Homemade Colloidal Oatmeal Lotion for Eczema & Dry Skin

Disclaimer: Some of the links below may be affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

My boyfriend has eczema, and after working outside in the cold all day, he’d often come home with dry skin and even full-blown eczema outbreaks. He started using a commercial colloidal oatmeal lotion, which really helped. But after recently running out of the store-bought stuff, he asked if I could make a homemade version.

I’m always happy to create a new skin care product, and I was sure I could make a superior product. After a little tinkering – I believe I’ve done it! This recipe makes a nourishing, healing lotion that soothes and moisturizes dry and eczema-prone skin.

He’s been using it daily and coming home with soft, hydrated skin – no inflammation or flare-ups. I’ve also been using it as a general body lotion. It feels luxurious after a shower or applied to freshly shaved legs!

Colloidal Oatmeal for Eczema

Most eczema lotions and creams on the market contain colloidal oatmeal. And that’s because it really works! It’s a natural substance with proven barrier protection, moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties.

These two studies found that a 1% colloidal oatmeal cream alone is effective in reducing symptoms of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (eczema). I can also tell you from experience – living with someone who suffers from this condition – that using colloidal oatmeal lotion has made a huge difference.

Colloidal oatmeal is inexpensive to purchase, and you can make your own lotion at home with all-natural ingredients that’s just as effective as any commercial product. All you have to do is make sure you’re adding 1% colloidal oats – the amount that’s been proven to work.

For example, if you’re making 300 grams of lotion (as we are in this recipe), you’ll need to add 3g colloidal oats. I’ll show you how in the instructions below!

Ingredients

Colloidal oatmeal, German chamomile oil, and avocado oil make this recipe ideal for soothing dry skin & eczema.

Here’s everything you need to make your own 1% colloidal oatmeal lotion at home:

  • 180ml Water – Use distilled or spring water if possible. If you must use tap water, I’d recommend letting it sit out in an open container for 24 hours to remove the chlorine – or boil and cool down before using.
  • 3g Colloidal Oatmeal* – Purchase a high-quality brand indicated for use in skincare products. Make sure you’re buying real colloidal oats – not just oat flour. I’m currently using Splendor Colloidal Oatmeal, which works great. You can also purchase it inexpensively from Brambleberry and similar online shops.
  • 1.5 Teaspoons (9g) Vegetable Glycerin – Works as a humectant in the lotion, or a substance that draws water into the skin. It adds hydration without feeling heavy or greasy. I’m currently using NOW Vegetable Glycerin, but any high-quality brand will work.
  • 45g Shea Butter – Protects skin, locks in moisture, and calms irritation due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Usually isn’t enough to treat eczema alone, but it does have skin-protective properties and gives lotion a luxurious feel. I buy it from Brambleberry.
  • 45g Avocado Oil – May potentially help relieve eczema symptoms by repairing the skin barrier and providing deep moisture. It has anti-inflammatory properties and acts as an emollient to soften skin and trap in moisture. I buy it from Brambleberry.
  • 18g Emulsifying Wax – Works on a molecular level to bind oil and water together. Creates a lovely texture in water-based lotions, creams, and balms. I use Milliard Emulsifying Wax with great results.
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Natural Preservative – Prevents the growth of bacteria, yeast, and molds for up to nine months. I use Simply Earth Geogard ECT as a natural preservative in all my homemade water-based products. If you choose not to use a preservative, store your lotion in the refrigerator and check often for spoilage.
  • 1/2 Teaspoon German Chamomile Essential Oil** – Reduces inflammation, supports cellular regeneration, and soothes dry, itchy skin. This study found that German chamomile oil has immunoregulatory potential for alleviating atopic dermatitis (eczema) through influencing of Th2 cell activation. Use a high-quality oil such as this one from Plant Therapy.
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Vitamin E Oil – A potent antioxidant, vitamin E oil moisturizes skin and reduces itchiness. It may even help treat skin conditions such as eczema. I’m currently using Purador Vitamin E Oil, but any brand you like is fine.
*NOTE: Colloidal oatmeal has a significantly smaller particle size than oat flour, allowing it to disperse better in liquids. If you try to use oat flour instead of real colloidal oatmeal, the lotion will not be as effective and may have a weird texture. I’ve never tried it, but I assume it wouldn’t play nice in a lotion recipe.

