Colloidal oatmeal
Colloidal oatmeal is whole oat grain (Avena sativa) that has been cleaned, milled and sieved into a very fine powder that stays suspended when stirred into water. It contains the starch, protein, fiber and lipids of the oat kernel. Brands buy it as a fine powder made to the USP monograph for use as an OTC skin protectant active in bath soaks, lotions and creams, or as a cosmetic-grade oat flour.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Powder made to the USP monograph, needed when colloidal oatmeal is the drug active in a U.S. OTC skin protectant.
Fine oat flour sold as Avena sativa kernel flour for cosmetics that make no drug claim.
Colloidal oatmeal milled from certified organic oats.
Oats tested for gluten from cross-contact with wheat, barley or rye, for brands that make gluten statements.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Store colloidal oatmeal in sealed, lined bags in a cool, dry place away from pests. It is a grain product and can pick up moisture and odors, so reseal opened bags. Shelf life is set by the supplier, usually as a best-before or retest date.
Particle size, moisture and microbial counts can differ by lot and crop year, so check each certificate against the specification. Record the grade (USP or cosmetic) for each lot, since only USP material should go into U.S. OTC skin protectants.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 347.10 lists colloidal oatmeal, 0.007 percent minimum, as an OTC skin protectant active ingredient (0.003 percent minimum in combination with mineral oil).
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's Medicated Skin Care Products Monograph lists colloidal oatmeal from the dry seed of Avena sativa at 1-100%.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Distributor · Redmond, WA
US supplier of cosmetic ingredients repackaged in retail and bulk sizes, covering actives, butters, oils, waxes and emulsifiers for brands, contract manufacturers and independent formulators.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include uSP colloidal oatmeal, cosmetic-grade oat kernel flour, organic and gluten-tested grades. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect particle size, loss on drying, microbiology, heavy metals and pesticides, mycotoxins and identity and viscosity, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Store colloidal oatmeal in sealed, lined bags in a cool, dry place away from pests. It is a grain product and can pick up moisture and odors, so reseal opened bags. Shelf life is set by the supplier, usually as a best-before or retest date.
21 CFR 347.10 lists colloidal oatmeal, 0.007 percent minimum, as an OTC skin protectant active ingredient (0.003 percent minimum in combination with mineral oil). Health Canada's Medicated Skin Care Products Monograph lists colloidal oatmeal from the dry seed of Avena sativa at 1-100%.
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