At ORY®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about hydrolyzed oat protein. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.
How to read this page Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews. Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY® uses. Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly. |
1. General Description and Role
Claim: Hydrolyzed oat protein is oat protein broken into small peptides. In ORY® products, it helps hair feel soft and moisturized and leaves a smooth, conditioning film on skin. |
Verification: Supported. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that oat-derived ingredients, including hydrolyzed oat protein, are safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing.
Citations:
- Becker, L. C., et al. (2019). Safety assessment of Avena sativa (oat)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 38(3 Suppl), 23S–47S (safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing). https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581819889904
- What it shows: CIR safety assessment (2019).
- Becker, L. C., et al. (2019). Safety assessment of Avena sativa (oat)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 38(3 Suppl), 23S–47S (safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing). https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581819889904
2. Composition and Production
Claim: It is made by enzyme hydrolysis of oat kernel protein, typically to 1,000–3,000 Da. Certified gluten-free grades are available. |
Verification: Supported. Its chemistry is documented in the CIR report.
Citations:
- Becker, L. C., et al. (2019). Safety assessment of Avena sativa (oat)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 38(3 Suppl), 23S–47S (safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing). https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581819889904
- What it shows: Describes chemistry.
- Becker, L. C., et al. (2019). Safety assessment of Avena sativa (oat)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 38(3 Suppl), 23S–47S (safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing). https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581819889904
3. Skin Type Suitability
Claim: Hydrolyzed oat protein suits most skin types. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. A study found oat sensitization in some children with atopic dermatitis, especially with oat-containing creams. Hydrolyzed wheat protein in a facial soap caused serious wheat allergy in Japan, including anaphylaxis. This is why ORY® uses low-molecular-weight proteins and keeps levels low in facial cleansers.
Citations:
- Boussault, P., Léauté-Labrèze, C., Saubusse, E., et al. (2007). Oat sensitization in children with atopic dermatitis: Prevalence, risks and associated factors. Allergy, 62(11), 1251–1256. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1398-9995.2007.01527.x
- What it shows: Oat sensitization study.
- Fukutomi, Y., Itagaki, Y., Taniguchi, M., et al. (2011). Rhinoconjunctival sensitization to hydrolyzed wheat protein in facial soap can induce wheat-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 127(2), 531–533. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Rhinoconjunctival%20sensitization%20to%20hydrolyzed%20wheat%20protein%20in%20facial%20soap%20can%20induce%20wheat-dependent%20exercise-induced%20anaphylaxis
- What it shows: Wheat protein soap allergy report.
- Boussault, P., Léauté-Labrèze, C., Saubusse, E., et al. (2007). Oat sensitization in children with atopic dermatitis: Prevalence, risks and associated factors. Allergy, 62(11), 1251–1256. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1398-9995.2007.01527.x
4. Hair and Scalp Suitability
Claim: In haircare, hydrolyzed oat protein helps hair feel soft and moisturized. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Reviews describe proteins that bind moisture and film the hair surface; we found no trial of oat protein on hair.
Citations:
- Secchi, G. (2008). Role of protein in cosmetics. Clinics in Dermatology, 26(4), 321–325. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18691510/
- What it shows: Review.
- Gavazzoni Dias, M. F. R. (2015). Hair cosmetics: An overview. International Journal of Trichology, 7(1), 2–15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25878443/
- What it shows: Review of hair cosmetics.
- Secchi, G. (2008). Role of protein in cosmetics. Clinics in Dermatology, 26(4), 321–325. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18691510/
5. Benefits
Claim: Hydrolyzed oat protein helps skin and hair feel soft and moisturized. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Oatmeal has a long dermatology history, but this review covers colloidal oatmeal, not hydrolyzed oat protein. ORY® does not make eczema or anti-itch claims.
Citations:
- Pazyar, N., Yaghoobi, R., Kazerouni, A., & Feily, A. (2012). Oatmeal in dermatology: A brief review. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 78(2), 142–145. https://doi.org/10.4103/0378-6323.93629
- What it shows: Review of oatmeal (different oat form).
- Secchi, G. (2008). Role of protein in cosmetics. Clinics in Dermatology, 26(4), 321–325. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18691510/
- What it shows: Review.