**WARNING: German chamomile essential oil may cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Though this is rare, I still recommend performing a patch test before using this oil if you’ve never tried it before. If you have a sensitivity, replace with lavender essential oil or omit essential oil entirely.

Equipment

Some of the equipment you’ll need to make colloidal oatmeal lotion.

Here’s all the equipment you’ll need to make the recipe:

  • Digital Scale – Necessary for weighing out your ingredients. When making lotions and creams, it’s important to be as precise as possible with your measurements. I use one similar to this I bought from Walmart and it’s been working like a charm for years.
  • Containers for Measuring – I use small glass bowls to measure my ingredients in before transferring to pans. Any small cups, bowls, or containers you have on hand will work.
  • 2 Stainless Steel Pans – I use two small, stainless steel saucepans to melt the oils and warm the water. Glass or ceramic would also work. I would not recommend using aluminum or anything coated in Teflon for making homemade cosmetics or skin care products.
  • Mixing Bowl – You’ll need something large enough to mix up 10 ounces of lotion in. A standard medium-size mixing bowl should do the trick. I recommend glass.
  • Immersion Blender – This will make emulsion so much easier, and I highly recommend purchasing one if you plan to make a lot of DIY products in the future. I use the Chefman Immersion Blender and it’s a dream! If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can still make this lotion with a regular stand blender (see notes below instructions).
  • Funnel – If you’re using a pump bottle to store your lotion, you’ll need a funnel to transfer it from the bowl to the bottle. It takes a little work, but if you like to pump your lotion, it’s worth the effort. If you decide to use a wide-mouth jar for storage, you don’t need a funnel.
  • Empty Pump Bottle or Jar – I use a 16-ounce BPA-free plastic pump bottle to store this lotion. In my house, we like to pump our lotion out of the bottle rather than scooping it from a jar. But jars are also a valid option for storage – it’s just personal preference.

Instructions

This recipe yields ~ 10 ounces (300g) of lotion, which should last quite a while.

  1. Combine 180ml water, 3g colloidal oatmeal, and 1.5 teaspoons (9g) vegetable glycerin in a small stainless steel or glass pan. Stir with a fork or wire whisk to combine.
  2. Combine 45g shea butter, 45g avocado oil, and 18g emulsifying wax in a separate stainless steel pan or glass pan.
  3. Heat both pans over the lowest possible heat on your stove-top, stirring occasionally as the oils melt and water heats. Do not boil the water – just allow it to heat up gently.
  4. Once the oil is melted, use a digital thermometer to test the temperature of each mixture. Remove from heat and cool down as needed until temperatures are within 10 degrees F of each other. (For example, if your oil is 130° F, your water should be somewhere between 120° – 140° F.)
  5. When the temperature is within range, transfer the oil mixture to a large mixing bowl. Slowly pour the water mixture into the oil mixture while blending with an immersion blender. Continue blending on low speed until a thin lotion consistency is reached. Mixture will thicken as it stands.
  6. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon natural preservative, 1/2 teaspoon German chamomile essential oil, and 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil. Combine well.
  7. Transfer lotion to an empty bottle or jar for storage. The lotion can be used immediately, but will thicken up and improve in texture overnight.
Blend until a thin lotion consistency is reached. It may be foamy at first (as pictured above) – but just keep going!

NOTE: If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can make this recipe using a regular stand blender. Pour the oil mixture in first, then slowly pour in the water mixture while blending on low speed. Continue blending until a thin lotion consistency is reached. Transfer the lotion to a mixing bowl before stirring in the remaining ingredients.

