Oatmeal is a gentle ingredient that has long been used to soothe dry, irritated and inflamed skin conditions. Colloidal Oatmeal is simply dried whole oats that have been ground into a very fine powder and dispersed in water. In the 1950’s Colloidal Oatmeal was officially recognised by the FDA as a ‘skin protectant’ meaning “a product that temporarily protects injured or exposed skin or mucous membrane surfaces from harmful or annoying stimuli, and may help provide relief to such surfaces.”
Colloidal Oatmeal works by in part creating an occlusive barrier on the skin, helping to lock in moisture and at the same time protect it from irritants. Added to this Oats are also a rich source of many active compounds such as Vitamin E, minerals, lipids, beta-glucans and an interesting class of constituents called Avenathramides which are largely exclusive to Oats and are responsible for many of their health-promoting properties.
Used in:
Shaving Soap
Chamomile and Elder Flower Bath Soak
Kanuka and Hemp Seed Oil Hand Cream