Comprehensive skin barrier protection: colloidal oatmeal

The clinical properties of colloidal oatmeal derive from its chemical composition diversity.2 The high concentration in starches and β-glucan is responsible for the protective and water-holding functions of oat.3-5 The presence of different types of polyphenols confers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.6 The cleansing activity of oat is mostly due to saponins. Its many functional properties make colloidal oatmeal a cleanser, moisturiser, buffer, as well as a soothing and protective anti-inflammatory agent.

This present article profiles the key attributes of colloidal oatmeal and presents data on a new advanced colloidal oatmeal (Oat COM). Oat COM colloidal oatmeal is an advanced colloidal oatmeal due to its structural and chemical composition with marked improvements in oil and water binding capacities.

Currently, the use of colloidal oatmeal as a ‘skin protectant’ in the US is regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) according to the Over-The-Counter Final Monograph for Skin Protectant Drug Products issued in June 2003.7 Its preparation is also standardised by the United States Pharmacopeia. While the monograph has no formal standing outside of the US the fact that it exists helps to support its use at the wider global level. In 2008 the EMEA (European Medicines Agency) published favourable findings toward the use of oat in both oral and topical preparations.8 Colloidal oatmeal is produced as a fine powder from the grinding and processing of whole oat grains and it contains various active principles with moisturising, protective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, soothing, buffering, and cleansing properties.9-10