Shelf Life & Storage

If you use a natural preservative, this lotion will stay good up to nine months when stored at room temperature. I keep mine in the bathroom to use when after we take showers. If you don’t use a preservative, store in the refrigerator when not using for up to two weeks.

Printable Recipe

If you want to print out these instructions in a recipe format for later use, here you go! Just click the “Print” button below.

Colloidal Oatmeal Lotion

For dry skin and mild to moderate eczema
Yields: ~ 10 ounces (300g)

Ingredients

  • 180 ml water
  • 3 g colloidal oatmeal
  • 1.5 tsp (9g) vegetable glycerin
  • 45 g shea butter
  • 45 g avocado oil
  • 18 g emulsifying wax
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) natural preservative
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) German chamomile essential oil
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) vitamin E oil

Instructions

  • Combine 180ml water, 3g colloidal oatmeal, and 1.5 teaspoons (9g) vegetable glycerin in a small stainless steel or glass pan. Stir with a fork or wire whisk to combine.
  • Combine 45g shea butter, 45g avocado oil, and 18g emulsifying wax in a separate stainless steel pan or glass pan.
  • Heat both pans over the lowest possible heat on your stove-top, stirring occasionally as the oils melt and water heats. Do not boil the water – just allow it to heat up gently.
  • Once the oil is melted, use a digital thermometer to test the temperature of each mixture. Remove from heat and cool down as needed until temperatures are within 10 degrees F of each other. (For example, if your oil is 130° F, your water should be somewhere between 120° – 140° F.)
  • When the temperature is within range, transfer the oil mixture to a large mixing bowl. Slowly pour the water mixture into the oil mixture while blending with an immersion blender. Continue blending on low speed until a thin lotion consistency is reached. Mixture will thicken as it stands.
  • Stir in 1/2 teaspoon natural preservative, 1/2 teaspoon German chamomile essential oil, and 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil. Combine well.
  • Transfer lotion to an empty bottle or jar for storage. The lotion can be used immediately, but will thicken up and improve in texture overnight.

Notes

If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can make this recipe using a regular stand blender. Pour the oil mixture in first, then slowly pour in the water mixture while blending on low speed. Continue blending until a thin lotion consistency is reached. Transfer the lotion to a mixing bowl before stirring in the remaining ingredients.

Safety Precautions

WARNING! German chamomile essential oil may cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Though this is rare, I still recommend performing a patch test before using this oil if you’ve never tried it before.

Here’s what to do:

  1. Combine 2-3 drops essential oil with a little bit of carrier oil (sweet almond, avocado oil, etc.).
  2. Rub the mixture on a small area on the inside of your arm.
  3. Wait a few hours and check for a reaction.

If you don’t have a reaction, it’s most likely safe to use that oil in your herbal products. If you see any redness or swelling, you might be sensitive to that oil and should probably not use it.

If you have pets, please note that essential oils can be toxic to them. Never expose your pets to essential oils. Don’t put any on their skin or fur, and keep all your homemade skin care products out of reach of pets AND children.

Additional Resources

If you’re interested in making your own herbal beauty products, I recommend the following resources. You can also check out my Resources page for suggestions on where to buy dried herbs, essential oils, containers, and other supplies.

  • Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbs for Natural Beauty – This one is still on my personal wish list, but everything Rosemary writes is pure gold. Includes more than 30 simple recipes for cleansers, moisturizers, and creams comprised of essential oils and herbs.
  • The Herbal Body Book by Stephanie Tourles – This was the first book of herbal beauty recipes I ever owned back when I was a teenager. It has some great tips and recipes to help you get started – or add to your collection if you’re more experienced.
  • Herbal Body Book by Jeanne Rose – This is a classic book on herbal beauty that I highly recommend. Lots of wonderful information, recipes, and history.

Leave a Comment