Did you know that oatmeal isn’t just a breakfast item? Besides being a good source of energy, fiber, and antioxidants, it's also great for your skin. Its history as a salve for dry and itchy skin goes back centuries. Oatmeal soaps can help calm inflamed or irritated skin, making them great for those with sensitive skin.
In this article, we'll be exploring the ways that oatmeal soap can help you, as well as how to choose the right one for you. Our Top 10 list will show you the best oatmeal soaps currently available online. Also, read on to see some useful tips and comments from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Katrina Erika Habaluyas Luz. Let's get started!
Quick List - Top Oatmeal Soaps
Aveeno
Infused With Colloidal Oatmeal to Gently Cleanse and Moisturize the Skin
Zenutrients
Handcrafted Soap Made With Moisturizing and Exfoliating Ingredients
Milea All Organics
Combines Oatmeal, Honey, and Goat’s Milk to Address Dry and Irritated Skin
Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz is the face behind Ask Your Derma. She is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila. She is also an educator and digital creator on all things skin, hair, and nails. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and offers online video consultations. You can also catch her on her Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
When you have sensitive skin that is easily irritated, or when you have skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis, your soap options can be limited. Oatmeal soaps can fill in this gap and provide a solution for your skin woes. Read on to find out the many benefits you can get from an oatmeal soap.
Oatmeal is known for its powerful healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, it is one of the best choices for people who are perpetually plagued by skin problems, such as hives, rashes, eczema, and more. Using oatmeal soap regularly can relieve skin irritation and itching. It also usually has added beneficial ingredients like vitamins A and C that can keep your skin looking brighter and more even.
Oat (aka Avena sativa) is a natural product with a long history of use in treating different dermatologic conditions, from eczemas to burns, given its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, not to mention its excellent safety profile.
Since it has a naturally rough texture, oatmeal can serve as a natural and gentle exfoliant that safely sloughs away dead skin cells. As a result, you'll end up with smoother skin and a brighter complexion.
Despite its exfoliating action, you don’t need to worry about your skin drying up. Oatmeal also contains natural oils that act as emollients to hydrate and protect your skin. You can also find some oatmeal soaps with chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid for deeper exfoliation.
One of the great things about oatmeal is that it is rich in starches and beta-glucans, which are responsible for its protective and water-holding properties. Remember, hydration is key in maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier, so this makes oatmeal a good option for moisturizing dry and/or sensitive skin.
Oatmeal helps reduce sebum secretionwithout drying your skin. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, oatmeal soap can go a long way toward oil control and pH balance restoration. For problematic skin, some oatmeal soaps include other oil-fighting and anti-inflammatory ingredients for extra-strength oil control.
Oats also contain a component called avenacins (a form of saponin). Saponins are responsible for the cleansing activity of oat. A combination of functional properties makes colloidal oatmeal act as an effective cleanser, buffer, and soothing agent all in one.
The beauty of oatmeal soaps is that they are gentle yet effective enough to be used by any skin type. Even though they're best for relieving sensitive skin issues, people with other skin types can also benefit from their nourishing properties.
However, it’s good to keep in mind that certain variants may be formulated to address specific issues like acne and oil control. Check the label to know what the soap is designed for.
Oatmeal has been a well-loved ingredient, especially for dry, irritated skin. However, people with other skin types can definitely benefit from its anti-inflammatory and skin-protectant benefits.
With a plethora of options available, choosing the perfect oatmeal soap can be overwhelming. But don't fret! In this concise guide, we'll walk you through the key factors to consider when selecting an oatmeal soap. From identifying your skin concerns to evaluating the ingredients, we'll help you make an informed decision and find the ideal oatmeal soap for your skincare routine.
While regular oatmeal such as quick-cooking or rolled oats have lots of nutrients for the body, colloidal oatmeal is best when it comes to skincare. To make colloidal oatmeal, the whole oat grain is milled and sieved to a fine powder before being incorporated into the soap base.
Thus, the particle size of colloidal oatmeal is much smaller than regular ground oats. This ensures that the soap is gentle enough to use on the skin. Soaps that use regular oats are much rougher and could strip off too much of your skin’s natural oils.
