Skin barrier function study highlights oatmeal efficacy

The ingredient is extruded colloidal oatmeal, and the independent investigation carried out aimed to assess the skin barrier damage repair properties of Oat COM with an occlusive skin patch.

As such, the study showed that the UK firm’s ingredient supported the increased repair rate of the skin.

Study​

This study was carried out on 15 healthy adult subjects over a period of 10 days. Two skin areas on the forearms were pre-irritated using a 0.5% Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate solution, one area was covered with a patch coated with 0.6% Oat COM and the other an uncoated control.

The test sites were assessed at day 0, after 24 hours, 5 days and rate of recovery compared.

According to Oat Cosmetics, the combination of Tewameter and Corneometer results showed that Oat COM supported the increased repair rate of the skin as the data additionally showed statistically significant better recovery than the control site on Day 5 for assessments of skin hydration, skin cracking and visual erythema.

“Visual erythema scores were extremely impressive. The assessment scores at day 1 showed skin damage rating from moderate erythema to severe erythema with oedema,”​ says Oat Cosmetics.

“This damage was completely resolved at day 5 in the Oat COM coated patches, the control test site still showed well-defined erythema.”​

Ed Galley of Ed Galley Associates, who has commented on the ingredients in the past with reference to its treatment of dry skin, described this as a ‘significant result’.

Skin application​

The company explain that this effect is likely to have been caused by the interaction of the oat beta–glucan and anti-oxidants (Avenanthramides) contained within the colloidal oatmeal.

Oat COM's patented process enhances the bio-availability of these molecules, making Oat COM an ideal ingredient for inclusion in sensitive skin products, where soothing and moisturizing properties are important such a s after-sun care creams or baby lotions.