Rice Bran oil has been a go-to in Asian kitchens and for skincare for ages, but now it’s finally catching on in the West, especially in skincare and cannabis products. Rice Bran oil is made from the nutrient-packed outer layer of rice grains. People really like it because it’s light, lasts a long time, and is full of antioxidants. Rice Bran oil provides versatility, stability, and genuine skin benefits, making it an excellent choice for making skincare products or infusing cannabinoids for edibles.
Table of Contents
Botanical Name and INCI
Rice Bran oil comes from the outer layers of the rice plant, Oryza Sativa, which is part of the Poaceae family of grasses. The INCI designation is Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil. It is mainly sourced from rice grown across much of Asia, with significant production in Japan, India, China, and Thailand.
It has a strong history in Japanese and Korean skincare, where it gained a reputation for its softening effects. The women who made sake had to swirl the rice bran in vats using their hands. They noticed that the skin on their hands was very soft and younger-looking. “Komenuka Bijin” is a lovely compliment that describes someone with a soft, natural glow, like the smooth, radiant skin gained from traditional rice bran facial care.
Extraction Method
Rice Bran oil is obtained during the milling process that separates the outer husk and germ from the rice grain. These parts, often discarded in the production of white rice, are nutrient-rich and form the source of the oil. Cold-pressing is the most common method used to extract the oil, preserving its nutritional integrity and delicate profile.
After pressing, the oil is typically filtered and refined. This process removes waxy esters and residues, producing a clean, pale yellow oil with a neutral scent and a longer shelf life. Refining also makes it more stable when it comes to oxidation.
The waxy esters get refined even more to create a hard, white wax that works great as a vegan substitute for beeswax in skincare. Read more in this blog about working with Rice Bran Wax.
Rice Bran Oil Characteristics
Rice Bran oil is a semi-fatty oil with a light, smooth texture that absorbs at a moderate rate. It leaves the skin feeling soft and nourished without a greasy or sticky residue. It sits comfortably between dry and rich oils, making it adaptable in both short and long oil blends.
A short oil means it is excellent to use on the face as it sinks in readily. A long oil means it can also be used for full body massage where you need long, gliding strokes.
On the skin, it acts as a middle note – more lasting than light dry oils like Grapeseed, but not as heavy or persistent as Avocado or Castor oils. It’s ideal for daytime moisturisers, massage oils, and facial oils that provide lasting nourishment without feeling greasy. Its smooth texture makes it easy to mix with other carrier oils, enhancing the overall feel of the product.
Stability for Cannabis Infusion
Rice bran oil has excellent oxidative stability and a high smoke point of 230°C (446°F), making it perfect for infusing cannabinoids which need a much lower temperature. This stability ensures that the beneficial qualities of the oil are preserved. I always use the POT by NOIDS for cannabis infusion, as it is also excellent at preserving the terpene content.
As it is a very stable oil, Rice Bran oil can be used for THC or CBD infusions that can be used for skin balms, massage oils, or 420 edibles. Because the aroma and taste are so neutral, Rice Bran oil will not overwhelm any products made with it.
Composition & Key Nutrients
- Oleic Acid (Omega-9): 35% to 50%, which softens and protects the skin, improving its texture and reducing water loss.
- Linoleic Acid (Omega-6): 29% to 45%, which promotes hydration and supports skin barrier repair.
- Palmitic Acid: 12% to 18%, which adds conditioning and emollient properties.
- Stearic Acid: 0.5% to 4%, which smooths and moisturises the skin and enhances the skin’s natural barrier function.
- Gamma Oryzanol: A unique blend of ferulic acid esters, sterols, and triterpene alcohols that helps even skin tone, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation.
- Tocopherols and tocotrienols (Vitamin E): These are powerful antioxidants that protect against free radical damage, aid healing, and prolong the oil’s shelf life.
- Ferulic Acid: Stabilises the oil and enhances its antioxidant profile, especially when paired with vitamin E compounds.
- Phytosterols and Squalene: These both calm and moisturise the skin, support elasticity, and maintain the skin’s natural barrier.
- Eicosenoic Acid: max 1%. Even though it is a small amount, this monounsaturated fatty acid improves spreadability and supports light, non-comedogenic absorption. It helps the oil absorb easily and balances the skin’s natural oil production, reducing greasiness while keeping it hydrated.
Rice Bran oil is a great choice for formulations designed for mature, damaged, or sensitive skin because of its antioxidant benefits. It helps combat oxidative stress and promotes long-lasting skin health. Antioxidants neutralise free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can harm cells, speed up aging, and degrade collagen and elastin. Applying antioxidant-rich oils to the skin promotes healing, enhances resilience, decreases inflammation, and provides a shield against environmental damage from pollution and sun exposure.
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Skin Care Benefits of Rice Bran Oil
- Contains Tocopherols and Tocotrienols, powerful antioxidants that help prevent premature ageing and protect skin from oxidative stress.
- Rich in Gamma-Oryzanol and Ferulic Acid, which enhance microcirculation, support collagen production, and reduce fine lines and dark circles.
- Acts as a gentle, non-greasy emollient that hydrates deeply, softens rough or wind-chapped skin, and reduces trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL).
- Calms inflammation and helps soothe skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis.
- Helps to brighten uneven skin tone and fade hyperpigmentation with regular use.
