DIY Colloidal Oatmeal Lotion Bars

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase using them. This is at no extra cost to you but helps support this blog.

There is no escaping colloidal oatmeal. You’ll find it in a wide range of skincare products, from body washes, soaks and creams to soothing lotions thanks to its soothing effect on itchy, dry, or irritated skin. Today, I’ll show you how to incorporate colloidal oatmeal into lotion bars.

Benefits of Applying Colloidal Oatmeal to Your Skin

Made by grinding oat grains into a fine powder, colloidal oatmeal is packed with minerals, vitamins and other nutrients that have soothing, protective, and restorative effects on the skin. Applying it to the skin helps:

– support the skin’s protective barrier

– prevents water loss, improving skin hydration

– soothes irritation

– may even absorb UV radiation

How to Make Your Own Colloidal Oatmeal

Even though the colloidal meal is readily available in stores, you can easily make it at home. It’s super easy! 

To prepare, add the uncooked oatmeal into a grinder or a blender and grind until it resembles a fine, flour-like powder. Store it in a tightly sealed jar, and you’re done. If stored well, it will easily keep for six months at least.

How to Use Colloidal Oatmeal In DIY Skincare

Now that you know about the incredible skin benefits of colloidal oatmeal, let’s look at how you can incorporate it into your DIY beauty projects.  

1. Add it to your DIY moisturisers to boost the moisturising effect

If you experience skin irritations associated with dry skin, add colloidal oatmeal to your DIY creams and lotions to utilise its moisturising properties. The oatmeal will help seal the moisture, improving your skin’s hydration. 

2. Blend it with yoghurt and honey to make a moisturising face mask

Yoghurt and honey are well known for their moisturising effect on the skin. Mix one teaspoon of colloidal oatmeal with one tablespoon of yoghurt and one teaspoon of honey for an all-natural moisturising face mask. Apply on dry skin, allowing it to sit for 15 minutes before rinsing it with lukewarm water. Your skin will feel super smooth. 

3. Soothe your itchy skin in a relaxing oat bath

There is nothing more relaxing than a warm bath, especially when you have itchy skin. Make a soothing oat bath by adding a cup of homemade colloidal oatmeal to a warm bath. Soak in it for 15 minutes allowing oats to work their magic before rinsing it with lukewarm water. 

What You’ll Need to Prepare Colloidal Oatmeal Lotion Bars

Blending colloidal oatmeal with other moisturising ingredients, such as shea butter, cocoa butter, and rice bran oil, is a great way to boost its moisturising effect. 

Shea butter is a natural emollient well known for its moisturising effect. Applying it to the skin may help boost its moisture level, soothe it, and even prevent free radical damage.

Cocoa Butter is another moisturising ingredient that helps to keep the soft, smooth, and moisturised. But most notably, it gives lotion bars their firm texture.

Rice bran oil: Rich in gamma-oryzanol, a natural antioxidant, rice bran oil may also help improve the skin’s dryness and soothe irritated skin, helping to boost colloidal oatmeal’s soothing benefits. 

Antioxidant Vitamin E helps prevents lotion bars from going rancid. What’s more, applying it to your skin may relieve dry and itchy skin. 

And, of course, you’ll need colloidal oatmeal.

DIY Colloidal Oatmeal Lotion Bars

Shelf life and storage

Lotion bars generally keep well. You can expect them to last anywhere between six to twelve months if stored well. Keep them away from direct sunlight in a dry, cool room or a draw. If they change colour, smell or texture, dispose of them and prepare a new batch. 

Equipment

high-precision scale

glass beakers

spatulas

thermometer

silicone mould

Substitutes

Please remember that swapping the ingredients in the formula will alter the final product. Consider how the ingredient you switch will affect the final product’s texture and smell when making changes. 

Cocoa butter is fundamental in this recipe as it gives lotion bars their firm texture, and you’d find it challenging to swap. If you don’t like cocoa butter’s overly sweet scent, opt for the refined version instead. 

Shea butter offers numerous skin benefits, yet, some people find it too greasy. Its smell can also be offputting for some. Soft butter, like mango butter, with a dry feel and hardly any scent, makes an excellent substitute.

Rice bran oil. Other oils you might like to try that benefit dry skin include jojoba oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil and castor oil. 

FAQs

How can I scent my lotion bars naturally?

To scent your lotion bars naturally, incorporate essential oils into your formula. The sweet scent of cocoa butter blends beautifully with a citrus essential oil like sweet orange, woodsy oil like sandalwood, or floral oil like geranium. You can learn more by discovering 10 Essential Oils That Pair Well With Cocoa Butter.

Can colloidal oatmeal irritate my skin?

Even though it is rare, applying colloidal oatmeal to your skin can trigger a rash. Always patch test first. If you experience any reaction, discontinue using it and contact your healthcare professional.