What the science says about Colloidal Oatmeal

Peer-reviewed research on Colloidal Oatmeal, summarised in plain language. Every study links to its record on PubMed so you can read it yourself.

Colloidal Oatmeal for skin barrier

Some evidence for skin barrier

All of these studies found it helped the skin barrier in dry skin
It improved dryness, scaling, and rough skin on the lower legs
It helped skin hold more water and reduced water loss through the skin
It worked better than a placebo on several measures of dry skin

5 studies

User Feedback and Effects of Colloidal Oatmeal Coated Gloves Compared with Standard Nitrile Examination Gloves Among Health Care Workers.
Dermatitis : contact, atopic, occupational, drug2025RCTPositive
Among health care workers, gloves coated with colloidal oatmeal were linked to better skin barrier results and higher satisfaction than standard nitrile gloves.
PubMed 40029723 DOI
Clinical Improvements in Very Dry Skin from a Natural Ingredient-Based Moisturizing Cream Compared With a Leading Colloidal Oatmeal Control.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD2018RCT32 participantsPositive
In a 32-person clinical trial, a cream with colloidal oatmeal improved skin hydration, lowered water loss through the skin, and reduced dryness in very dry leg skin.
PubMed 30005098
Colloidal Oatmeal <em>(Avena Sativa)</em> Improves Skin Barrier Through Multi-Therapy Activity.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD2016RCT50 participantsPositive
In a clinical trial of 50 women with dry skin on the lower legs, colloidal oatmeal lotion improved dryness, moisturization, and skin barrier.
PubMed 27272074
A randomized controlled clinical study to evaluate the effectiveness of an active moisturizing lotion with colloidal oatmeal skin protectant versus its vehicle for the relief of xerosis.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD2014RCTPositive
A lotion with colloidal oatmeal helped dry skin more than a placebo, based on several skin dryness measures.
PubMed 25607563
Anti-inflammatory activities of colloidal oatmeal (Avena sativa) contribute to the effectiveness of oats in treatment of itch associated with dry, irritated skin.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD2015Clinical trial29 participantsPositive
In a study of 29 women with dry skin on their lower legs, colloidal oatmeal lotion improved dryness, scaling, and roughness.
PubMed 25607907

Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not any one product.

How we grade research

Products with Colloidal Oatmeal

Products we have confirmed contain Colloidal Oatmeal, from their ingredient lists.