Taneesa Williamson The inspiration behind Oat Body and their unique approach to skincare.
From an early aspiration to become a cosmetic pharmacist in year 10 to creating a beloved skincare brand, Fatma’s journey is a testament to passion and perseverance.
Her personal struggles with sensitive skin and a keen eye for ingredient lists led her to create Oat Body. Inspired by Frank Body’s innovative use of coffee, Fatma sought a unique approach and discovered the profound benefits of oatmeal for the skin.
Driven by a mission to provide nourishing skincare solutions, Fatma introduced a range of oatmeal-based products that have garnered a dedicated following. Each product is designed to enhance skin health and confidence. With future plans to expand the line and continue spreading the love for Oat Body, Fatma’s passion remains unwavering.
Fatma, share with us your background in the industry?
I initially wanted to be a cosmetic pharmacist and that was in year 10 and I knew from then that I wanted to be in the profession. I studied and finished my degree in Bachelor Of Medical Science at Sydney University and then transferred straight into Bachelor Of Pharmacy.
It was so enjoyable and what I wanted to do and so I found myself in community pharmacy. I have been a pharmacist for more than 10 years and working in the community sector.
Why choose Oat as a key ingredient?
I’ve always had a passion for skincare as I wanted to be a cosmetic pharmacist. I do suffer from my own issues with sensitive skin. I react to most products on the market so I’ve got to be careful with what I use. I look at every ingredient on the packaging.
I was inspired by Frank Body and their use of coffee in their skincare. That is where I started to brainstorm ideas. There are so many sugar, salt, coffee scrubs on the market and I wanted to be unique. I had heard and read all about the benefits of oatmeal for the skin.
This is where the idea came to tap into that. The idea stemmed from there and lots of formulating and testing and trialling started. It took a long time. I was enjoying every second of it. I was using what was produced on my own skin and I absolutely loved it. It was gentle, yet so effective and made my skin feel so wonderfully nourished and smooth, which is exactly how I wanted an Oat Scrub to feel, and the great thing was there was no adverse reaction to it.
I always thought I would just do body scrubs but we have the most amazing facial range which includes our Oasis Facial Oil, 2-in-1 Face Scrub and Mask, and the recently launched Dewy Drops Facial Oil Cleanser. I look back and remember all the blood, sweat and tears and it makes me emotional to see how much people love Oat Body and the confidence they have in their own skin – that is one of my aims and reasons why I created the range, it brings me so much joy and happiness.
Why oatmeal?
Oatmeal has long been celebrated for its numerous health benefits, but did you know it can also work wonders for your skin? Oatmeal-based skin products offer a range of advantages that can transform your skincare routine. Oatmeal is a powerhouse ingredient that has numerous benefits for the skin.
First and foremost, oatmeal is renowned for its gentle and soothing properties. It possesses natural anti-inflammatory qualities that can calm irritated skin and reduce redness, making it ideal for those with sensitive or easily irritated skin. Whether you’re dealing with dryness, itchiness, or minor skin irritations, oatmeal can provide much-needed relief. It also has anti-microbial effects, which helps to kill acne-causing bacteria and tackle breakouts, and is also excellent at soaking up excess oil from the skin.
Furthermore, oatmeal is a fantastic exfoliator, with saponins that provide skin exfoliation and detoxification by gently buffing away dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling smooth, soft, and rejuvenated. By encouraging gentle exfoliation, oatmeal helps to unclog pores, preventing acne breakouts and promoting a clearer complexion.
Another benefit of oatmeal-based products is their moisturising effect. Oatmeal acts as a humectant, attracting and retaining moisture in the skin, which helps to keep it hydrated and supple. This moisture barrier can also provide relief to individuals with dry or itchy skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis. Plus, because it is so gentle, it is suitable for all skin types.
Oatmeal contains natural antioxidants that help combat free radicals and protect the skin from environmental damage. These antioxidants can help reduce the signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, while promoting a youthful and radiant appearance. It is also a rich source of zinc, amino acids, and Vitamin E and Vitamin B complexes that assist with fading scars and pigmentation, dark spots, and skin discolouration, allowing for a brighter skin tone, as well as flavonoids that protect against UV rays.
