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Avena Sativa Kernel Extract

What Avena Sativa Kernel Extract is & what it does

An oat extract rich in soothing compounds that calm the look of irritation and itching while supporting the barrier. It is gentle and suits sensitive skin.

What is Avena Sativa Kernel Extract and what does it do in sunscreen?

Avena Sativa Kernel Extract is an extract from oat kernels, used as a soothing ingredient. It is rich in compounds that calm the look of irritation and itching while supporting the skin barrier, which makes it a common choice in sunscreens for sensitive skin. It is gentle and helps a formula feel comforting on the skin.

Is Avena Sativa Kernel Extract safe?

Yes. Oat extract is a long-established, gentle ingredient that is well tolerated even on sensitive and easily irritated skin. The main caveat is for people with a known oat or gluten allergy, who may want to patch test or avoid it.

Does Avena Sativa Kernel Extract clog pores?

Generally no. It is a water-based botanical extract used at low levels, not a heavy oil or wax, so it is considered low risk for clogging pores. It is more often chosen to calm and soothe than to add richness.

Is Avena Sativa Kernel Extract good for sensitive skin?

Yes. Oat is one of the classic ingredients for calming and comforting reactive skin, which is why it appears so often in gentle and sensitive-skin sunscreens. It helps soothe the look of redness and itching while supporting the barrier. People with an oat or gluten allergy are the exception and should be cautious.

What is Avena Sativa Kernel Extract on an ingredient list (INCI)?

Avena Sativa Kernel Extract is the INCI name for an extract from oat kernels, where Avena sativa is the botanical name for the common oat. It is also referred to broadly as oat extract. It usually appears lower on the list as a soothing botanical.

Sunscreens with Avena Sativa Kernel Extract

We rate 119 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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