In 14 days, a cream with 1% colloidal oatmeal reduced eczema severity by about half—outperforming a standard moisturizer. It also improved skin barrier function, pH balance, and hydration while showing signs of reducing problematic bacteria and increasing healthy microbiome diversity on affected skin.

61 people with mild to moderate eczema were randomly assigned to either a 1% colloidal oatmeal cream or a standard moisturizer for 2 weeks, then monitored for another week. Researchers measured severity scores, skin barrier health, hydration, and microbiome composition.

Funding not disclosed in abstract