Colloidal oatmeal lotion: 1% vs 2%, and lotion vs bath soak
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- Cetaphil Restoraderm Eczema Soothing Moisturizer. Best for: A 1% colloidal oatmeal body lotion. See options on Amazon
- Sarna Eczema Relief Lotion 2%. Best for: A 2% colloidal oatmeal lotion. See options on Amazon
- Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment. Best for: Widespread itch from rashes, bites or poison ivy. See options on Amazon
What colloidal oatmeal is on a label
On a Drug Facts label, colloidal oatmeal is listed as the active ingredient with the purpose skin protectant. That makes a colloidal oatmeal lotion an over-the-counter drug product, not just a moisturizer, and its uses and warnings are printed on the label.
The lotions below list the same uses: temporarily protects and helps relieve minor skin irritation and itching due to eczema and rashes. The rest of each formula, the inactive ingredients, varies a lot. Cetaphil's lotion, for example, also lists shea butter, niacinamide, panthenol, sodium hyaluronate and ceramide NP. Sarna's lotion lists shea butter, jojoba seed oil, beta-glucan and urea.
Lotion vs bath soak
| Product | Colloidal oatmeal | How to use, per label |
|---|---|---|
| Cetaphil Restoraderm Eczema Soothing Moisturizer | 1% | Apply as needed |
| Sarna Eczema Relief Lotion | 2% | Apply as needed |
| Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment | 100% | Soak affected area 15 to 30 minutes, pat dry |
Details are from each product's Drug Facts label on DailyMed. The bath powder's label lists more uses than the lotions: rashes, eczema, poison ivy, oak or sumac, and insect bites. Its package also mentions prickly heat, chicken pox, hives and sunburn.
1% or 2%?
Both strengths are labeled for the same uses, minor skin irritation and itching due to eczema and rashes, and both say to apply as needed. The labels do not say one strength works better, so choose by texture and the other ingredients. Sarna's 2% lotion carries the National Eczema Association acceptance mark on its package, and so does the Cetaphil 1% lotion.
For thicker creams with colloidal oatmeal, and for 1% hydrocortisone during flares, see our eczema cream guide.
How to use colloidal oatmeal
- Lotion. Apply as needed to itchy or irritated skin. Keep it out of your eyes.
- After bathing. If you have eczema, NIAMS says applying moisturizer immediately after bathing helps hold water in the skin.
- Bath soak. The Aveeno bath label says to run warm water at full force, slowly sprinkle the packet under the faucet, stir any oatmeal that settles, and soak the affected area for 15 to 30 minutes as needed, then pat dry without rubbing to keep a thin layer on the skin.
- Avoid slips. The bath label says to use a mat in the tub or shower.
- Do not over-soak. In some skin conditions, soaking too long may overdry, the bath label warns.
For a gentle wash before applying lotion, see our body wash guide.
Colloidal oatmeal vs calamine and other options
Calamine is another over-the-counter itch option; see our calamine lotion guide. For everyday dry skin without itching, an ordinary moisturizer may be all you need; see our body lotion guide.
NIAMS tips for eczema-prone skin include taking lukewarm baths limited to once a day, using a mild unscented bar soap or non-soap cleanser, patting skin dry, and using creams and ointments rather than lotions with high water or alcohol content, which can cause burning.
Warnings and when to see a doctor
All three labels say: for external use only, do not get into eyes, and keep out of reach of children; if swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. Stop use and ask a doctor if the condition worsens, or if symptoms last more than 7 days or clear up and occur again within a few days.
See a doctor sooner for a rash that spreads quickly, blisters widely, or shows signs of infection, and for any rash in a baby. NIAMS lists bacterial skin infections that can worsen from scratching among the complications of atopic dermatitis.
What to look for when you buy
Cetaphil Restoraderm Eczema Soothing Moisturizer
Best for: A 1% colloidal oatmeal body lotion
Its label lists colloidal oatmeal 1% as a skin protectant, with ceramide NP and niacinamide among inactive ingredients.
Watch out: Ask a doctor if itching lasts more than 7 days.
See options on AmazonSarna Eczema Relief Lotion 2%
Best for: A 2% colloidal oatmeal lotion
Its label lists colloidal oatmeal 2%, with shea butter, jojoba seed oil and urea among inactive ingredients.
Watch out: Keep out of eyes.
See options on AmazonAveeno Soothing Bath Treatment
Best for: Widespread itch from rashes, bites or poison ivy
Its label lists 100% colloidal oatmeal for a 15 to 30 minute soak.
Watch out: Use a bath mat; soaking too long may overdry some skin.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- What does colloidal oatmeal lotion do?
- Labels say it temporarily protects and helps relieve minor skin irritation and itching due to eczema and rashes.
- Is 2% colloidal oatmeal better than 1%?
- Both are labeled for the same uses; the labels do not say one works better.
- How often can I apply it?
- The lotion labels say apply as needed.
- How long should an oatmeal bath last?
- The Aveeno bath label says soak 15 to 30 minutes as needed, then pat dry.
- When should I stop using it?
- If the condition worsens or symptoms last more than 7 days, stop and ask a doctor.
Sources
- Cetaphil Restoraderm Eczema Soothing Moisturizer (colloidal oatmeal) label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Sarna (colloidal oatmeal) lotion label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment (oatmeal) label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Atopic Dermatitis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take (www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/atopic-dermatitis/diagnosis-treatment-and-steps-to-take), National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases