Ancient Grains: The Outrageous Oat

The versatile oat is a great natural addition to soap.  Oats have a long and storied history, dating back thousands of years. Cultivated for centuries, they've been a staple in human diets, providing sustenance and comfort. But oats aren't just for breakfast bowls! Their nourishing properties extend to skincare, making them a fantastic addition to your homemade soap bar.

A Touch of History

Oats have been cultivated for millennia, with evidence of their cultivation dating back to Neolithic times. They were a significant food source for many ancient civilizations, including the Romans and Greeks. Beyond nutrition, oats have long been recognized for their soothing and emollient properties. Traditional uses included treating skin irritations and abrasions.

Incorporating Oats into Soap:

There are several ways to harness the benefits of oats in soap.

Oatmeal Scrub: 

Preparation: Grind rolled oats into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or spice grinder.

Usage: Add this powder directly to your soap batter for a gentle exfoliating effect. The fine particles will gently slough off dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and renewed.

Oatmeal Milk:

Preparation:  Blend rolled oats with hot water in a blender. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to obtain oat milk. You can add a touch of essential oil to the oat milk for extra fragrance.

Usage: Replace a portion of the water in your soap recipe with oat milk. The oat milk will add a creamy texture and moisturizing properties to your soap.

Oatmeal Flour:

Preparation: Grind rolled oats into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or spice grinder.

Usage: Add a small amount of oatmeal flour to your soap batter for extra conditioning and moisturizing benefits.

Possible Benefits of Using Oats in Soap:

Gentle Exfoliation: Oatmeal gently removes dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling smooth and refreshed.

Moisturizing: Oats are rich in natural oils and emollients that may help to hydrate and soften the skin.

Soothing: Oats have calming properties that can help to soothe irritated or sensitive skin.

Note: Always test your soap on a small patch of skin before full use. Discontinue use if any irritation occurs.

By incorporating oats, you can create luxurious and nourishing soaps that are both gentle and effective. Experimentation is key in finding what works best.

JD

Side Note This blog post focuses on the process of making soap and the care involved. It does not delve into the specific properties of the soap itself, as those would fall under the purview of the FDA as cosmetics or drugs.

This blog post aims to inform it's readers about the journey of oats, beyond the grass land, highlighting the care and craftsmanship involved in creating this natural and luxurious product.