Oatmeal Soap for Eczema: Research-Based Natural Relief for Sensitive Skin

Why Oatmeal Soap Helps Eczema-Prone Skin (and Where the Evidence Comes From)

As an artisan soap maker who specialises in gentle, skin-kind formulations, I’ve seen how the right ingredients can make a noticeable difference to dry, reactive, eczema-prone skin. Of all the natural ingredients I work with, colloidal oatmeal consistently stands out for its soothing, barrier-supporting properties.

Most of the hard clinical data, however, comes from leave-on creams and emollients, not bar soap – and it’s important to say that up front.

• In a 2017 clinical trial of a 1% colloidal oatmeal cream for mild–moderate atopic dermatitis, researchers reported around 51% improvement in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) scores after 14 days, along with reduced itching and better overall comfort.

• Related work published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology shows similar reductions in eczema scores and itch for 1% colloidal oatmeal formulations over short treatment periods.

• The National Eczema Association (NEA) lists colloidal oatmeal as a key anti-itch, barrier-supporting ingredient for dry, irritated, eczema-prone skin.

All of those trials use creams and lotions that sit on the skin for hours, not soaps that are rinsed off after 20–30 seconds. So where does oatmeal soap fit in?

My view – and how I formulate – is this:

Let clinically tested leave-on products and emollients do the heavy lifting. Use a very gentle, fragrance-free oatmeal soap as a supportive cleanser that doesn’t undo all that good work.

That’s the sweet spot for oatmeal soap in an eczema-friendly routine.

Oatmeal Soap vs Traditional Soap: A More Honest Comparison

Many dermatology organisations, including the British Association of Dermatologists and the NHS’s atopic eczema guidance, advise people with eczema to:

• Wash with an emollient or non-soap cleanser

• Avoid traditional soaps, bubble baths, and harsh detergents altogether

So I’m not going to pretend that a bar of soap is suddenly “better than” an emollient wash for eczema. It isn’t – and it shouldn’t replace what your dermatologist or GP recommends.

What I can do, as a soap maker, is ensure that if you do choose to use a bar, it’s:

• As gentle and low-irritant as possible

• Unscented or very minimally scented

• Formulated to support, not sabotage, your eczema care

A few important clarifications:

• All true lye-based bar soaps – including handmade ones – are naturally alkaline, often in the pH 8.5–10 range once cured. They do not match the skin’s slightly acidic pH.

• A carefully formulated oatmeal bar can still be less stripping than many commercial bars, thanks to:

  
  

  • Higher levels of soft, conditioning oils

  • A modest “superfat” (extra unsaponified oils)

  • Colloidal oatmeal to help the skin feel more comfortable after washing

So rather than claiming to “balance pH”, it is perhaps more accurate to say:

A well-made oatmeal soap won’t be pH-balanced to your skin, but it can cleanse more gently and feel far kinder than a typical mass-market bar.

If you want a deeper overview of how to choose bar cleansers for reactive skin, my guide on natural soap for sensitive skin walks through ingredients, labels, and routines in more detail.

The Ingredients That Make an Oatmeal Soap Truly Skin-Kind

Simply stirring a handful of porridge oats into any old soap base isn’t enough – and can actually be too scratchy on compromised skin. For eczema-prone complexions, I focus on:

1. Colloidal Oatmeal (Avena sativa)

This is the star. Colloidal oatmeal is finely milled oats that disperse completely in water and release:

• Beta-glucans – form a light, protective film that helps skin hold onto moisture

• Avenanthramides – polyphenols with well-documented anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties

• Lipids and proteins – support the skin barrier and feel comforting on dry, tight skin

You’ll see these benefits discussed in dermatologist-reviewed overviews like this Health.com article on colloidal oatmeal in skincare.

In soap, colloidal oatmeal can’t work as intensively as a leave-on cream, but it still contributes to a creamier lather and more comfortable after-feel, especially compared with harsh detergent bars.

2. Gentle, High-Oleic Oils and Butters

For eczema-prone skin I lean heavily on:

• High-oleic oils such as olive and avocado

• Rich butters like shea and cocoa

These ingredients echo the advice in my moisturising bar soap guide, where I break down which oils best support dry, fragile skin.

The goal is a bar that:

• Cleanses without that “squeaky” stripped feeling

• Leaves behind a thin veil of conditioning lipids instead of tightness

3. Goat Milk (Optional but Lovely)

Goat milk brings:

• Natural lactic acid in very gentle amounts

• Extra fats, sugars and proteins that make the lather feel creamy and cushioning

Raw goat milk itself has a mild pH (usually in the 6–7 range), but once it’s turned into soap the overall bar is still alkaline. So rather than matching skin pH, its main role is extra nourishment and comfort, not “pH balance”.

4. Calendula-Infused Oils

Calendula has a long history in traditional skincare, and small studies suggest it may help calm irritated skin and support repair. I often infuse my base oils with dried calendula petals before soaping, then build on that in other botanically focused recipes, such as the products and routines I talk about in my sensitive skin soap bar round-up.

Overall, it pairs beautifully with oatmeal to create a bar that feels deeply comforting on stressed skin.

5. Honey (In Very Small Amounts)

Used carefully, honey adds:

• Humectant benefits (it helps draw and hold moisture)

• A slightly silkier, more emollient feel to the lather

In cold process soap it must be handled gently to avoid overheating, but when done right it contributes to a soft, cushiony wash.

6. Essential Oils (If Any, Then Minimal)

For eczema-prone skin, fragrance is one of the first things I strip back. The British Association of Dermatologists’ leaflet on emollient use and many eczema charities stress the importance of unperfumed products wherever possible.

So my rules are:

• Offer completely unscented bars as the default

• If I use essential oils at all, keep them to very low levels and favour traditionally soothing options like lavender or chamomile

• Follow IFRA-style safety limits for any fragrance components

If you’re very sensitive, I would always recommend starting with unscented soap and building out from there if your skin tolerates it.

For a wider look at how I approach ingredients and labels across the range, my piece on what to look for in truly natural soap gives a good overview.

The Science Behind Colloidal Oatmeal – In Plain English

Dermatologists describe several mechanisms that help explain why colloidal oatmeal feels so soothing on eczema-prone skin. In summary:

1. Anti-inflammatory action

   Avenanthramides in oats help reduce the activity of inflammatory “messenger” molecules in the skin. Several trials, including the 1% colloidal oatmeal cream study, report lower eczema scores and calmer skin after two weeks of regular use.

   
   

2. Anti-itch (anti-pruritic) effects

   Itch is often the most distressing part of eczema. Reviews and summaries from organisations like the National Eczema Association and Medical News Today’s overview of eczema self-care highlight colloidal oatmeal as a proven way to reduce itch and improve comfort.

   
   

3. Barrier support

   Eczema is fundamentally a barrier problem: the outer layer of the skin doesn’t hold moisture or repel irritants as effectively as it should. Trials of colloidal oatmeal formulations in both adults and children show improvements in barrier markers and hydration, sometimes performing comparably to certain ceramide-based moisturisers in short-term use.

   
   

4. Microbiome benefits

   Research on colloidal oatmeal creams has also found improved skin microbiome diversity and reductions in problematic Staphylococcus species, which are often over-represented on eczema-affected skin. A more balanced microbiome usually means fewer flares and less irritation over time.

   
   

Bar soap won’t mirror those results one-for-one, but it’s still helpful to choose a cleanser whose hero ingredient is aligned with the same mechanisms your moisturiser is using.

For a non-technical overview, this Health.com explainer on colloidal oatmeal is a nice companion read.

How to Use Oatmeal Soap in an Eczema-Friendly Routine

Having a gentle product is only half the story. The way you wash and moisturise matters just as much.

The routine below blends my own practical experience with dermatology guidance from sources such as National Eczema Association’s bathing advice and Medical News Today’s eczema care tips.

Daily Cleansing Protocol

Step 1: Lukewarm water only

Use lukewarm, not hot, water. Hot water strips oils, increases transepidermal water loss and can trigger stinging or flare-ups.

