The London outfit grabbed a solitary point after eight away league defeats in a row, but it was poor fare for paying fans as the struggling sides served up a shocking bore draw.
Charlton had the best of the meagre chances either side could muster and Barnsley had to wait until the 71st for their first effort on target
Barnsley livewire Michael Mifsud was a solitary shining light as he turned on the style to provide the only sparkle to a dreary first half.
The pint-sized Malta international frontman, signed by Barnsley on loan for the rest of the season from Coventry, made his first appearance at Oakwell since he arrived on transfer deadline day.
And he dazzled at times tormenting Charlton's rearguard with his darting runs and electrifying pace.
Problem was the rest of Barnsley's team failed to tune and couldn't keep up with Mifsud.
He burst down the right and found a gap before driving and inviting ball across the face of goal after 14 minutes that should have given the home side a chance, but Mifsud's team-mates were yards behind him.
And a series of clever breaks collapsed as Barnsley failed to make the most of Mifsud's enterprise.
It was left to Charlton to produce the only chance on target of the first half when a free-kick bobbled and Mark Hudson managed an acrobatic volley that tempted Heinz Muller into a comfortable save.
Charlton almost caught out the home side early in the second half when Chris Dickson picked up the ball from Tom Soares broke into the area and slipped in a dangerous ball that had Muller in trouble and Darren Moore had to clear as it ran towards the gaping goal.
The visitors went close again when Therry Racon created a chance for himself on the left and smashed in a shot that Muller had to force over.
Barnsley boss Simon Davey made a double switch in a bid to give the home side a boost, brining on Jon Macken and Adam Hammill after 66 minutes.
But another opportunity came Charlton's way soon afterwards when Nicky Bailey hit a fierce low shot but Muller saved with ease.