Oatmeal, particularly colloidal oatmeal, has been a buzz in the skincare industry. Colloidal oatmeal is produced by finely grinding the oat and boiling it to extract the colloidal material.
Oatmeal soaps frequently come with other nourishing ingredients. When choosing one, you have to consider what your skin concerns are, so you can pick the oatmeal soap with the best combination for you. Here are the most common ingredients you will find in an oatmeal soap.
Remember Cleopatra’s long milk baths? Milk has long been hailed as a beauty product for its ability to reduce wrinkles. The alpha-hydroxy acids, especially lactic acid in milk, work to remove dead skin cells and brighten the skin tone.
You’ll frequently find goat milk as an added ingredient in oatmeal soaps. Since they both impart the same benefits—oil control, natural exfoliation, and pH balance restoration—the pairing between the two is a great match.
You may see goat's milk incorporated into some skincare products. Goat's milk has been found to contain lactic acid, hence, its proposed mechanism as a natural exfoliant. I'd definitely want to see more clinical trials and science backing this one up, though.
Raw honey is packed with nourishing and soothing components that work wonders for acne and autoimmune skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. With its natural healing properties, it reduces inflammation and speeds healing. And like oatmeal, it is a natural exfoliator that helps regenerate new skin cells and promotes a more radiant complexion.
Manuka honey is a type of honey that is most frequently used with oatmeal soaps. What gives it an edge over other types of honey is the presence of a chemical called methylglyoxal which promotes wound healing and recovery from damage.
Honey, just like oatmeal, goes way back in its uses in treating different dermatologic conditions. Honey acts as an emollient and humectant with antimicrobial (particularly methylglyoxal in manuka) properties, too.
Vanilla isn’t just an ice cream flavor—it’s also yummy for the skin! Used primarily for their antioxidant properties, vanilla extracts are a great addition to any oatmeal soap. The unique, familiar scent is another benefit that adds to a feeling of care and comfort when you use the soap.
Vanilla may sometimes be incorporated into skincare products. The Vanilla planifolia fruit extract is a natural ingredient with antioxidant benefits. The vanilla plant’s seed is rich in catechins responsible for its antioxidant activity.
If you have dry skin, look for an oatmeal soap with shea butter or coconut oil in its formulation. With their rich emollient texture, these two substances are some of the best ingredients for moisturizing. They are also abundant sources of antioxidants and fatty acids that can help replenish stressed and tired skin.
You can also look for tried-and-tested hyaluronic acid and glycerin to help moisturize the skin. Other great ingredients that hydrate the skin are ceramides, panthenol, grapeseed oil, sunflower oil, and cocoa butter.
People with dry skin tend to have less oleic acid and more linoleic acid. Thus, it's possible that they can benefit from oils with more oleic acid, such as coconut oil. However, remember that since coconut oil tends to be a thick oil, some people can also develop breakouts with its use. Always listen to your skin and try it out first!
If you have oily skin, it's best to pick an oatmeal soap that contains tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is a staple in products designed for oily and acne-prone skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties are necessary for healing infections and acne, as well as for soothing redness and swelling.
Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of the tea tree. Some studies have shown that tea tree oil has some benefits for acne-prone skin. However, there are better over-the-counter alternatives, such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
If you're switching to an oatmeal soap, chances are, it's because you need a more natural alternative that's safe for sensitive skin. You would think that oatmeal soaps are all-natural, but that may not always be the case.
Look at the label to make sure that your oatmeal soap does not come with parabens, sulfates, fragrances, or any other chemical additives that may trigger a reaction. Remember, it's always best to go the natural route when it comes to soap!
It's also important to remember that "natural" does not always mean better. At the end of the day, it really boils down to your own personal sensitivities—aka how your skin reacts to a particular product.
Oatmeal soaps typically come in three forms—a soap bar, a liquid wash, or a shower gel. Each type has its pros and cons, but it all boils down to preference.
Soap bars are the most commonly available type of oatmeal soap. They are handy and great for traveling—all you need is a tin can or a soap dish to carry them! Soap bars are also more environmentally friendly since they involve very little packaging. Most soaps come in cardboard boxes that are recyclable or biodegradable.