What are some of your plans for Oat Body in 2025?
So many plans for Oat Body! One of which is to continue expanding the range of course to include another facial product, this time a moisturiser. Everyone keeps asking to make larger bottles of the beautiful Oasis Facial Oil. You only have to look at the reviews for all our products to see how many people love it.
Of course continue to market Oat Body and get the word out there. It truly makes me so excited to see the love that people have for Oat Body. I’m so passionate about it and the products, you could say that I’m a little obsessed with them.
That could only be a good thing and I truly hope that everyone gets to know Oat Body and the wonderful natural products that we have in the range. All 100% natural, cruelty free, Made in Australia with the highest quality ingredients. That is always at the forefront of my mind so that the customer gets the best.
Can you share the Oat Body Range?
4 body scrubs – all natural, preservative free and so gentle, yet so effective to exfoliate and moisturise and keep the skin so nourished. Gently polishes, clears out pores, helps with ingrown hairs, helps with keratosis Pilaris, boosting blood circulation. The list is endless about how important it is to care for your body skin as well as the face. You get skin issues on the body as well – dry, flaky skin, keratosis etc.
They include the Sweet Vanilla Escape, Coffee Indulgence, Feelin’ Peachy and Chocoholic. We actually launched Oat Body with the first 3 body scrubs and the Chocoholic came after. That has organic cacao powder as one of the key ingredients because of the amazing benefits cacao has on the skin.
Oasis Facial Oil, with the hero ingredient is Oatmeal Oil and also includes Argan, Jojoba, Rosehip and Vitamin E. Such a deeply nourishing oil that has people raving about it. Ive been told it’s like liquid gold for the skin. It is so pure and natural and luxurious. Lightweight and does not leave a greasy residue on the skin. Perfect for all skin types and full of anti inflammatory properties, essential fatty acids and antioxidant properties.
2 in 1 Face Scrub and Mask, a face exfoliant with a mask element. It’s not a pink clay mask. We wanted it to be different so we went with Ivory Australian clay which is the most gentle out of all the clays. Organic Oatmeal is the hero to exfoliate and nourish the skin. Also includes Organic Rosehip Seeds, Rice Powder and a medley of fruit extract powders of Raspberry, Kiwi, Mango and pineapple. I could go on for days about the benefits of this. Gently polishes, buffs away dead skin cells, clears out pores, helps with blackhead removals and really brightens the skin. I call it a game changer, as I do all my products.
Dewy Drops Facial Oil Cleanser, which was recently launched this year and uses oils to remove makeup, dirt, debris, sunscreen, unclog pores whilst leaving your skin feeling so nourished after. People have told me they have stopped using their cleansing balms which were too drying for their skin and have been using dewy drops instead. It’s a rich blend of Grapeseed, Castor, Oatmeal and Camellia Oils. Dream cleansing oils that dig deep into the pores to remove makeup and everything else leaving the skin clear and congestion free.
We also have a wide range of accessories to complement the stunning range, such as the Oat Body Makeup Removal Pads, Oat Body Muslin Cloth, our own Rose Quartz Roller and the timeless and stunning rose quartz heart that is folded. So many options for customers to choose from and what they prefer!
What Stockists Think Of Oat Body
“I’m thrilled to introduce organic, chemical-free body scrubs to my clinic, aligning with my mission to support fellow Australian women in business while complementing my services and ethics. I discovered Oat Body scrubs and was immediately drawn to their four signature scents – coffee, chocolate, peach, and vanilla – which perfectly resonate with my brand, Illuminate Skin and Body. My clinic’s focus is to illuminate and rejuvenate the skin, and these scrubs will similarly illuminate the body, ultimately empowering clients with confidence and a radiant glow.”
Rima Tenian – Owner, Illuminate Skin and Body
Explore the Oat Body range here.
Read the latest issue of SPA+CLINIC below:
