Skin benefits and allergy risks of oat kernel extract

Oat Grain Extract is derived from oats

Oat kernel extract is a cosmetic ingredient that is mainly used in skin care products. As a natural plant extract, it is popular in natural cosmetics.

Some of you may be wondering what ingredients that is.
But even people like you have probably heard of "oatmeal" or "oats."

Oat kernel extract is an ingredient extracted from oats. Oats are a plant of the Poaceae family, which is why it is called "oat extract."

In this article, we will explain the advantages and disadvantages of using oat kernel extract in skin care, and also introduce some examples of what to do if you develop an allergic reaction.

Related article 1: The fact that most "natural cosmetics" contain allergenic ingredients
Related article 2: Why do organic cosmetics cause skin irritation?

Skin Benefits of Oat Kernel Extract

1. Moisturizing effect

Oat kernel extract is highly regarded as a natural moisturizing ingredient, as it is said to lock in moisture in the skin and strengthen its barrier function.
It is a great product to use for dry or sensitive skin, and can be a great help during winter and dry seasons.

2. Sedative effect

The oats it is made from have anti-inflammatory properties, meaning it can help relieve redness and itching on the skin.
Therefore, it is sometimes used in skin care products for sensitive skin and moisturizers for atopic dermatitis . It is also great for skin care after sunburn.

3. Antioxidant properties

Oats contain antioxidants such as vitamin E and polyphenols. These substances protect the skin from oxidative stress, Oat kernel extract may also help reduce signs of aging.

4. Softens the skin

Oat kernel extract is said to have a skin-softening effect, softening dry, stiff skin and making it pleasant to the touch.

Disadvantages of Oat Kernel Extract

1. Risk of oat allergy

In general, oat kernel extract is considered a safe ingredient for most people.

However, people with allergies to oats should be careful, as there have been reported cases of contact dermatitis and allergic reactions, including itching, redness, and swelling.

It's not just the skin symptoms that are scary: some cases have also shown the possibility of developing anaphylaxis.

A woman who regularly uses a moisturizing cream containing oatmeal went into anaphylactic shock after eating oatmeal at mealtime, experiencing a life-threatening allergic reaction.

You probably never thought that the cosmetics you use every day could be triggering a food allergy , but it can actually happen.

2. The relationship between children's skin care and food allergies

Also, One study looked at 276 different skin care products for children .

More than a third of the skin care products surveyed contained food allergens, including almonds, wheat, eggs, milk and peanuts. Oats were also reported in 8.3% of children's skin care products .

As mentioned earlier, oat kernel extract, which is said to have high moisturizing power, is sometimes used in moisturizers for atopic skin. However, there are some research results about this that you should know about.

A 2007 study found that one in seven children with atopic dermatitis were sensitized to oats, and when limited to children who used moisturizers containing oat kernel extract, one in three children were also sensitized to oats.

In other words, using cosmetics containing oat kernel extract may increase the likelihood of developing oat allergies.
(Of course, the results of overseas surveys do not necessarily apply to Japanese people...)

3. People with gluten intolerances, be careful

Oats, the source of oat kernel extract, do not contain gluten themselves, but may come into contact with other grains during manufacturing, which may contain traces of gluten.

In particular, people with gluten intolerance or sensitivity may be at risk of having a reaction if oat kernel extract comes into contact with the skin.

summary

Oat kernel extract is a cosmetic ingredient that is expected to have moisturizing and soothing effects, making it a welcome ingredient for many people.

However, we found that such people may be at risk of developing or worsening allergies.

• People with oat allergies
• People with atopic dermatitis
• People who use cosmetics containing oat kernel extract every day
• Children (especially those with atopic dermatitis)

Some people may not have imagined that cosmetics could be related to food allergies, but there are cases in which the protein components contained in cosmetics can cause skin allergies.

Because it's a cosmetic product that you use every day, you want to choose one that you can use with confidence, avoiding unnecessary risks.