Capsules: Moisturizing Skin with Oat Oil

Newsbreaks in herb research: Use oat oil to moisturize skin without irritation.

By Kenneth Jones
July/August 1997
12-30-2010-5
Image Gallery
Photo by Bill Ebbesen/Courtesy Wikimedia Commons: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Oatmeal.jpg
Article Tools
Print
Comments
RSS

Oatmeal has long been used as a poultice for treating eczema and other troublesome skin conditions. In more recent times, oats (Avena sativa) have been used to make a bath oil for geriatric patients. One recent study shows that oat oil poses no danger to skin and is an effective moisturizer.

RELATED CONTENT

Oat oil contains several components that help skin stay soft and supple, including vitamin E, protein, and lipids. Researchers tested the safety of oat oil in a double-blind study involving 116 participants ranging in age from seventeen to seventy-three. They concluded that oat oil produces no significant skin irritation and that it does not sensitize the skin.

Oat oil has a stabilizing effect on emulsions and acts as an emulsifier. The viscous oil also is versatile enough to be effective in a dry form, thereby allowing its use in powder cosmetics, sunscreens, bath oil beads, moisturizing creams, shampoos, and conditioners. (1, 2)

References

(1) Meister, B. “A Bath Oil High in Phospholipid Content.” Journal of the American Geriatric Society 1963, 11:789–791.
(2) Dull, B. J. “Oat Oil for Personal-Care Products.” Cosmetics and Toiletries 1997, 112:77–81.

RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print


Archived Comments

2147488613
MY COMMUNITY

MOST POPULAR


Pay Now & Save 58% off the Cover Price
First Name: *
 Last Name: *
Address: *
 City: *
State/Province: *
 Zip/Postal Code:*
Country:
 Email:*


(* indicates a required item)
Canadian subs: 1 year, (includes postage & GST). Foreign subs: 1 year, . U.S. funds.
Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
Non US and Canadian Subscribers - Click Here

Subscribe to The Herb Companion

Your guide to the many uses and even more pleasures of nature's most helpful plants!

The Herb Companion is the smart and easy complement to your own healthy, vibrant lifestyle! In every issue you'll find information on using herbs to:

  • Transform simple dishes into spectacular meals
  • Make gardens as useful as they are beautiful
  • Replace harsh chemicals with natural alternatives
  • Help find fulfillment, balance and good health
  • And much more!

Yes, send me a one-year subscription (6 issues) to The Herb Companion. I'll pay just $19.95.

Save Even More Money By Paying NOW!

Pay now with a credit card and take advantage of our Earth-friendly automatic renewal savings plan. You save an additional $5.00 and get 6 issues of The Herb Companion for only $14.95 (USA only).