MISIWWA’S SIMPLE FORMULAS: OAT + COCONUT MILK BATH
For my wife,
I wanted to soothe your pain, even for a moment.
- The Founders Diary
Simple Formula 002 — Oat + Coconut Milk Bath
A little context to my favorite combination ever. It was during the beginning of our relationship and I had known nothing; didn’t know how bad her eczema could get.
It can happen in a flash - her body had become even more devastatingly sore, red, and filled with raw skin. The Eczema was taking a toll on her, as it went from her hand to all over her body. Even her face.
What was someone who didn’t know how to heal, to do?
I’ve searched everywhere, but I couldn’t bear to hear the pain. I wish, truly, I could hold that burden - I’d do anything to hold that burden.
To become a chemist would take too long; while she waited as I began to research how to fix her pain, I had dumped a box of oats and coconut milk in her bath.
“It feels better,” she said. “Not entirely fixing me, but I feel some peace.”
Even for a moment, relief set in. Oat and coconut would be the beginning of my journey; and now, because I carried that pain with her and figured what worked for her, I don’t regret that the most simple recipe I’ve had in mind… was what worked for that moment.
Oat has amazing properties - that itself was the foundation of all of Misiwwa’s products. In every product (in the original line), there is oat. It is a reminder for me, and for everyone else, that Misiwwa was made out of the journey of pain and love.
OATS
contain avenanthramides (anti-inflammatory antioxidants), β-glucans (water-binding polysaccharides), and saponins (natural cleansing agents).
avenanthramides reduce irritation and redness by moderating inflammatory mediators; β-glucans form a light film that helps retain moisture.
COCONUT MILK
Structure – shorter carbon chains make them lighter and more fluid than long-chain oils.
Skin absorption – they penetrate the stratum corneum efficiently without leaving heavy residue.
Barrier support – they reduce transepidermal water loss by forming a semi-occlusive layer.
Stability – highly resistant to oxidation, so they extend shelf life and keep formulas from turning rancid.
Antimicrobial effect – lauric and capric acids show mild activity against bacteria and fungi in vitro.
( Context for readers with skin conditions,
Large pragmatic RCT (BMJ, 2018; BATHE) found no meaningful added benefit from commercial bath additives beyond standard leave‑on care. Use this soak for comfort, not as a treatment. (BMJ))If you wanna know more about Oats, visit Misiwwa’s Science Worlds: Do Oats really give benefits?
THE FORMULA
01. Plain oats, finely ground (“colloidal”), or as colloidal as you can get: 40 g
02. Unsweetened canned coconut milk: ≈240 mL
01. 40g PLAIN OATS - GRIND AS MUCH AS YOU CAN.
—> Colloidal oatmeal is defined by the FDA as finely milled oat flour with particle sizes typically below 150 micrometers (µm), often averaging around 45 µm.
—> You cannot achieve this at home with a regular blender or grinder. Homemade ground oats stay much larger, so expect sediment in the tub and a film on the surface that needs rinsing afterward.
02. 240ML UNSWEETENED CANNED COCONUT MILK
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR IN THE STORE
Oats: any plain rolled or quick oats. Grind to flour.
Coconut milk (can): ingredients should read coconut and water. Some brands add potassium metabisulfite (a sulfite preservative). Choose sulfite‑free if sensitive. Example label: “Coconut Milk, Water, Potassium Metabisulfite (as a preservative).” (Publix Super Markets)
Though there shouldn’t be any issues with grocery store brands, we understand that there can be some paranoia, or uncertainty with what could be added in the products in your local stores.
If you are unsure, Misiwwa Heritage Club actually has a Misiwwa Verified Coconut milk + Colloidal oatmeal pack here.
HOW TO MAKE IT
MAKE
1. Grind oats into a fine powder that makes water cloudy.
2. In a clean 500 mL bottle, mix coconut milk and oats, add warm water up to 400 mL, close the lid, and shake for 30 seconds.
3. Use immediately or keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
HOW TO USE
1. Pour the entire bottle under running warm water. Swish to disperse.
2. Soak yourself in the bath for 15–30 min, (or more, depending on how you like it.)
3. Once satisfied, pat dry, clean up any residue.
Possible issues and how to avoid them
Allergy: rare but real oat or coconut reactions. If you’ve reacted before, skip. Cosmetic Ingredient Review supports the general safety of oat‑derived cosmetic ingredients, but sensitization can occur. (CIR Safety)
Gluten note: gluten is not absorbed through intact skin; the main risk is accidental ingestion. Certified gluten‑free oats are optional. (Celiac Disease Foundation)
Sulfite sensitivity/asthma: avoid coconut milks with metabisulfite. Check labels. (Publix Super Markets)
Slippery tub: FDA directs using a mat to avoid slipping with colloidal oatmeal soaks. Rinse the tub after.
Over‑soaking: monograph warns some skin can overdry if you soak too long. Cap at 30 min.
Patch test
Dab a small amount of diluted mix on inner forearm for 24–48 h before first full bath. AAD gives step‑by‑step guidance for testing new products. (American Academy of Dermatology)
Editor’s note
// This formula came from caring for someone with eczema. It stays in the cosmetic lane: soft feel, easy rinse, simple labels, fewer irritants. For medical management, follow clinician advice and standard leave‑on care; don’t rely on bath additives alone. (BMJ)