Colloidal Oatmeal

• INCI Name: Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour
• CAS Number: 134134-86-4
• Appearance: Fine, light tan powder
• Particle Size: Approximately 44 microns (mean average)
• Solubility: Water soluble / water dispersible
• Grade: Cosmetic grade; conforms to USP/BP standards
• Origin: Plant-derived (Avena sativa – Oat grain)
• Gluten Status: Contains gluten residues; not certified gluten-free
• pH (in solution): Approximately 5.5–7.0
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place in a sealed container away from moisture and direct sunlight
• Shelf Life: 24 months from date of manufacture when stored correctly

How to Use

Disperse Colloidal Oatmeal into the water phase of your formulation by sprinkling slowly while mixing well to avoid clumping. For emulsions, add during the water phase before emulsification. In cold process soap, add directly to your lye water or oils phase. For bath soaks, blend with other dry ingredients such as Epsom salts, milk powder, or sodium bicarbonate.

Tip: Pre-mix with a small amount of glycerine or other humectant to create a smooth slurry before adding to your batch to minimise clumping.

Typical Applications

• Cold process soap and hot process soap
• Melt & pour soap bases
• Body lotions and moisturisers
• Face creams and serums
• Baby skincare products
• Bath soaks and milk baths
• Bath bombs
• Face masks and clay masks
• Shampoos and conditioners
• Shaving creams and balms
• Body scrubs
• Pet care products

• Soothes and calms irritated, sensitive, and reactive skin
• Forms a protective barrier on the skin surface to reduce moisture loss
• Naturally rich in beta-glucans for hydration and water-retention support
• Contains avenanthramides — potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds unique to oats
• Gentle cleansing action via naturally occurring saponins
• Supports skin barrier restoration in dry, eczema-prone, and compromised skin
• Provides a silky, smooth skin feel in finished formulations
• Fine particle size dissolves completely — no scratchy or gritty residue
• Suitable for all skin types including babies and sensitive skin
• Works in both water-based and emulsion formulations
• Naturally derived, plant-based ingredient
• Suitable for use in rinse-off and leave-on cosmetic products

Recommended Usage Rates

• Cold Process & Hot Process Soap: 1–10% (of total oil weight)
• Creams & Lotions: 0.5–3%
• Face Masks & Rinse-Off Treatments: Up to 20%
• Bath Soaks & Milk Baths: 10–50%
• Bath Bombs: Up to 1%
• General Cosmetic Formulations: 0.1–30% (varies by application)

• For external use only
• Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water
• Avoid inhaling dust during handling — use a dust mask when working with powder in bulk quantities
• Wear gloves and eye protection when handling
• Contains gluten — not suitable for use on individuals with severe gluten or oat allergies without patch testing
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use on broken or severely compromised skin without professional guidance
• Store sealed and away from moisture to prevent clumping or microbial contamination
• Perform a patch test before use in new formulations intended for sensitive skin

What is the difference between Colloidal Oatmeal and regular oat flour?
Colloidal Oatmeal is processed to a specific ultra-fine particle size (around 44 microns) that allows it to remain suspended in water rather than sinking. Regular oat flour is coarser and may leave a gritty residue in rinse-off products. The processing of colloidal oatmeal also preserves the key active compounds — beta-glucans, avenanthramides, and Vitamin E — that give it its skin-soothing properties.

Is Colloidal Oatmeal suitable for sensitive or eczema-prone skin?
Yes. Colloidal Oatmeal has a well-established history of use in formulations targeting sensitive, dry, and eczema-prone skin. Its beta-glucans and avenanthramides help calm irritation and reinforce the skin barrier. It is widely used in baby skincare and dermatologist-recommended formulations.

What is the INCI name for Colloidal Oatmeal?
The correct INCI name is Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour.

Can I use Colloidal Oatmeal in cold process soap?
Yes. Add it directly to your lye water or oil phase at 1–10% of total oil weight. Note that the highly alkaline environment of cold process soap means some active compounds will denature; however, it still contributes a lovely skin feel and visual appeal to the finished bar.

Does Colloidal Oatmeal contain gluten?
This ingredient is derived from oat grain and does contain gluten residues. It is not certified gluten-free. If formulating products for customers with gluten sensitivities or coeliac disease, please advise appropriate patch testing and exercise caution.

How do I stop Colloidal Oatmeal from clumping in my formulation?
Sprinkle the powder slowly into the water phase while mixing continuously. Pre-blending with a small amount of glycerin to form a slurry before adding to the batch is an effective technique to reduce clumping in emulsions and lotions.

Is Colloidal Oatmeal a TGA-regulated ingredient in Australia?
When used as a cosmetic ingredient with no therapeutic or drug claims, Colloidal Oatmeal is not regulated as a TGA therapeutic good. If you intend to make specific therapeutic claims (e.g. treating eczema), consult TGA guidelines regarding cosmetic vs. therapeutic product classification.