The Clean Sheet
Ingredient Directory
Low ConcernVegan

Colloidal Oatmeal

Finely milled whole oat (Avena sativa) kernel; skin-protectant grade

Safety Flags
Allergen: Low; suitable for eczema-prone and sensitive skin; rare oat sensitivity possible
Safety Notes

FDA-recognised skin-protectant active; rich in beta-glucan, avenanthramides and starches that soothe, hydrate and calm itch. Excellent for compromised and sensitive skin including infants

Function & Common Use

Function

Skin protectant, soothing, anti-itch, barrier support

Category

Active Ingredient

Common In

Eczema/atopic creams, soothing lotions, oat cleansers, baby skincare, anti-itch balms

Origin

Plant derived (oat)

Concentration Limits

India (CDSCO)

Not verified in source checked

EU Cosmetics Reg.

No limit specified

US FDA (21 CFR)

No limit established

Korea (MFDS)

Not verified in source checked

Baby restriction: None; widely used in baby soothing products

Pregnancy: No specific restriction identified for topical cosmetic use

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Colloidal Oatmeal safe to use in skincare?

Colloidal Oatmeal has a Low concern rating from The Clean Sheet. FDA-recognised skin-protectant active; rich in beta-glucan, avenanthramides and starches that soothe, hydrate and calm itch. Excellent for compromised and sensitive skin including infants

Is Colloidal Oatmeal allowed in India?

Colloidal Oatmeal is currently classified as "Not specifically restricted in source checked; traditional cosmetic/Ayurvedic botanical with long history of use; no known CDSCO restriction" under Indian cosmetics regulations. The maximum permitted concentration is Not verified in source checked.

What is Colloidal Oatmeal used for in cosmetics?

Colloidal Oatmeal functions as: Skin protectant, soothing, anti-itch, barrier support. It is commonly found in: Eczema/atopic creams, soothing lotions, oat cleansers, baby skincare, anti-itch balms.

Can Colloidal Oatmeal cause an allergic reaction?

Yes. Colloidal Oatmeal has an allergen flag (Low; suitable for eczema-prone and sensitive skin; rare oat sensitivity possible). If you have sensitive skin or known fragrance/contact allergies, patch-test products containing this ingredient before full use.

Is Colloidal Oatmeal safe for babies?

Colloidal Oatmeal has baby/child restrictions: None; widely used in baby soothing products. Avoid using products containing this ingredient on infants unless specifically formulated and labelled for baby use.

TCS Assessment
Low Concern
Data Confidence
High
Based on peer-reviewed safety data, regulatory status, and expert review by The Clean Sheet panel.

Regulatory Status

India (CDSCO)
Not specifically restricted in source checked; traditional cosmetic/Ayurvedic botanical with long history of use; no known CDSCO restriction
EU
Permitted - listed in EU CosIng; not in Annex II or Annex III
US FDA
Permitted; recognised OTC skin-protectant drug active (colloidal oatmeal) in the FDA monograph
Korea (MFDS)
Not specifically restricted in source checked; general cosmetic ingredient under MFDS negative list system
Australia (TGA)
Permitted as cosmetic ingredient under AICIS; no specific restriction found
Canada (NHPID)
Not verified in source checked

EU Annex: None

Identifiers

CAS84012-26-0
EC281-670-8

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