The Index · Skin protectant (colloidal oatmeal)
Colloidal Oatmeal
Colloidal Oatmeal
Colloidal Oatmeal is an OTC skin-protectant active used to soothe dry, itchy skin.
ModerateColloidal oatmeal is an OTC skin protectant active in the US for itch and minor irritation.
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Colloidal Oatmeal is an OTC skin-protectant active used to soothe dry, itchy skin.
What it does
Finely ground oatmeal used as a skin-protectant active and soothing colloidal in barrier creams.
The evidence
Evidence grade moderate: Colloidal oatmeal is an OTC skin protectant active in the US for itch and minor irritation. Credible chemical identity and cosmetic-use context come from CIR/SCCS/manufacturer INCI definitions and databases such as SpecialChem/PubChem[1].
How to use it
Expect this as a supporting INCI line item unless labelled as a featured active.
Evidence by claim
Graded separately; the entry grade is the best-supported claim
Colloidal Oatmeal is an OTC skin-protectant active used to soothe dry, itchy skin.[1]
ModerateSafety & limits
Source and region, always
all — Used in cosmetics within conventional leave-on/rinse-off levels; see cited safety literature.[1] CA US EU UK
Sources · 2
Numbered as cited in the text
- [1]Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Cosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessment. CIR (2010)regulator
- [2]SpecialChem. SpecialChem INCI profile: Colloidal Oatmeal. SpecialChem (2024)other
Revision history
18 Sept 2026Drafted by botTheSkindex Desk