin as well. In fact, oats have been used for centuries for cosmetic purposes. Both Ancient Egyptians and Ancient Romans relied on oats to soothe an irritated, sun-beaten complexion.

Oat boasts properties that are great for the skin, including amino acids, fatty acids and antioxidants. Oats have natural anti-inflammatory benefits which can help to calm irritated skin and restore a healthy glow. Antioxidant properties fight free radicals which can damage your body and lead to oxidative stress and skin aging. Oats can help minimize the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and other visible effects of skin aging, helping to preserve a more youthful appearance. 

While oat kernel and oat extract have similar benefits, they are made in slightly different ways. Oat kernel (also known as colloidal oatmeal) is created when whole oat kernels are milled into a fine, water-soluble powder. Oat extract (sometimes listed as the Latin Avena Sativa) is extracted from the kernel, stems, or leaves of the oat plant.

Yes, oats are great for dry skin. One of the best-known benefits of oats is their ability to soothe and hydrate dry skin. Studies have shown that when applied topically as skincare, oats show clinical improvements in helping relieve dry, scaling, rough and itchy skin. Oats can also help your skin strengthen its natural barrier, helping to prevent water loss and keep skin hydrated.

Oats have a number of different benefits for the skin, and are a good choice for all skin types. Benefits of oats in skincare include: 

  • Hydrate and nourish skin 
  • Reducing the look and feel of scaling, flaking, itchiness and tightness 
  • Helps minimize fine lines, wrinkles, and other visible signs of aging with natural antioxidants 
  • Helps soothe sensitive or irritated skin 
  • May be used as a gentle exfoliant to remove buildup 
  • Helps protect your skin from UVB/UVA rays and pollution by aiding in skin’s natural barrier function

Oats are generally extremely well tolerated by the skin and are appropriate for those with sensitive skin. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially categorized oatmeal as a safe skin protectant, and no adverse reactions were reported in a study that followed more than 445,000 consumers using oats in topical skincare., That said, everyone is different and it’s always a good idea to spot test products before use.

Skincare Featuring Oats