Oatmeal Soap: Benefits, Who It Suits and How to Use It

If your skin feels tight or dry after washing and you're wondering whether an oatmeal soap bar would be gentler, this guide explains what oatmeal does in skin care, who oatmeal soap suits, and how to use it for the best results.

What does oatmeal do for skin?

Finely ground oatmeal has been used in skin care for a long time. In a 2016 study, colloidal oatmeal extracts supported genes linked to the skin barrier and helped buffer skin pH, and a colloidal oatmeal lotion improved dryness, moisturization and barrier function in women with dry skin on their lower legs [1]. That study tested a lotion rather than a soap, but it helps explain why oatmeal is popular in gentle cleansers.

In a soap bar, oatmeal adds a soft, creamy feel and gentle texture. Many oatmeal bars also include moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin.

Oatmeal soap benefits

• Gentle cleansing: oatmeal bars are usually designed to cleanse without a harsh, squeaky feel.
• Light exfoliation: the oat texture gently buffs away dull surface skin as you lather.
• Comfortable feel: many people with normal to dry skin find oatmeal bars more comfortable than standard soaps.

Who is oatmeal soap for?

• People with normal or dry skin who want a gentler everyday bar.
• Anyone who likes a light, natural exfoliating texture.
• Very sensitive skin or eczema: dermatologists recommend gentle, fragrance-free cleansers for dry, irritated skin [2]. Check whether an oatmeal soap contains fragrance, and ask your dermatologist which cleanser suits your skin.

How to use oatmeal soap for best results

These tips follow the American Academy of Dermatology's advice for dry skin [2]:

1. Keep showers and baths short, about 5 to 10 minutes, and use warm rather than hot water.
2. Lather the bar and wash only where needed.
3. Pat your skin dry with a towel instead of rubbing.
4. Apply a moisturizer right away, while your skin is still slightly damp.
5. Keep the bar on a draining soap dish so it lasts longer.

Tahitian Noni Oatmeal Soap: what's in the bar

Tahitian Noni™ Oatmeal Soap from Partner.Co combines oatmeal with noni and aloe. Its listed ingredients are [3]:

• Saponified coconut, castor and safflower oils (the soap base)
• Glycerin and sorbitol (help hold moisture)
• Oat kernel flour (Avena sativa)
• Noni fruit juice (Morinda citrifolia)
• Aloe leaf juice (Aloe barbadensis)
• Deionized water
• Fragrance

Because it contains fragrance, it's best suited to people with normal or dry skin who aren't sensitive to fragrance. If you have very sensitive skin or eczema, do a patch test first or ask your dermatologist.

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of oatmeal soap?

Oatmeal soap gives a gentle cleanse with light exfoliation, and many people with normal to dry skin find it more comfortable than standard soap. Oatmeal is a well-studied ingredient for dry skin care.

Is oatmeal soap good for eczema?

Dermatologists recommend gentle, fragrance-free cleansers for dry or irritated skin. If you have eczema, check the ingredients for fragrance and ask your dermatologist which cleanser to use.

Can I use oatmeal soap on my face?

Many oatmeal bars, including Tahitian Noni Oatmeal Soap, can be used on the face and body. Avoid the eye area and stop using it if irritation occurs.

Does oatmeal soap exfoliate?

Yes, gently. The oat texture lightly buffs the skin as you lather.

How do I make a soap bar last longer?

Keep it on a draining soap dish so it dries out between uses.

Sources

1. Ilnytska O, Kaur S, Chon S, et al. Colloidal oatmeal (Avena sativa) improves skin barrier through multi-therapy activity. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2016;15(6):684–690. jddonline.com
2. American Academy of Dermatology. Dermatologists' top tips for relieving dry skin. aad.org
3. Tahitian Noni™ Oatmeal Soap ingredient list, Partner.Co product packaging.