For decades, the name Aveeno® has been synonymous with skincare products that address a wide range of skin types, issues and tones. But do you know everything about this household name? Let’s dive into what makes Aveeno® the beloved hair and skincare brand it is today.
1. Oats (they’re not just for breakfast)
Back in 1945, two American brothers — Sidney and Albert Musher — set forth to show that the key to human health was found in nature. In conjunction with the famous Mayo Clinic, the two started experimenting with raw cereals, specifically oats, and discovered that finely milling colloidal oatmeal could help unlock the secret to healing dry, sensitive skin. These efforts led to the development and commercialization of the very first product — Aveeno® Soothing Bath Treatment — and the Aveeno® brand was officially born. To this day, all Aveeno® body products still contain either oat extracts or colloidal oatmeal.
2. How did Aveeno® get its name?
It only makes sense that the Aveeno® name is derived from the scientific name for the common oat, Avena sativa — a reference to this key ingredient that has been part of the brand since it began.
3. The numbers behind the skincare
Since Aveeno® began working with the Mayo Clinic, the research has made significant contributions to the science of skin health. Since 2001, the R&D team has had more than 80 clinical studies published in scientific journals. When looking for inspiration for product lines, we’ve tested over 100,000 different natural elements to ensure they’re effective and beneficial for skin health. And to ensure safety and efficacy, our colloidal oatmeal eczema products have been evaluated in more than 25 studies involving more than 2,500 patients dealing with a variety of dry and compromised skin issues.
4. The brand continues to combine scientific research with selected ingredients found in nature
Every ingredient we use has to pass a strict 5-step safety assurance process, and our oats are harvested in ideal regions for them to grow. We also feel it’s important for consumers to understand the “why” behind the ingredients, so we provide explanations as to what makes certain ingredients we use so beneficial for skincare routines.
5. Aveeno® cares about skin health — and the health of the planet
Along with caring for your skin and hair, Aveeno® is also committed to caring for the environment. Several Aveeno® Baby products have been certified by UL ECOLOGO®, which means they’re verified for their reduced environmental impact in ways that might involve a) product formulations that don’t include dangerous chemicals, b) commitments to reduce animal testing and, c) how the product impacts health and the environment. We’re also committed to reducing packaging waste and using more recyclable, recycled and renewable materials.
6. There’s a deep belief in equal representation in skin health
Eczema is the second-most frequent skin disease affecting the Black community, but often under-diagnosed due to a lack of representation in medical textbooks. In 2021, Aveeno® launched its #SkinVisibility campaign, an initiative focused on addressing eczema on Black skin and providing essential skincare resources to more than 200,000 Black women.
7. Aveeno® products have won multiple awards.
In 2024, the Aveeno Calm + Restore® Oat Gel Moisturizer and Therapeutic Shave Gel With Oat both won 2024 Allure Best of Beauty awards. And most recently, Aveeno® Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion received a Beauty and Wellness award from Glamour.
Also, in 2023, the Aveeno® Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion received Glamour’s Beauty & Wellness Award for Best Body Lotion; the Aveeno Calm + Restore® Oat Repairing Lotion won PEOPLE’s Beauty Award for Best Fragrance-Free Body Lotion; and the Aveeno® Tone + Texture Body Scrub took home the Allure Best of Beauty Award for Best Body Scrub for Sensitive Skin.
8. Aveeno® scientists are experts on skin microbiome
Skin health is dependent on something called the skin microbiome, which is both good and bad bacteria in an invisible ecosystem of microorganisms living on the skin. When the microbiome is healthy, it acts as the skin’s natural protective shield. But when it’s not, skin is vulnerable to things like irritation, dryness and sensitivity. This can be due to everything from a harsh cleanser to weather and environmental pollution.
Aveeno® scientists are industry experts on the microbial diversity of both healthy and compromised skin. Their research has been vital in helping to understand the science behind skin microbiomes.
9. The launch of Healthy Start takes a proactive approach to newborn skincare
Suitable for proactive use on day one of life, the Aveeno® Healthy Start line nourishes and helps support your newborn baby’s delicate skin. The ultimate duo, the Aveeno® Healthy Start Nourishing Newborn Baby Body Wash is formulated with rich emollients and gently cleanses delicate skin, while the Aveeno® Healthy Start Newborn Baby Balm helps support their skin’s moisture barrier, the first line of defense against germs, dryness, irritants, humidity and allergens.