Soap bars are also the better choice for sensitive skin because they contain fewer ingredients than liquid washes. They do not need chemical additives or preservatives to give them a long shelf life and to keep them stable. Thus, it is easier to make soap bars hypoallergenic.
Soap bars pose some additional advantages compared to the traditional liquid soaps, one being the reduced cost in the long run. By using a soap bar, it is estimated that the bar lasts longer than its equivalent liquid form. Not to mention, soap bars are considerably cheaper given that the packaging is significantly less costly, too.
Liquid washes and shower gels often contain more hydrating ingredients, so they are a good choice if you have dry skin. These types also have microbeads or other exfoliating ingredients that are much finer than you would find in a bar soap. So if you prefer a milder way to exfoliate, body washes are the better pick.
One disadvantage, however, is that these two types come in plastic containers that are sometimes not recyclable. If you are concerned about adding to plastic waste, then perhaps a soap bar would be more up your alley.
On the other hand, some people prefer liquid washes and shower gels. Typically, these tend to be more versatile and can be incorporated with ingredients, including those for exfoliation.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | Net Weight | Beneficial Ingredients | Colloidal Oatmeal | Fragrance-Free | |||||
1 | Aveeno Moisturizing Bar with Nourishing Oat | ![]() | Infused With Colloidal Oatmeal to Gently Cleanse and Moisturize the Skin | Soap Bar | 100g | Oat Kernel Flour, Glycerin | Yes | Yes | |
2 | Be Organic Oatmeal Soap | ![]() | Infused With Coconut, Castor, and Olive Oils for Deep Hydration | Soap Bar | 110g | Ground Oatmeal, Saponified Oils of Palm, Coconut, Olive and Castor, Essential Oil | No | Yes | |
3 | Zenutrients Goat's Milk & Oatmeal Nourishing Soap | ![]() | Handcrafted Soap Made With Moisturizing and Exfoliating Ingredients | Soap Bar | 100g | Oatmeal, Cocos Nucifera, Peg 40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Goat’s Milk | No | Yes | |
4 | Milea All Organics Goat's Milk Honey Oatmeal Moisturizing Soap | ![]() | Combines Oatmeal, Honey, and Goat’s Milk to Address Dry and Irritated Skin | Soap Bar | 100g | Oatmeal, Virgin Coconut Oil, Goat's Milk, Wild Honey, Vitamin E, Olive Oil | No | Yes | |
5 | Aveeno Baby Cleansing Therapy Moisturizing Wash | ![]() | Has Natural Oat Extract to Soothe and Nourish Dry Skin | Liquid Wash | 236ml | Colloidal Oatmeal, Panthenol, Ceramide NP, Glycerin | Yes | Yes | |
6 | Dermtropics Raw Coconut + Colloidal Oatmeal Hand and Body Wash | ![]() | A 100% Natural Choice for Delicate Skin | Liquid Wash | 490ml | Colloidal Oats, Organic Wet-Milled Virgin Coconut Oil, Aloe vera, Argan Oil | Yes | Yes | |
7 | Johnson's Milk + Oats Baby Bath | ![]() | A Budget-Friendly Option for Babies | Liquid Wash | 500ml | Oat Kernel Extract, Milk Protein, Rice, Glycerin | No | No | |
8 | Sappo Hill Natural Oatmeal Soap | ![]() | Exfoliates Dull Skin Without Drying It Out | Soap Bar | 99g | Organic Oats, Coconut Oil, Glycerin | No | No | |
9 | Organic Skin Japan 100% Natural Oatmeal Soap | ![]() | Gentle and Soothing Soap for Acne-Prone Skin | Soap Bar | 100g | Oatmeal, Tea Tree Extract, Shea Butter | No | No | |
10 | Diwatang Maria Diwatang Maria Cacao | ![]() | Contains Oatmeal, Shea Butter, and Aloe vera for a More Youthful Complexion | Soap Bar | 135g | Colloidal Oatmeal, Oatmeal (Kernel), Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Aloe vera, Cacao | Yes | No |
This oatmeal bar from Aveeno is a tried and tested choice. It is a favorite among those who suffer from dry and sensitive skin, as well as those with rashes and itchy skin. It contains colloidal oatmeal grown in countries like the UK, US, and Canada for their cool temperatures. This kind of careful cultivation ensures that the protective and rehydrating properties of natural oats are well-preserved.
