Safety Assessment of Avena sativa (Oat)-Derived Ingredients As Used in Cosmetics

Abstract

This is a safety assessment of Avena sativa (oat)–derived ingredients. The reported functions of these ingredients in cosmetics include abrasives, antioxidant, skin conditioning agents, absorbents, and bulking agents. The Panel reviewed relevant animal and human data related to these ingredients. Because final product formulations may contain multiple botanicals, each containing the same constituents of concern, formulators are advised to be aware of these constituents and to avoid reaching levels that may lead to sensitization or other toxic effects. The Panel stated that industry should continue to use good manufacturing practices to limit impurities and concluded that all but one of the Avena sativa (oat)–derived ingredients are safe as cosmetic ingredients in the practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment when formulated to be nonsensitizing; data are insufficient to come to a conclusion of safety for Avena Sativa (Oat) Meristem Cell Extract.

Food allergens in emollients

“…All these oat-derived ingredients are manufactured from grain and may contain oat protein: kernel flour is produced by steaming and grinding grains, kernel oil is obtained from grinding and pressing grains, and kernel extract is manufactured by macerating oat kernels followed by draining and pressing. 8 However, the details of the manufacturing process may vary from supplier.…”

“…When they are dried, extracted, and filtered, protein-free extracts, which are active ingredients in emollient-plus products, are produced. 8 We want to highlight the importance of choosing bland and food allergen-free skin care products. Choosing such products is partic-…”

“…In the study conducted by Ní Chaoimh et al, 1 an emollient contained these ingredients: Avena sativa (oat) kernel flour, Avena sativa kernel extract, and Avena sativa kernel oil (data collected from the manufacturer's website). All these oat‐derived ingredients are manufactured from grain and may contain oat protein: kernel flour is produced by steaming and grinding grains, kernel oil is obtained from grinding and pressing grains, and kernel extract is manufactured by macerating oat kernels followed by draining and pressing 8 . However, the details of the manufacturing process may vary from supplier.…”

“…For example, oat plantlet extract is produced from young plants. When they are dried, extracted, and filtered, protein‐free extracts, which are active ingredients in emollient‐plus products, are produced 8 …”

Multiple Antioxidative and Bioactive Molecules of Oats (Avena sativa L.) in Human Health

“…The tyrosinase-binding affinity of Avns, which obtained by molecular docking simulation and the Derek Nexus quantitative structure–activity relationship system, suggests that the binding affinities are ranged between −7.5 kcal/mol and −6.8 kcal/mol [ 116 ]. Moreover, creams containing oat extract showed improved facial skin and were safe to use [ 117 ]. Based on these findings, it is possible to explore the feasibility of oat extract as an active ingredient in functional cosmetics to alleviate redness and pigmentation.…”