- Delivers naturally occurring Squalene to support the skin’s lipid barrier, keeping it supple and protected from environmental stressors.
- Provides B vitamins (B1, B3, B5, B6) that support healing, soothe irritation, and assist in scar recovery.
- This mild, non-comedogenic oil is suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone and baby skin, making it great for use as a diaper oil.
Hair Care Benefits of Rice Bran Oil
- Rich in Palmitic Acid, which softens coarse, brittle, or over-processed hair without leaving a greasy or sticky residue.
- The high Omega-9 content strengthens the hair shaft and reduces breakage. It also helps hair grow thicker and more resilient.
- Maintains moisture and flexibility in the hair shaft by balancing Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids, preventing dryness and improving elasticity.
- Soothes irritated or flaky scalp, supports healthy circulation, and can reduce dandruff while encouraging stronger hair growth.
- Adds shine and smoothness to frizzy or damaged hair, and it is said to help delay premature greying.
- Acts as a natural heat protectant during styling due to its high smoke point.
- Helps preserve the vibrancy of colour-treated hair by slowing down oxidation with its natural antioxidant content.
Other Uses
Traditionally, Rice Bran oil is considered calming and centering. In Japanese and Ayurvedic skincare, it is associated with balance and gentle rejuvenation. Rice Bran oil is a nice choice for stress-relieving massage blends.
In Chinese medicine, rice is associated with the Spleen meridian, grounding, nourishing, and harmonising. Rice Bran oil reflects these same qualities: calming, balancing, and protective.
Topical Use and Formulation Tips
Rice Bran oil is a versatile ingredient for skincare and cosmetics, usable in concentrations from 5% to 100%. Its semi-fatty nature and gentle absorption make it easy to mix with other oils and butters, whether for a fast-absorbing facial serum or a richer body balm.
It has a shelf life of 12 to 24 months and a comedogenic rating of 2, meaning it is generally safe for most skin types and does not clog pores. This makes it especially useful in creams, lotions, massage oils, and after-sun products. It works particularly well to balance out heavier oils or soften dense butters.
Rice Bran oil is exceptionally well-suited for cannabis formulations. Its neutral aroma, high smoke point, and stability make it perfect for infusing with decarboxylated cannabis, whether for a topical balm or edible oil.
Sample formulations:
- This Pumpkin Seed Body Oil is soothing and can be enhanced with Rice Bran oil for extra antioxidants. Just swap out the Apricot Kernel oil for Rice Bran oil. It’s just as effective for sensitive skin.
- This versatile Cannabis-Infused Soothing Balm is designed for everyday use. To make it even more nourishing, add the Rice Bran oil in Stage 2. It boosts the antioxidant content even more, boosts collagen production, and brightens uneven skin tone.
Safety and Storage
Rice Bran oil is considered a stable and generally safe oil for topical use. Its low oxidation risk is mainly because of its natural content of oryzanol and tocopherols, which also enhance the oil’s shelf life. This makes it much less likely to go rancid quickly compared to more delicate oils. Store Rice Bran oil in a cool, dark place to maintain its integrity and ensure maximum shelf life.
It is non-phototoxic and poses no known risk for nut allergy sufferers, as it is derived from rice, not nuts. Although it’s gentle for baby care and sensitive skin, it’s advisable to do a patch test before the first use, especially during pregnancy or when using it for babies.
Conclusion
Rice Bran oil is one of the most underappreciated but versatile oils for skincare, haircare, and cannabis infusions. Light and non-greasy but packed with antioxidant power, it supports skin repair, hydration, and barrier health. Its heat stability makes it perfect for cannabis-infused balms and edibles alike.
Whether you’re creating a cannabis-infused balm, a soothing massage oil, or an everyday moisturiser, Rice Bran oil is a guaranteed good choice. It’s affordable, shelf-stable, and full of nutrients that make it a solid workhorse in any natural skincare or cannabis-infused formulation.
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FAQ
What is rice bran oil and how is it used in skincare?
Rice bran oil is a lightweight plant oil extracted from the outer layer of rice grains. It’s rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, and skin-nourishing compounds, making it ideal for use in moisturisers, serums, and massage oils.
Is rice bran oil good for sensitive or acne-prone skin?
Yes. Rice bran oil is non-comedogenic and contains anti-inflammatory compounds like gamma oryzanol and squalene. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and helps to calm irritation from acne, eczema, or rosacea.
Can I use rice bran oil for hair and scalp treatments?
Absolutely. Its mix of Omega-6 and Omega-9 essential fatty acids helps retain moisture in the hair shaft and soothes the scalp. It’s particularly useful for dry, brittle, or colour-treated hair.
Is rice bran oil a good carrier oil for cannabis infusion?
Yes, rice bran oil is heat-stable and has a high smoke point, making it an excellent choice for cannabis infusion. It doesn’t overwhelm the flavour and helps preserve cannabinoid and terpene content.
How long does rice bran oil last, and how should I store it?
When stored in a cool, dark place, rice bran oil lasts 12 to 24 months. Its natural antioxidant content helps slow oxidation, making it more shelf-stable than many other plant oils.
What does rice bran oil do for mature or ageing skin?
Rice bran oil contains tocopherols, tocotrienols, and ferulic acid, which are antioxidants that protect against free radical damage. It supports collagen production, improves skin tone, and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines.
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