A colloidal oatmeal lotion outperforms its vehicle
Clinical trialThe lotion showed significant benefits over the vehicle on several measures of skin dryness. The abstract gives neither figures nor funding3.
Oat (Avena sativa)
The glossary's cosmetic oat is an extract of the Avena sativa kernel, classified by CosIng as abrasive, antioxidant and emollient skin conditioning1. The CIR panel judges oat-derived ingredients safe, except one meristem extract, provided they are formulated to avoid sensitization2. Clinical trials mostly concern colloidal oatmeal, in creams for dry skin34.
Oat at a glance
Entry from our cosmetic ingredient glossary. Regulatory data from the European Commission's CosIng database1, safety according to the CIR expert panel2. Copy the identifiers in one click for your files.
- INCI name
- AVENA SATIVA KERNEL EXTRACTThe trials cited concern colloidal oatmeal (finely ground kernel), not this extract: ask the supplier for the exact INCI
- Other names
- Oat kernel extractAvena sativa (oat) kernel extract in the US nomenclature1
- CAS number
- 84012-26-0
- EC number
- 281-672-4
- Botanical origin
- Oat kernel, Avena sativa L. (Poaceae)« Extract of the kernels of the Oat »1
- CosIng functions
- Abrasive, antioxidant, emollient, skin conditioning« Abrasive, antioxidant, skin conditioning - emollient, skin conditioning »1
- Appearance
- Varies with the process: flour, flakes or extractThe supplier's technical data sheet specifies the form and the particle size
- EU status
- No specific restrictionNot listed in Annexes II to VI of Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, consolidated version of May 1, 20257
- Allergen to declare
- NoNot on the fragrance allergen list of Regulation (EU) 2023/15458. The CIR asks for formulating to avoid sensitization2
- Safety
- Judged safe under conditions of use, except one meristem extract2019 CIR panel: oat-derived ingredients safe if formulated to be non-sensitizing; insufficient data for the meristem cell extract2
What the research says
Each result shows the protocol and the level of evidence. The higher the level, the better the result carries over to a finished formula.
Clinical trialReview or consensusLaboratory
Dry skinSkincare
A colloidal oatmeal cream as a reference on very dry skin
Clinical trialBoth creams increased hydration, reduced water loss and decreased visible dryness and roughness to the touch. Improvements persisted after stopping. The study aimed to show the equivalence of another cream; its funding is not stated in the abstract4.
Tolerance and safetyToxicology
A very low irritation and sensitization potential
Clinical trialLow-level reactions appeared in 1.0% of subjects during the induction phase; one subject in 2,291 had a persistent reaction judged doubtful during the challenge phase. No allergy in 80 subjects after use. Study by a personal care manufacturer5.
CIR panel: safe, except one meristem extract
Expert assessmentThe panel judges all the oat-derived ingredients reviewed safe, except one, in the uses and concentrations described, if formulated to be non-sensitizing. Data are insufficient for the meristem cell extract2.
MaterialComposition
Avenanthramides, compounds unique to oats
ReviewThe review describes the distribution and biosynthesis of these compounds. Their low content in oats limits supply against demand6.
This page summarizes published literature on a cosmetic ingredient. It does not describe the effect of a finished product, which depends on its formula, and it is not medical advice. The clinical trials cited concern colloidal oatmeal in finished products, whose formulas contain other ingredients: they do not apply to the AVENA SATIVA KERNEL EXTRACT on its own.
Which products use oat?
No formula in our white label catalog features oat yet. Our formulation lab can add it to a custom formula or to a catalog formula. Its common uses:
Face
Creams and milks for dry skin, gentle cleansers.
Body
Body milks and creams for dry skin, shower gels and gentle soaps.
Frequently asked questions about oat
What is oat in cosmetics?
It is an extract of the oat kernel (Avena sativa), listed as AVENA SATIVA KERNEL EXTRACT, CAS 84012-26-0. CosIng gives it the functions of abrasive, antioxidant, emollient and skin conditioning1.
Oat, colloidal oatmeal and oat extract: what is the difference?
What are the benefits of oats for skin?
Is oat well tolerated by sensitive skin?
Does oat have to be declared as an allergen?
Can oat be used in a bath or a cleanser?
The tolerance study covered creams, cleansers and lotions5. We retained no study on oat baths: their formulation is discussed with the lab.
Can you manufacture an oat product for my brand?
Yes. No formula in our catalog features oat yet, but our ISO 22716 certified lab can add it to a customized catalog formula or to a custom formula. Samples are free.
Sources
Peer-reviewed studies and official regulatory sources, checked on November 3, 2026.
- European Commission. CosIng, entry AVENA SATIVA KERNEL EXTRACT (CAS 84012-26-0, EC 281-672-4). ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing
- Becker LC, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, et al. (Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel). Safety Assessment of Avena sativa (Oat)-Derived Ingredients As Used in Cosmetics Int J Toxicol. 2019;38(3_suppl):23S-47S. doi:10.1177/1091581819889904
- Kalaaji AN, Wallo W. 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 J Drugs Dermatol. 2014;13(10):1265-1268. PMID 25607563
- Gunt HB, Levy SB, Lutrario CA. Clinical Improvements in Very Dry Skin from a Natural Ingredient-Based Moisturizing Cream Compared With a Leading Colloidal Oatmeal Control J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(7):758-764. PMID 30005098
- Criquet M, Roure R, Dayan L, et al. Safety and efficacy of personal care products containing colloidal oatmeal Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2012;5:183-193. doi:10.2147/ccid.s31375Johnson & Johnson
- Xie X, Lin M, Xiao G, et al. Phenolic amides (avenanthramides) in oats - an update review Bioengineered. 2024;15(1):2305029. doi:10.1080/21655979.2024.2305029
- European Parliament and Council. Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products, Annexes II to VI, consolidated version of May 1, 2025. eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2009/1223
- European Commission. Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 amending Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 as regards labeling of fragrance allergens. eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/1545
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