What is it? The liquid oil pressed from the oat kernel. It is comprised primarily of oleic and linoleic acids, and is rich in phytosterols.
Appearance Dark, golden liquid.
Texture Viscous and silky smooth.
Scent Slight oaty scent.
Absorbency Speed Slow
Solubility Oil
Why do we use it in formulations? It’s anti-inflammatory and an anti-irritant, making it fantastic for dry, irritated, or mature skin.
Do you need it? No, but it’s a nice luxury oil.
Refined or unrefined? I like unrefined.
Strengths Soothing, long-lasting moisturizing.
Weaknesses Its heavy, slow-absorbing nature can be a turn off for those who prefer faster absorbing formulations. This can be tempered by blending oat oil with faster absorbing oils and/or including it in emulsions at lower concentrations.
Alternatives & Substitutions Modern Cosmetics recommends rice bran oil as a good alternative. Evening primrose oil and castor oil have similar absorption speeds, but quite different fatty acid makeups.
How to Work with It I love it in body butter bars and soap, as well as other products for people with eczema or dry skin.
Storage & Shelf Life Stored somewhere cool, dark, and dry, oat oil should last at 1–2 years. I store my oat oil in the fridge.
Tips, Tricks, and Quirks Try combining oat oil with colloidal oatmeal and/or hydrolyzed oat protein for an extra oat-y formulation!
Recommended starter amount 100mL (3.3fl oz)
Where to Buy it Buy it from an online DIY ingredient supplier or Amazon.

Some Formulations that Use Oat Oil

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Posted on

September 7, 2016