Why use Oat Silk in natural cosmetics?

Oat silk is a natural ingredient with proven benefits that combines soothing, hydration and a luxuriously silky feel on the skin. In cosmetics you will also find it under the name colloidal oat flour, and it comes into its own wherever the skin is sensitive, dry or irritated. Discover the effects and power of oat silk in natural cosmetics.

About this article

In this article we will go through what oat silk is, where it comes from and what the patented method of processing gives it. We will look in detail at the active substances it contains — from avenanthramides through β-glucan to oat peptides — and their effects on the skin. The closing part is devoted to the benefits of oat products in natural cosmetics and to the proven efficacy demonstrated by independent dermatological tests.

Key benefits

• Silky feel on the skin

  Oat silk leaves a luxuriously silky feel on the skin, and its very small particle size gives it exceptional textural properties.

• Soothing and less itching

  Avenanthramides have excellent anti-irritant and soothing properties — they reduce itching and redness, which is why they are suitable for anti-eczema products and after-sun cosmetics.

• Hydration comparable to hyaluronic acid

  Colloidal oat flour contains 6 – 8 % oat beta-glucan with a high moisturising capacity; it has the same effects as hyaluronic acid, so it can replace its properties in formulations.

• More stable emulsions

  It effectively binds oils as well as water, which improves the stability of emulsions. Our oat silk absorbs up to 30 % more oil than standard colloidal oat flour.

• Traceability and sustainability

  Full traceability of the ingredient from the field all the way to the final product on the skin, and sustainable, proven agronomic practices that respect nature.

Ingredient properties

What is Oat Silk?

Oat silk, also known as colloidal oat flour, is finely milled and sieved whole oat grain including the bran, which contains the highest amount of natural active substances.

It is obtained from a special oat variety with a high beta-glucan content, called Peppi, and is grown by selected farmers in Finland.

Patented processing

The processing of oat silk takes place using a patented procedure which ensures:

• Optimised activity and functionality.
• Low content of microorganisms.
• Increased bioavailability of phytochemicals.
• Improved rheological properties.
• Very small particle size which provides exceptional textural properties.
• Effective binding of oils as well as water, thereby improving the stability of emulsions. Our oat silk absorbs up to 30 % more oil than standard colloidal oat flour.

Active substances and their benefits

Oat silk is not a single substance but a whole complex of active components. Let us go through them one by one — what you will find in it and what each group of substances does for the skin.

Avenanthramides

A group of 20 – 30 naturally occurring polyphenols found in oats (Avena sativa L.). Oat avenanthramides (700 ppm) have excellent anti-irritant and soothing properties for the skin. They reduce itching and redness, therefore they are suitable for anti-eczema products and after-sun cosmetics.

• Effect: Strong antioxidant properties. Pronounced anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effects.
• Use: Reduction of skin redness. Soothes and relieves dry skin.

Avenacins (saponins)

• Effect: Anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties suitable for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD).
• Use: Cleansing properties for the skin, effective in regulating sebum.

Flavonoids

A group of natural substances from the group of polyphenols which are found in plants. They help protect the skin from UV radiation, reduce redness, improve skin tone and texture and reduce the signs of ageing.

• Effect: Antioxidant properties.
• Use: Acts as antimicrobial.

Simple and complex phenols

• Effect: Antioxidants, prevention of lipid peroxidation.
• Use: Against itching (antipruritic).

β-Glucan

Oat β-glucan is a key component of oat products for cosmetic use. The higher the content of oat β-glucan, the more effective your formulations will be in achieving the desired results, such as hydration, reduction of fine lines, improvement of skin elasticity and soothing of irritation. Colloidal oat flour contains 6 – 8 % oat beta-glucan, which has a high moisturising capacity. It has the same effects as hyaluronic acid, so the use of colloidal oat flour in formulations can replace the properties of hyaluronic acid.

• Effect: Immunostimulating.
• Activity: Reduces fine lines and wrinkles, has moisturising properties.
• Use: Moisturising the skin, supporting wound healing.

Lipids and oils

Oat oil (content around 10 %) is an excellent antioxidant and has soothing and nourishing effects, especially thanks to its content of phospholipids, ceramides, vitamin E and other substances. You will find more about plant oils in our range of raw materials.

• Application: Regenerates the skin and helps to balance the pH values of the product. They are precursors of vitamin E (substances which can be converted in the body into vitamin E).
• Use: Strengthening the protective skin barrier.

Starch

• Effect: Absorbing and protective properties.
• Use: Forms a physical barrier.

Oat peptides

• Effect: Supporting the formation of collagen and elastin by stimulating fibroblasts.
• Use: Balancing the skin pH, maintaining barrier integrity.

Benefits of oat products in natural cosmetics

Oat products are the perfect combination of trustworthiness, quality and sustainability, which makes them an ideal choice for modern and responsible cosmetics. The benefits of incorporating them into your cosmetic products include, among others, the following:

• They leave a luxuriously silky feel on the skin.
• Consumer trust in oat products is at a historic high.
• Full traceability of the ingredient – from the field all the way to the final product on the skin.
• Sustainable and proven agronomic practices and cultivation methods that respect nature.
• Natural ingredient with proven benefits that meets the expectations of demanding customers.

Proven efficacy

Oat silk has proven efficacy through independent dermatological tests:

• Moisturising properties: Improve the moisture content in the skin and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
• Cleansing effects: Gently remove impurities and excess sebum while being gentle to the skin.
• Anti-irritant effects: Soothe irritated skin and reduce redness.
• Against itching: Reduce itching, which is ideal for products for sensitive skin or atopic dermatitis.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: Help alleviate inflammatory processes in the skin, thereby supporting its renewal.
• Humectant: Bind moisture from the environment and transfer it into the skin.
• Occlusive properties: Create a protective barrier on the surface of the skin which helps to retain hydration.
• Antioxidant effects: Protect the skin from damage by free radicals and premature ageing.
• pH balancing: Help maintain the natural pH of the skin, thus supporting its health and balance.

Frequently asked questions about oat silk

Practical questions about this raw material — what it is, where it comes from, how much beta-glucan it contains and which skin types it suits.

Conclusion

These properties make oat-based components an ideal choice for cosmetic products focused on hydration, regeneration and protection of sensitive or problematic skin.