What it is
Avena sativa is the common oat, and this ingredient is an extract specifically from its leaves and stalks rather than the seed (oat kernel). In cosmetics it is used as a botanical conditioning and soothing agent associated with the comforting reputation of oat-derived ingredients. In a daily sunscreen it supports a calm, comfortable skin feel as part of the supporting ingredient blend and does not contribute ultraviolet protection.
Safety & warnings
Oat-derived extracts are generally well tolerated and are often chosen for sensitive-skin formulas. People with a known oat or grain sensitivity should use appropriate caution and consider patch testing. It is not a recognized fragrance allergen, and as an aqueous botanical extract it is not associated with comedogenicity.
Origin & sourcing
Natural; an extract prepared from the leaf and stalk (aerial green parts) of the oat plant, Avena sativa.
Questions everyone asks
Is this the same as colloidal oatmeal?
No. This is an extract from oat leaves and stalks, whereas colloidal oatmeal is the finely milled whole oat kernel; they are distinct ingredients.
Does oat leaf/stalk extract block UV?
No. It is a soothing, conditioning botanical and does not act as a UV filter.