Oatmeal Soap Benefits: Exfoliation, Moisture, and More

There’s a reason ye olde “oatmeal bath” has been a trusted home remedy for thousands of years. Oatmeal has grit for exfoliation, antioxidants that nourish skin cells, and starches and fats to lock in hydration.

Having oatmeal in your soap bar puts one of Mother Nature’s cleverest creations into the palm of your hand, making it a no-brainer for anyone's skincare routine. In this article, you’ll learn about oatmeal soap’s benefits and best use cases. Plus, you’ll find where to pick up a bar infused with other great ingredients like goat milk and jojoba oil.

What’s Oatmeal Soap?

Like the name suggests, oatmeal soap is just soap with oats in it. When it comes to skincare, you’ll probably hear people mention “colloidal oatmeal” most often. That just refers to finely ground and boiled oats. This process makes the oat particles small enough to work minerals, vitamins, and fats into your skin. Soap makers might also roughly chop oatmeal and leave flakes in the bars as a natural exfoliant.

Key Skin Benefits of Oatmeal Soap

Oats make a great addition to a high-quality, natural soap. Here’s why.

Exfoliates Gently

Oat grains make for great exfoliants because they’re just gritty enough to scrub away dead skin cells without bothering the skin beneath. That’s why you’ll find oatmeal in lots of skincare products, and the best oatmeal body washes and soaps are a solid option for anyone with skin issues like blemishes.

Soothes and Calms Skin

Each oat is packed with natural lipids and antioxidants that are great at nourishing and calming skin. The best oatmeal soaps for itchy skin also use additional ingredients like shea butter and jojoba oil to soothe the scratchy feeling. Whether you have oily or dry skin, oatmeal soap has something to offer.

Locks in Moisture and Hydration

When you grind up oats, you can create what’s called colloidal oat emollient. It’s pretty amazing stuff that both binds with water and forms a physical barrier. The result? Less water evaporates off your skin. It’s like spreading a thousand little sponges on your skin to soak up and retain moisture throughout the day. 

Balances Oil for Less Shine

You get very little oil out of oatmeal, just enough to replace some of the natural oils you scrub off without going in and caking on more of it. Meanwhile, the oil it does offer is high in fats and lipids that nourish skin cells and soothe skin. 

Can You Use Oatmeal Soap Every Day?

Yes. Oatmeal is mild, gentle, and safe for daily use. Of course, everyone’s skin response varies, so it’d be good to do a patch test to make absolutely certain it’s right for your skincare routine. 

To do a patch test, wet a coin-sized area on your forearm, rub the soap into it, and leave it on for a few minutes. Then, rinse it off and check for any irritation or redness. Do this once or twice a day for a week, and if you don’t see any adverse reactions, the soap should be safe to use.

All that said, oatmeal isn't a skincare cure-all. If you’re seeing a dermatologist, rely on their input. Let them know if oatmeal seemed to help in a patch test, and they can explore the best options with you.

Get Your Skin's Daily Scrub With Dr. Squatch

You get it: Oatmeal soap is pretty great. It’s got antioxidants, gentle exfoliation, and soothing nutrients that leave skin moisturized without irritation. Whether the oats are ground into a powder or left in as exfoliants, they’re excellent ingredients for natural soap bars and body washes. 

Wouldn’t you know it? We have a bunch of products that make oatmeal the star of the show. Our Deep Sea Goat's Milk bar soap is a popular pick, and the Pine Tar-scented soap is great if you want some heavier grit. Either way, you’re getting a powerhouse of moisturizers, cleansers, and oaty goodness. Harnessing the power of oats is just one of the ways Dr. Squatch helps men feel like men and smell like champions.

FAQ

Can You Wash Your Face With Oatmeal Soap?

Absolutely, but be gentle. Oatmeal soap is a milder cleanser, but your face has some of the most delicate skin on your whole body. Don’t scrub your face too hard or use too much exfoliant, and avoid getting soap near your eyes. Both tactics can be uncomfortable. 

It might help to rub your oatmeal soap bar into a soft washcloth first, then use that to wash away dead skin cells and oil. That way, it’s easier to cleanse without sanding your whole face down.

What Are the Benefits of Goat Milk Soap With Oatmeal?

Goat milk soap has a very high fat content, meaning it has lots of healthy lipids to leave behind on your skin. The lactic acid in it also exfoliates skin by breaking down dead skin cells, making it easier for the oats to scrub them away. It’s a great match that makes the best use of both ingredients.