The skincare benefits of rice bran?

The rice bran that has existed in Japan since ancient times

One of the four skin-enhancing ingredients found in Kuramoto no Shizuku is ‘rice bran.’ Rice bran is the powder that is produced when the surface of brown rice is polished during the rice milling process. For Japanese people, who primarily consume rice, rice bran is a common sight, often seen in pickled rice dishes and as fertilizer. In this article, we will introduce the components contained in the beloved rice bran and its skincare benefits!

Beauty ingredients contained in rice bran

Rice bran, which has been cherished in Japan for a long time, is enjoyed not only as a food but also for beauty purposes. One common use is the ‘rice bran bag,’ where rice bran is packed into cloth bags made of cotton or silk, allowing it to be used to wash the face and body like soap. Another popular product seen in drugstores is the ‘rice bran pack.’ One of the appealing aspects of rice bran is that it contains natural ingredients, making it safe for those with sensitive skin to use. So, what beauty ingredients are found in rice bran?

・Vitamin E

Vitamin E has strong antioxidant properties that help prevent oxidation caused by reactive oxygen species in the body, thus playing a role in preventing skin aging. Additionally, it promotes skin turnover, improves dullness such as dark spots, enhances the skin’s barrier function, and helps maintain skin moisture.

・Linoleic acid

Linoleic acid is a component that can only be extracted from vegetable oils. It prevents moisture evaporation from the stratum corneum and helps to soften the skin. Additionally, it acts on melanocytes, which are responsible for dark spots, and prevents the production of melanin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent skin inflammation, such as acne.

・Ceramide

Ceramides are often referred to as “natural moisturizing factors” and are the main component of intercellular lipids found in the stratum corneum of human skin. When intercellular lipids are sufficiently filled with ceramides, the skin’s moisture and barrier function are maintained. This helps to improve the skin’s texture, leading to a plump and smooth appearance. However, ceramide levels tend to decrease with age, and by the age of 50, it is estimated that ceramide levels may drop to about half of what they were in the 20s.

・Ferulic acid

Ferulic acid is a plant-based antioxidant that is expected to have anti-aging effects, primarily in preventing age-related issues such as dark spots and wrinkles. Additionally, ferulic acid works effectively with other antioxidant ingredients, helping to stabilize components with unstable structures, such as vitamin C.

・Kojic acid

ojic acid is known for its skin-brightening effects by inhibiting melanin production, as well as its antioxidant properties that help prevent aging damage to the skin. It also has antibacterial effects that can help prevent various skin troubles. Additionally, kojic acid is effective against the yellowing of the skin that tends to increase with age, improving skin discoloration and restoring transparency, ultimately leading to more beautiful skin.

・Phytic acid

Phytic acid is a plant-derived natural ingredient that is abundant in grains and legumes and is also found in products like pharmaceuticals and toothpaste. It has chelating properties that can help remove harmful substances and chemicals that accumulate in daily life, providing benefits in preventing skin troubles.

The skincare benefits of rice bran

Rice bran contains a variety of components that are naturally derived and have beneficial effects on the skin, contributing to its beauty and health. The beauty benefits of rice bran are scientifically proven even today. So, what specific effects can be expected from it?

・Moisturizing Effect

The plant-derived ceramides found in rice bran possess strong moisturizing and water-retaining properties, as well as the ability to enhance the skin’s barrier function.

・Whitening Effect

The ferulic acid found in rice bran helps prevent the production of melanin, which can cause dark spots, freckles, and dullness, thereby providing a clearer and more radiant complexion to the skin.

・Anti-Aging Care

The antioxidant properties of vitamin E and ferulic acid found in rice bran help prevent skin oxidation, thereby protecting against signs of aging such as wrinkles and sagging.

・Firming and Elasticity-Enhancing Effect

Rice bran is rich in amino acids that help build the skin and promote collagen production. Collagen provides firmness and elasticity to the skin, making it effective in improving and preventing sagging.

・Radiance-Enhancing Effect

Incorporating rice bran into skincare provides excellent effects for whitening and moisturizing. As a result, it helps prevent roughness and dullness caused by dryness, giving the skin a radiant glow.

・Texture Refining Effect

The ceramides and amino acids found in rice bran assist in moisturizing the skin and maintaining its barrier function. This helps prevent skin disturbances caused by dryness and refines the skin’s texture.

・Gentle for Sensitive Skin

Rice bran is made from natural ingredients, making it relatively low in irritation and easy to incorporate for people with sensitive skin.

Summary

This time, we highlighted the beauty benefits of rice bran. While rice bran is often strongly associated with food items like pickled rice bran, it also demonstrates remarkable effects in skincare. Used since the Edo period, rice bran is a byproduct of the rice milling process, which could easily be discarded. Given the current emphasis on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it can be seen as a beauty method that showcases the unique charm of Japan.