What is colloidal oatmeal? Here’s all you need to know about it.

When you’re dealing with dry, itchy skin, you’re probably willing to try just about any type of remedy for relief. Colloidal oatmeal to the rescue!

So, what exactly is colloidal oatmeal, how do you use it, and are there any side effects you need to know about? Keep reading to find out from the experts at Grove.

Oatmeal is a classic staple in the kitchen, but it’s also commonly used as a remedy to relieve skin irritation.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, colloidal oatmeal packs a variety of proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients that benefit the skin, especially sensitive skin.

Here are just a few colloidal oatmeal benefits for skin:

• Protects skin. Your skin serves as a barrier between your body and the environment, and colloidal oatmeal can strengthen the skin’s barrier function.
• Moisturizes dry skin. Products containing colloidal oatmeal create a film on the top of your skin that increases water retention and improves hydration.
• Soothes irritation. Both the cellulose and fiber in colloidal oatmeal help calm redness and irritation. This is especially helpful for people who have eczema (atopic dermatitis) or sunburns.
• Absorbs UV. Studies have shown that colloidal oatmeal contains powerful phenols that could absorb UV radiation.
• Anti-inflammatory properties. Because of its phenols, it’s also known for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Phenols are organic compounds with disinfectant and antiseptic properties, and they’re commonly used in mouthwashes and throat lozenges.
• Cleanses skin. It also contains saponins, which are naturally occurring compounds found in legume plants that are known for their cleansing properties.

Now that you’re familiar with what colloidal oatmeal is, you’re probably wondering what it’s actually used for.

This natural compound is used to treat a variety of skin conditions because it helps to:

As mentioned above, colloidal oatmeal is used in many types of natural skincare products. The way you apply a product with colloidal oatmeal will depend on the type of product you’re using.

For best results, always follow the directions on the product packaging. It’s also a good idea to test the product, especially if you have sensitive skin, by putting it on a small area of your skin before you apply it all over.

Side effects of products with colloidal oatmeal are rare, but there’s always a chance that your skin could react poorly. Potential side effects to watch out for include stinging, burning, redness, or irritation.

If you experience any of these side effects, the issue may not be the colloidal oatmeal itself — you might be reacting to other ingredients included in the product.