Step 2: Lather in your hands, not on the skin

Wet your skin, then lather the oatmeal soap between your hands. Apply the soft lather with gentle, flat-handed motions. Avoid flannels, loofahs or vigorous rubbing – they can create micro-damage on already fragile skin.

Step 3: Keep contact time short

Aim for around 20–30 seconds per area. Enough to lift sweat and surface grime, not so long that you start to feel tight or stripped.

Step 4: Rinse thoroughly

Rinse until the skin feels clean but not squeaky. Any residue from any soap – even a gentle one – can irritate if left on.

Step 5: Pat, don’t rub

Use a soft towel and pat dry, leaving the skin slightly damp.

Step 6: “Soak and seal” – moisturise within a few minutes

Within about 3 minutes of stepping out of the bath or shower, apply a generous layer of fragrance-free emollient or moisturiser. This “soak and seal” method, described by both the National Eczema Association and other eczema charities, helps lock in the water you just added instead of letting it evaporate away.

Your oatmeal soap is the gentle cleanse at the start of this sequence; the emollient is the main act.

For more day-to-day ideas on building a routine around gentle bars and moisturisers, my article on discovering the best soap bars for sensitive skin and our natural soap for sensitive skin guide are helpful companions.

Safety, Patch Testing and Gluten Concerns

Always Patch Test First

Even beautifully simple formulations can bother some people. Before using any new product on eczema-affected areas:

1. Apply a small amount of lather to the inner forearm.

2. Rinse and pat dry as you normally would.

3. Wait 24–48 hours.

If you notice increased redness, stinging or itch, don’t continue with that product.

Coeliac Disease, Gluten Sensitivity and Oats

A common question I’m asked is: “I’m coeliac. Is it safe to use oatmeal soap?”

Key points:

• Organisations such as the Gluten Intolerance Group and Beyond Celiac emphasise that gluten cannot be absorbed through intact skin.

• The main risk for coeliac disease is ingesting gluten – for example, if product residues end up around the mouth or on the hands before eating.

• Oats themselves don’t contain gluten but can be contaminated with wheat, barley or rye during processing. The Celiac Disease Foundation’s guidance on gluten-free oats explains why some people still prefer certified gluten-free oats.

If you have coeliac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, you may feel more comfortable choosing soaps made with certified gluten-free colloidal oatmeal, and being careful not to lick or ingest bath water or bubbles. For most people, topical use poses minimal risk, but peace of mind matters.

Children and Infants

For babies and young children:

• Follow your paediatrician or dermatologist’s advice first.

• Many families use emollient washes only, particularly during flares.

• If you introduce an oatmeal soap, look for:

  
  

  • Completely unscented

  • No added colourants or exfoliating particles

  • Extra-gentle oil blends

  
  

Bathing recommendations from sources such as London Allergy Consultants’ eczema bathing tips can be a good starting point for questions to take to your child’s doctor.

A Note on Claims, Eczema and UK Regulations

Because I’m based in the UK, I also have to think carefully about how I talk about eczema. The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association’s borderlines guidance is very clear:

Products that claim to treat or prevent eczema are likely to be regulated as medicines, not cosmetics.

That’s why, throughout this article and on my product pages, I describe my bars as:

• “Gentle on eczema-prone skin”

• “Soothing for dry, itchy, sensitive skin”

• “Designed to support a dermatologist-recommended routine”

rather than claiming to cure, treat or prevent eczema itself. In practical terms, my oatmeal soaps are cosmetic cleansers, created to work alongside your prescribed treatments and emollients – never as a replacement for them.

If your eczema is severe, changing, or not responding to treatment, please always seek advice from your GP, dermatologist, or allergy specialist.

Sustainability and Oatmeal Soap

One of the reasons I love oatmeal as an ingredient is that it fits beautifully with The Humble Shepherd’s sustainability ethos.

• Oats are widely grown in the UK and Northern Europe, which means we can often source colloidal oatmeal from relatively local suppliers, reducing transport miles.

• As a cover crop, oats help improve soil structure and can scavenge excess nitrogen from the soil; they’re valued in crop rotations for exactly that reason, rather than for nitrogen fixation (that’s the role of legumes like clover and peas).

• Colloidal oatmeal is produced by simple mechanical grinding, not intensive chemical processing.

• Handmade bar soap is naturally biodegradable, and when formulated without microplastics or persistent synthetic ingredients, it rinses away without adding to long-term environmental build-up.

Packaging matters too. Like many artisan makers, I use minimal, plastic-free wrapping for bars wherever possible. If you’re particularly interested in reducing waste, have a read of my piece on eco-friendly, chemical-free soaps in the UK and our wider blog on natural soap and sustainability.

Making Oatmeal Soap at Home (Carefully)

If you enjoy DIY projects, oatmeal soap is a lovely bar to make yourself – as long as you treat lye (sodium hydroxide) with respect and follow good safety practices.

Two broad routes:

• Melt-and-pour – ideal for beginners, using a pre-made base where you can add colloidal oatmeal. Tutorials like Bramble Berry’s oatmeal melt-and-pour recipes are a good starting point.

• Cold process – for more experienced makers who want full control over oils, superfat levels and botanicals. My article on cold-process soap craft gives a flavour of how I approach it in the studio.

If you’re formulating specifically with eczema-prone skin in mind, I recommend:

• Using colloidal oatmeal only (no chunky oat bits)

• Keeping recipes simple and low-fragrance

• Choosing gentle, moisturising oils as described above

• Patch testing on yourself or willing non-eczema volunteers before offering it to anyone with reactive skin

Frequently Asked Questions

Can oatmeal soap cure eczema?

No. Eczema is a chronic inflammatory condition with genetic, environmental and immune components. Oatmeal soap cannot cure it. What it can do is offer a gentler, more comfortable cleansing step in a routine built around emollients and medical treatment prescribed by your healthcare provider.

How quickly might I notice a difference?

In clinical trials, people using colloidal oatmeal creams often notice less itch and better comfort within 3–7 days, with clearer improvements in scores after about two weeks. In real life, with soap used as a rinse-off step, people often report:

• Skin feeling less tight straight after washing

• Fewer “stinging” episodes over time

• A smoother transition from wash → moisturiser

But every skin story is different, and your overall routine matters more than the soap alone.

Is oatmeal soap suitable for the face?

A very gentle, unscented oatmeal soap can work well for facial eczema-prone skin, especially if you:

• Avoid scrubbing or exfoliating particles

• Rinse thoroughly and moisturise straight afterwards

If you’re not sure whether to use a bar or liquid cleanser on your face, my guide to choosing natural soap for sensitive skin and the moisturising bar soap ingredient guide can help you compare options.

What’s the difference between colloidal oatmeal and normal oats?

• Colloidal oatmeal is milled so finely that it disperses completely in water, releasing its beta-glucans, avenanthramides, lipids and proteins evenly.

• Regular rolled oats or coarse oat flour mostly provide physical exfoliation and pleasant texture but won’t deliver the same clinically studied anti-inflammatory and barrier benefits.

For eczema-prone skin, colloidal oatmeal is the form you want.

Can I use oatmeal soap alongside prescription treatments?

Yes – in fact, that’s how I design my bars to be used. A typical sequence might be:

1. Short lukewarm bath or shower using your oatmeal bar as a gentle cleanser

2. Pat dry, leaving the skin slightly damp

3. Apply prescription creams or ointments to affected areas as directed

4. Seal everything in with a generous layer of emollient

If you’re unsure, check with your dermatologist or GP – they may even have specific product types they prefer you to use.

Ready to Try an Artisan Oatmeal Soap for Eczema-Prone Skin?

After years of working with colloidal oatmeal, I’m still impressed by how comforting and versatile it is for dry, reactive and eczema-prone skin – especially when combined with thoughtful formulation and a dermatologist-friendly routine.

If you’d like to explore gentle bars designed with this kind of skin in mind, you can:

• Browse our handmade soaps and sensitive-skin favourites for ideas

• Learn more about our ethos and ingredient choices on The Humble Shepherd Co. homepage

• When you’re ready, visit the Shop Now page to join the waiting list for new batches and releases

Every bar I create is small-batch, cruelty-free, and made with the same principles you’ve just read about: respect for the skin, respect for the science, and respect for the planet.