- Pazyar, N., Yaghoobi, R., Kazerouni, A., & Feily, A. (2012). Oatmeal in dermatology: A brief review. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 78(2), 142–145. https://doi.org/10.4103/0378-6323.93629
6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines
Claim: Hydrolyzed oat protein is used in all four ORY® product lines, mainly in syndet and liquid soap for the soap line. |
Verification: Supported. Colloidal oatmeal is ORY®’s choice for cold-process bars.
| Product line | Typical level | How ORY® uses it |
| Skincare | 0.5–2% | Serums, lotions, masks, hand creams, and cleansers. |
| Haircare | 0.5–3% | Conditioners, leave-ins, masks, and shampoos. |
| Handmade Soap | 0.5–2% | Syndet, liquid, and shampoo bars; up to 1% in facial cleansers. |
| Cosmetics | 0.5–1% | Foundations, mascaras, and lip products. |
Citations:
- Becker, L. C., et al. (2019). Safety assessment of Avena sativa (oat)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 38(3 Suppl), 23S–47S (safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing). https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581819889904
- What it shows: Reported uses.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
- What it shows: FDA definition of soap; other bars are cosmetics.
- Becker, L. C., et al. (2019). Safety assessment of Avena sativa (oat)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 38(3 Suppl), 23S–47S (safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing). https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581819889904
7. Pros
Claim: A plant-based protein with a CIR safety conclusion. |
Verification: Supported. Supported by CIR review.
Citations:
- Becker, L. C., et al. (2019). Safety assessment of Avena sativa (oat)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 38(3 Suppl), 23S–47S (safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing). https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581819889904
- What it shows: Safety.
- Becker, L. C., et al. (2019). Safety assessment of Avena sativa (oat)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 38(3 Suppl), 23S–47S (safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing). https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581819889904
8. Cons
Claim: Hydrolyzed oat protein can cause allergy in some people and has limited direct trials. |
Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:
- Oat allergy. Patch test.
- Limited trials. Evidence is class-level.
- Protein overload. Alternate with moisture.
- Preservation. Protein solutions need strong preservation.
Citations:
- Boussault, P., Léauté-Labrèze, C., Saubusse, E., et al. (2007). Oat sensitization in children with atopic dermatitis: Prevalence, risks and associated factors. Allergy, 62(11), 1251–1256. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1398-9995.2007.01527.x
- What it shows: Oat sensitization.
- Boussault, P., Léauté-Labrèze, C., Saubusse, E., et al. (2007). Oat sensitization in children with atopic dermatitis: Prevalence, risks and associated factors. Allergy, 62(11), 1251–1256. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1398-9995.2007.01527.x
9. Safety Notes
Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only. |
Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:
- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- If you have an oat or gluten allergy, check with ORY® about the grade used, or avoid.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes unless the product is made for the eye area.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.
Citations:
- Becker, L. C., et al. (2019). Safety assessment of Avena sativa (oat)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 38(3 Suppl), 23S–47S (safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing). https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581819889904
- What it shows: Safety conclusion.
- Boussault, P., Léauté-Labrèze, C., Saubusse, E., et al. (2007). Oat sensitization in children with atopic dermatitis: Prevalence, risks and associated factors. Allergy, 62(11), 1251–1256. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1398-9995.2007.01527.x
- What it shows: Oat allergy.
- Becker, L. C., et al. (2019). Safety assessment of Avena sativa (oat)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 38(3 Suppl), 23S–47S (safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing). https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581819889904
10. Product-line notes
- ORY® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY® Haircare: Designed for the look and feel of hair and scalp comfort. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss.
- ORY® Handmade Soap: Hydrolyzed oat protein is used mainly in syndet, liquid, and shampoo bars (cosmetics under FDA rules). Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
- ORY® Cosmetics: Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.
11. References
Peer-reviewed research
- Becker, L. C., et al. (2019). Safety assessment of Avena sativa (oat)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 38(3 Suppl), 23S–47S (safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing). https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581819889904
- Boussault, P., Léauté-Labrèze, C., Saubusse, E., et al. (2007). Oat sensitization in children with atopic dermatitis: Prevalence, risks and associated factors. Allergy, 62(11), 1251–1256. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1398-9995.2007.01527.x
- Fukutomi, Y., Itagaki, Y., Taniguchi, M., et al. (2011). Rhinoconjunctival sensitization to hydrolyzed wheat protein in facial soap can induce wheat-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 127(2), 531–533. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Rhinoconjunctival%20sensitization%20to%20hydrolyzed%20wheat%20protein%20in%20facial%20soap%20can%20induce%20wheat-dependent%20exercise-induced%20anaphylaxis
- Gavazzoni Dias, M. F. R. (2015). Hair cosmetics: An overview. International Journal of Trichology, 7(1), 2–15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25878443/
- Pazyar, N., Yaghoobi, R., Kazerouni, A., & Feily, A. (2012). Oatmeal in dermatology: A brief review. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 78(2), 142–145. https://doi.org/10.4103/0378-6323.93629
- Secchi, G. (2008). Role of protein in cosmetics. Clinics in Dermatology, 26(4), 321–325. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18691510/
Government and regulatory sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
