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What is Oatmeal Soap?

S. Gonzales
S. Gonzales

Oatmeal has a rich reputation for aiding in skincare. It has been said that the Romans and Greeks utilized oatmeal in their bath regimens to nourish the skin. The tradition has continued, and many modern beauty enthusiasts use oatmeal soap as part of their skincare routines.

Colloidal oatmeal, or finely milled oatmeal, typically is used to create oatmeal soaps. Its properties allow it to be a great exfoliating agent for skin that needs to be rejuvenated. The soap's ability to exfoliate makes it an inexpensive treatment option for those who suffer from acne.

Oatmeal.
Oatmeal.

Oatmeal soap also has the practical application of relieving itchiness. Whether the itchiness results from insect bites or dry skin conditions such as eczema, oatmeal soaps can soothe the effected area. Individuals simply use the soap on itchy parts of their bodies until their discomfort has been eliminated.

The specific ingredients contained within oatmeal soaps depend on their manufacturers. For example, some companies might choose to make an oatmeal soap with a vegetable base, and others might use essential oils to scent the soap. Some of these essential oils can be specially chosen so that they can be used as part of aromatherapy. Other additions to the soap can be made to enhance its soothing properties. Generally, manufacturers make oatmeal soaps that are gentle enough to be used on both the face and the body.

Oatmeal soap may be used to relieve skin itchiness.
Oatmeal soap may be used to relieve skin itchiness.

Though oatmeal soap is thought to be very good for the skin, individuals with sensitive skin need to be aware that it still can be irritating. Individuals with sensitive or problematic skin are encouraged to look for oatmeal soaps that contain no colors or fragrances. Opting for soaps such as these can reduce potential reactions to the soap.

Consumers also have the option of making their own oatmeal soaps within the comfort of their own homes. A number of easy recipes for making oatmeal soap exist on the Internet and can be accessed with a simple search engine query. Making the soaps at home can help consumers reduce the amount of ingredients that have contact with their faces. It also can help them save money.

Oatmeal exfoliates and nourishes the skin.
Oatmeal exfoliates and nourishes the skin.

Individuals who try their hands at making oatmeal soap might elect to use certain ingredients that are known to work well with oatmeal. Goat's milk results in soft and silky skin. Shea butter and cocoa butter can help to moisturize the skin. Favorite essential oils can be added to the recipe to add fragrance. Vanilla and cinnamon can be used instead of essential oils to add scent.

Discussion Comments

discographer

My sister loves this soap. She discovered it when my nephew developed eczema and needed a gentle cleanser for baths. She tried oatmeal soap and found that it worked pretty well.

I started using it when I smelled an oatmeal soap in the organic store. They had handmade oatmeal soaps out in the open. I smelled one and it smelled divine. This might not be the best reason to use an oatmeal soap, but I actually use it for the scent!

I think it smells really creamy and delicious. I feel like it has a calming effect on me. I bathe with it and sometimes wash my face with it. I'm sure it's good for skin too but I think the scent is the best thing about it!

turquoise

@fify-- Well, oatmeal soap can be harsh on the skin if it doesn't have essential oils or other moisturizers in it. It is an exfoliant after all, so if you use one without moisturizers every day, you're probably going to have dry, irritated skin.

I think you have a good oatmeal soap bar with lots of moisturizers and very thinly milled oatmeal. The thinner the oatmeal, the less irritating the soap usually is.

I also use a very finely milled oatmeal soap. And I first lather it and use the lather to wash, I don't scrub my skin with it directly. When used this way, it does work nicely. It cleans without drying.

fify

I have really sensitive skin and I don't find all-natural, organic oatmeal soap to be irritating to my skin at all. In fact, it feels great.

My main issue is in the winter because my dry sensitive skin becomes really itchy and flaky in the cold. I can't avoid using a cleanser in the bath though and most cleansers are too drying. I usually come out of the shower and smother my skin in lotion.

But ever since I've been using oatmeal soap in the shower, the itchiness, the flakes and tightness has disappeared. My skin actually feels great as is after a shower. In the summer, I can even skip body lotion.

I recommend this soap for people who have skin like me. It's a total hit in my house. My dad and sister have also started using it after me.

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    • Oatmeal.
      Oatmeal.
    • Oatmeal soap may be used to relieve skin itchiness.
      By: Adam Gregor
      Oatmeal soap may be used to relieve skin itchiness.
    • Oatmeal exfoliates and nourishes the skin.
      By: Elena Schweitzer
      Oatmeal exfoliates and nourishes the skin.
    • Oatmeal soap typically contains colloidal oatmeal.
      By: Timmary
      Oatmeal soap typically contains colloidal oatmeal.