Although it comes in a bar, it is actually soap-free. It is also free of parabens and fragrances. Thus, it is gentle enough to use every day and leaves you with smooth, clean, well-nourished, and itch-free skin. This was echoed by satisfied buyers, saying this is their go-to bar soap to calm skin asthma.
Type | Soap Bar |
---|---|
Net Weight | 100g |
Beneficial Ingredients | Oat Kernel Flour, Glycerin |
Colloidal Oatmeal | Yes |
Fragrance-Free | Yes |
With thousands of positive reviews, this oatmeal soap is a must-try! Be Organic's Oatmeal Soap is handmade, all-natural, and doesn't contain any fragrances, sulfates, or other harmful chemicals, so you're getting only the purest and finest ingredients. It packs a wallop of hydration by combining natural oils like coconut, castor, and olive oil.
And with the oat grains infused throughout the bar, you get a delicate texture that's perfect for gentle exfoliation. People with issues like atopic dermatitis and eczema love the relief they get from showering with this soap. On top of all that, it's a budget-friendly choice! For smooth, even-toned, and blemish-free skin, get this organic oatmeal soap!
Type | Soap Bar |
---|---|
Net Weight | 110g |
Beneficial Ingredients | Ground Oatmeal, Saponified Oils of Palm, Coconut, Olive and Castor, Essential Oil |
Colloidal Oatmeal | No |
Fragrance-Free | Yes |
Handcrafted soaps have that unique, earthy feel that you won't get from commercially produced ones. This bar from Zenutrients is one example of this! Oatmeal doesn't just soothe and hydrate the skin, but it also exfoliates dead skin cells and absorbs excess oil. Another advantage is the inclusion of goat's milk.
Goat's milk has lactic acid and vitamin A, which repairs damaged skin cells. Thus, people with rashes and dry skin will benefit from this soap! Customers left positive comments about its mild scent and how it healed their skin. However, some mentioned that the large oatmeal grains can be abrasive on the skin.
Type | Soap Bar |
---|---|
Net Weight | 100g |
Beneficial Ingredients | Oatmeal, Cocos Nucifera, Peg 40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Goat’s Milk |
Colloidal Oatmeal | No |
Fragrance-Free | Yes |
For those dealing with sensitive skin concerns, Milea presents an ideal solution. Their Goat's Milk Honey Oatmeal Soap combines a blend of natural ingredients meticulously crafted to maintain your skin's moisture balance. It has oatmeal with calming properties that alleviate skin distress stemming from conditions like eczema and psoriasis. It is also infused with honey that acts as a natural humectant, locking in moisture, while goat's milk imparts a luxurious, creamy lather.
Moreover, it is enriched with VCO, olive oil, and vitamin E, which help form a protective barrier against environmental aggressors and harmful pathogens. What's even greater about this soap is it serves as a mild exfoliant that is gentle enough for both facial and body use to ensure a revitalized skin texture. Many people with eczema also swear by this product, saying it's their go-to oatmeal soap to relieve irritation.
Type | Soap Bar |
---|---|
Net Weight | 100g |
Beneficial Ingredients | Oatmeal, Virgin Coconut Oil, Goat's Milk, Wild Honey, Vitamin E, Olive Oil |
Colloidal Oatmeal | No |
Fragrance-Free | Yes |
Looking to address and prevent irritation and dry skin in babies? Look no further than this hypoallergenic wash from Aveeno! This baby wash contains colloidal oatmeal, oat essence, and rich emollients, which can soothe extra-dry skin without compromising the skin’s barrier. It also proudly holds the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.
Ideal for daily use, this formula ensures a tear-free bathing experience for your little one while producing a luxurious lather to deeply moisturize extremely dry and eczema-prone skin. Most importantly, it's pediatrician and dermatologist-recommended and free from soap, fragrance, sulfates, parabens, and phthalates!
Type | Liquid Wash |
---|---|
Net Weight | 236ml |
Beneficial Ingredients | Colloidal Oatmeal, Panthenol, Ceramide NP, Glycerin |
Colloidal Oatmeal | Yes |
Fragrance-Free | Yes |
Type | Liquid Wash |
---|---|
Net Weight | 490ml |
Beneficial Ingredients | Colloidal Oats, Organic Wet-Milled Virgin Coconut Oil, Aloe vera, Argan Oil |
Colloidal Oatmeal | Yes |
Fragrance-Free | Yes |
Type | Liquid Wash |
---|---|
Net Weight | 500ml |
Beneficial Ingredients | Oat Kernel Extract, Milk Protein, Rice, Glycerin |
Colloidal Oatmeal | No |
Fragrance-Free | No |
Type | Soap Bar |
---|---|
Net Weight | 99g |
Beneficial Ingredients | Organic Oats, Coconut Oil, Glycerin |
Colloidal Oatmeal | No |
Fragrance-Free | No |
Acne-prone skin also needs hydration, but it's essential to use products that have some oil-controlling and anti-inflammatory properties. This soap bar from Organic Skin Japan definitely fits the bill. With oatmeal at its core, itching and troubled skin won't be an issue anymore! Another beneficial ingredient is tea tree extract, which reduces redness and provides relief for irritated skin.
On the other hand, shea butter restores skin elasticity, giving you smoother and plumper skin. Plus, it comes in a mild honey milk scent for that extra comforting feeling. Aside from its scent and healing properties, users say that it can lighten dark marks and smoothen the skin. And it's affordable, too!
Type | Soap Bar |
---|---|
Net Weight | 100g |
Beneficial Ingredients | Oatmeal, Tea Tree Extract, Shea Butter |
Colloidal Oatmeal | No |
Fragrance-Free | No |
Type | Soap Bar |
---|---|
Net Weight | 135g |
Beneficial Ingredients | Colloidal Oatmeal, Oatmeal (Kernel), Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Aloe vera, Cacao |
Colloidal Oatmeal | Yes |
Fragrance-Free | No |
Itching for more information? Read below to know Dr. Katrina Luz's answers to some of the internet's most asked questions.
Oatmeal has been used for years in different dermatologic conditions, eczema included. Studies have shown that avenanthramides (a component in oatmeal) reduce itch, particularly by reducing histamine release from mast cells.
Aside from that, oatmeal also contains beta-glucans, a humectant that hydrates the skin and enhances wound repair, phenols, which have anti-inflammatory properties to help soothe the skin, and starches that help create a protective barrier for healing. Thus, by addressing the lack of hydration, inflammation, and disrupted skin barrier, the itch is indirectly addressed as well.
Yes, oatmeal soap can be used by children. In fact, oatmeal has been proven to have an excellent safety profile for those with sensitive skin, children included.
Yes, oatmeal soap can be used as a facial wash. But remember, as with all new things to be added to any skincare routine, try out the product first to make sure that it is compatible with your skin.
Oatmeal soap makes a great choice for various dermatologic conditions given its humectant, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, remember if your skin problem persists, it never hurts to give your dermatologist a visit so that they can provide you with the necessary and directed treatment options for your skin problem.
Sensitive skin can be really tricky to deal with, not to mention, exasperating. The key is patience and gentleness, coupled with great products specifically designed for sensitive skin. Give your skin the pampering it deserves by checking out our other article reviews of products for sensitive skin!
10 Best Fragrance-Free Skincare Products in the Philippines 2023 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
10 Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin in the Philippines 2023 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
10 Best Cleansers for Sensitive Skin in the Philippines 2023 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
10 Best Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin in the Philippines 2023 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
Author: R. Umlas
Re-editor: Aprille Jarcia
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Aveeno|Moisturizing Bar with Nourishing Oat
No. 2: Be Organic|Oatmeal Soap
No. 3: Zenutrients|Goat's Milk & Oatmeal Nourishing Soap
No. 4: Milea All Organics|Goat's Milk Honey Oatmeal Moisturizing Soap
No. 5: Aveeno|Baby Cleansing Therapy Moisturizing Wash
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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