Oatmeal for skin: proven benefits and tips for cosmetic use

Oatmeal is a staple in many breakfast options, but oatmeal for skin has also recently gained popularity as cosmetic brands and consumers turn to this natural ingredient’s unique properties.

Rich in natural compounds, the use of oatmeal for skin offers various benefits and is emerging as a popular choice in a context where natural skincare products and DIY formulations have settled as key trends.

As consumers become increasingly health-conscious and environmentally aware, they are seeking out sustainable and ethical cosmetic options. This aligns with yet another key movement in recent years: the preference for natural, food-based and familiar ingredients. In fact, 44% of consumers of natural products seek options that employ familiar ingredients (Mintel, 2023).

In this context, understanding the science behind the benefits of oatmeal for skin is key to generating successful formulations that maximize this ingredient’s advantages and applications.

Why does oatmeal heal skin? The science behind the benefits of oatmeal for skin

Oats are the key ingredient in the benefits of oatmeal for skin. Scientifically known as Avena sativa, oats contain a complex array of bioactive compounds that contribute to their diverse range of skin benefits.

These include, among others:

• Avenanthramides. With key antioxidant properties, these compounds help to protect the skin from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals. This is key in developing formulations that look at the link between free radicals and well-aging processes, anti-pollution cosmetics and formulations that target UV-protection. 
• Beta-Glucans. Soluble fibers with anti-inflammatory and moisture-retention properties, this compound is behind the capacity of oatmeal for skin for soothing irritated skin and improving hydration. In fact, Oat β-glucan is structurally similar to hyaluronic acid, which is extensively used as a skin moisturizing and smoothing agent, forming a film on the skin that moisturizes and lubricates.
• Lipids. Oat endosperm (a tissue within oat’s seed) contains one of the highest lipid proportions among cereals (6-8%). With linoleic acid being the most abundant lipid, these compounds are fundamental in oat’s capacity to strengthen the skin’s barrier function, preventing moisture loss and protecting against environmental stressors.
• Proteins. The protein content in oats acts as a humectant, attracting and retaining moisture in the skin and thus supporting hydration and improving skin barrier function. Proteins also have anti-inflammatory properties.  It’s worth mentioning that the oatmeal for skin trend also includes the option of hydrolyzed oats, which emerges in order to increase the availability of protein content.
• Carbohydrates. Starch is the main reserve carbohydrate in cereals. The carbohydrate content means oatmeal for skin acts as an interesting conditioning agent.
• Minerals. The minerals and oligoelements present in oats include Na, K, Ca, Mg , Fe, P, S, Cl, Si, Cu, Zn, Mn, F, I and Co.  Vitamins. These include vitamins B1 and B2, vitamin PP and traces of vitamins K, E and D.

6 benefits of oatmeal for skin

1. Soothing and anti-inflammatory: Oatmeal’s anti-inflammatory compounds (such as avenanthramides and β-glucan) make it an excellent choice for soothing   irritated or inflamed skin. It can help alleviate symptoms of conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea, and have shown “significant clinical improvements in skin dryness, scaling, roughness, and itch intensity” (Reynertson, 2015). As such, oatmeal for skin is an excellent option for soothing irritated, sensitive or compromised skin.
2. Exfoliation: Saponins in oats have gentle exfoliating properties that help remove dead skin cells, revealing smoother and brighter skin.  A benefit that can be particularly beneficial for those with dry or flaky skin looking for natural, less-abrasive options for exfoliation.
3. Moisture retention: the beta-glucans and starch present in oatmeal can help the skin retain moisture (Pazyar et al., 2012) preventing dryness and promoting a healthy, hydrated complexion. This is also true in  case of dry skin, where the β-glucan and hydrolyzed oat protein combination have been found to effectively moisturize,  soothe the skin and reduce abrasion-related redness (Paton D et al., 1996).
4. Antioxidant protection: The antioxidants in oatmeal (namely, avenanthramides) can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to premature aging and skin discoloration.
5. Anti-aging: Oat’s protein and carbohydrate content has been long linked to this ingredient’s skin conditioning activity, with Challoner, NI et al. (1997) evaluating the moisturizing and lifting effects of proteins present in oats. Additionally, the antioxidant action of this ingredient’s avenanthramides is key for incorporating  oats in anti-aging formulations, as well as a skin protectant against Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays (Pazyar et al., 2012) and their damaging effect in terms of premature skin aging.
   As such, oatmeal for skin represents yet another key addition to the cosmetic movement that links superfoods that fight free radicals and promote well-aging.
6. Acne treatment: Some studies suggest that oatmeal may have antibacterial properties that can help manage acne. Additionally, the triterpenoid saponins of the furostanol type (avenacosides) present in oats have shown strong in vitro fungicidal activity (Wichtl M, 1994). This action, combined with the soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits of oatmeal for skin, turns this ingredient into a valuable agent for anti-acne treatments, helping reduce redness, inflammation, and the appearance of blemishes.

Using oatmeal in skincare: tips and formulation examples

It’s important to note that, while oatmeal is generally safe for most skin types, it’s always recommended to have any cosmetic product properly tested on skin, particularly for those who may suffer from skin allergies or sensitive skin.

At the same time, building on the wide array of benefits described above, oatmeal stands out for its capacity to be incorporated into various skincare product formats, from DIY treatments to professional formulations:

• Oatmeal masks represent a soothing and exfoliating option, which can be created by mixing ground oatmeal with water or honey. The application for this kind of format will usually imply leaving it for 10-15 minutes on the skin, and rinse thoroughly.
• An oatmeal bath involves adding colloidal oatmeal to bathwater to soothe irritated skin and alleviate itching.
• Formulating an oatmeal cleanser opens the door to a gentle formulation that doesn’t strip away natural oils and appeals to consumers with sensitive skin or those preoccupied with skin-barrier properties.
• An oatmeal scrub can act as a natural, gentle exfoliant when combined with sugar or coffee grounds.

In our mission to help brands innovate and align with current consumer preferences, at Provital we present three CareMotives™ extracts where oats are at the center:

• OAT OIL – Provital, S.A.: an oil for skin barrier repairing properties for sensitive or irritated skin, as well as moisturizing, emollient and skin conditioning activity.
• OAT MILK M.S. – Provital, S.A.: a water-soluble extract that acts as a moisturizer, skin conditioner, anti-aging, lift effect for skin, and conditioner, moisturizer and hair repairing agent.
• OAT EXTRACT H.GL. – M.S.: a water soluble extract for moisturizing, skin conditioning, filmogenic and anti-aging formulations. It’s also a key ally for hair conditioners that moisturize and repair. 

These high quality natural ingredients provide access to the soothing, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of oatmeal for skin, facilitating the addition of this natural ingredient to trendy skincare formulations.

For further information or insights on this topic, please do not hesitate to contact our team of experts, who are available to provide guidance and support in selecting the most suitable solutions for your requirements.