As consumer awareness increases in the skincare industry, the search for natural, effective, and skin-loving ingredients has brought rice oil into the spotlight. Also known as oryza sativa, rice oil has been used in beauty rituals for centuries, due to its skin-enhancing properties. Let’s take a deep dive into this fabulous ingredient and find out why!
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What Is Rice Oil?
Rice oil is extracted from the outer husk of rice grains. It is a lightweight oil, but packed full of antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids that work together to nourish and protect the skin.
Key Benefits
The potency lies in its unique composition. Here’s what makes it a skincare superstar.
Antioxidant
Rice oil delivers skin-compatible antioxidants, allowing enhanced protection from oxidative damage. Oleic acid is one of the antioxidants found in high percentages in rice oil. It is highly compatible with natural ingredients already in the skin, therefore, easily absorbs and offers enhanced protection from oxidative damage. Gamma oryzanol is another potent antioxidant, unique to rice oil. As a form of vitamin E, it helps to protect skin against damage, and minimises dark spots, circles and blemishes for a rejuvenated appearance.
Anti-Inflammatory
It deeply penetrates the skin to deliver a boost of nutrients and alleviate inflammation. The unique fatty acid composition helps to restore balance to the natural moisture barrier without causing further irritation. Gamma oryzanol also provides anti-inflammatory benefits, working to soothe the skin by reducing any discomfort caused by skin inflammation. The non-irritating molecular structure of rice oil makes it the perfect ingredient for soothing dry and sensitive skin.
Emollient
Rice oil is a powerful moisturiser. The natural lipids are fantastic emollients, working to seal moisture within the skin to prevent dryness and ensure a soft and supple complexion. Squalene is present in rice oil, and also occurs naturally within sebum in the skin. Therefore, it is well tolerated ingredient, and works to restore maximum hydration.
Boosts Circulation
Rice oil contains a range of micronutrients which work together to create smoother, delicate blood vessels for increased circulation throughout the body. Effective circulation allows the skin to receive enough blood and nutrients to maintain a healthy, youthful glow. Massaging products that contain rice oil into the skin during application can further enhance this benefit, by stimulating the facial muscles and the lymphatic drainage process.
Repairs & Protects
The natural abundance of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals found with rice oil combine to repair skin tissue from within and prevent future damage. Vitamin A contributes to the cellular regeneration process, while vitamin B promotes circulation and speeds up healing, and vitamin E creates a defensive barrier between the skin and environmental stressors. Together, these ingredients prevent UV damage and minimise the signs of premature ageing on the skin.
Top Tip: It is particularly effective when paired with Hyaluronic Acid.
What Should My Skincare Label Say?
Thanks to its versatility and benefits, it is now a popular ingredient in moisturisers, serums, and even cleansers. If you’re looking for a product, check the ingredient list for “Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil” or “Rice Bran Extract.”
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