Bathing in a colloidal oatmeal bath is one of the best things you can do for your skin. We all know that oatmeal is one of the healthiest food. But did you know that oatmeal, specifically, colloidal oatmeal, is also great for our skin?

Studies have shown that because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, colloidal oatmeal can treat many skin conditions, like skin rashes, erythema, burns, itch, eczema, and psoriasis. Colloidal oatmeal is especially effective in treating and preventing dry, rough, itchy and irritated skin. So it’s not surprising that people have been using colloidal oatmeal for centuries to effectively and safely cleanse, moisturize, and soothe their skin. One of the easiest ways to reap the benefits of colloidal oatmeal is by taking in a colloidal oatmeal bath.

Because of its amazing healing properties, colloidal oatmeal is now added to a ton of person care products, from eczema therapy cream and baby eczema cream to lotion and body wash. One popular colloidal oatmeal product is Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment. People use it to relieve and treat itchy, rashy, and irritated skin. Why is this product effective? Yep, that’s right, it’s because it contains colloidal oatmeal. Sure, you can buy Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment, but you can also make your own DIY colloidal oatmeal bath with only 2 all natural ingredients: colloidal oatmeal and baking soda. Want to know how? Read on!

What is Colloidal Oatmeal?

To make your DIY colloidal oatmeal bath, you’ll need colloidal oatmeal. What is colloidal oatmeal exactly? Is it the same as breakfast oatmeal? Well, not exactly. Most breakfast oatmeal, such as Quaker Instant Oatmeal, has added sugar and artificial flavors. Unlike breakfast oatmeal, colloidal oatmeal is made with all natural, very finely ground oats.

Colloidal oatmeal is finely ground oats that are mixed and evenly distributed (or suspended) in water or another liquid. Colloidal oatmeal is actually super easy to make. All you need are some rolled oats and a spice grinder.

DIY Colloidal Oatmeal Bath

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Yields: approximately 2 cups of colloidal oatmeal bath mixture, enough for 2-3 baths

Ingredients for DIY Colloidal Oatmeal Bath

includes affiliate links

1. Unflavored Rolled Oats – 1 cup. I use Bob’s Red Mill Organic Rolled Oats. You can also try GF Harvest Organic Rolled Oats. Be sure to use unflavored rolled oats, NOT instant oatmeal.
2. Baking Soda – 1/2 cup. I use Bob’s Red Mill Baking Soda. You can also use Arm & Hammer Baking Soda.
3. Spice Grinder – I use KRUPS Spice and Coffee Grinder. You can also try Epica Electric Coffee Grinder & Spice Grinder, or Quiseen Electric Coffee Grinder.
4. (optional) Calendula – 1/4 cup. I use Starwest Botanicals Organic Calendula Flowers. You can also try U.S. Wellness Organic Calendula Tea.
5. (optional) Chamomile – 1/4 cup. I use Starwest Botanicals Organic Chamomile Flowers. You can also try Frontier Organic Chamomile Flowers.
6. (optional) Muslin Bags – You can try these cotton muslin bags, or these muslin bags.

How to Make DIY Colloidal Oatmeal Bath

(1) Ground rolled oats using a spice grinder. It took me about a minute.

Make sure to ground the oats until they are very fine and powdery. Otherwise, you won’t get the full benefits of bathing in a colloidal oatmeal bath, and you’ll have pieces of oats on the bottom of your tub.

(2) Combine the finely ground oats with baking soda. Mix well.

(3) (optional) Mix in dried calendula and/or chamomile. Like colloidal oatmeal, both calendula and chamomile have skin healing and soothing properties.

Once you mix all the ingredients, your colloidal oatmeal bath mixture is ready for use. It’s ready to turn any bath into a colloidal oatmeal bath.

How to Use DIY Colloidal Oatmeal Bath

(1) Fill your tub with warm water.

(2) Add 2/3 cup to 1 cup of your colloidal oatmeal bath mixture to your bathwater.

If your colloidal oatmeal bath mixture doesn’t include calendula or chamomile, then you can add the mixture directly into your bathwater.

If your colloidal oatmeal bath mixture does include calendula and/or chamomile, then it’s best to first add the mixture into a muslin bag, then place the muslin bag in your bathwater. Calendula and chamomile do not melt or dissolve in the warm bathwater. If you use a muslin bag, cleanup will be quick and easy after your bath.

After you’ve added your colloidal oatmeal bath mixture, you will see your bathwater becoming milky. It’s the colloidal oatmeal that’s turning the bathwater milky.

(3) Slowly and carefully get into the tub. Be careful, because it might be slippery.

(4) Finally, sit down, relax, and enjoy a healing soak in your DIY colloidal oatmeal bath.

That’s it. With a few simple ingredients, you can make your own DIY colloidal oatmeal bath. I find that this bath is great for all skin types, including super sensitive skin of babies and toddlers. In fact, I regularly bathe my little 3-year-old in colloidal oatmeal bath, especially during the harsh and cold winter months, when her skin gets dry and itchy.

So the next time you experience itchy, rashy, or irritated skin, give this DIY colloidal oatmeal bath recipe a try. This DIY colloidal oatmeal bath is also great for people who suffer from erythema, eczema, or psoriasis. If you’ve tried this recipe, reach out and let me know how you like it. As always, please remember to share and pin this DIY colloidal oatmeal bath recipe if you like it!