Vegetable oils, also known as carrier oils, have long been used for skin and hair care due to their moisturising, nourishing and antioxidant properties. All vegetable oils contain fatty acids that help to lock in moisture and make skin and hair softer. Some oils like olive oil and coconut oil are popular and widely used, while others are lesser known. Today, we are gong to tell you about the skin and hair benefits of rice bran oil.
Rice bran oil, sometimes also referred to as rice germ oil, is extracted from the hard outer brown layer of rice after the chaff (the outer husk of the rice grain). It is a by-product of white rice production (brown rice has its bran layer intact, which increases its nutritional value). Rice bran contains 12%-13% oil that can be used for cooking or as a personal care product.
Rice bran oil is popular as a cooking oil in China, Japan, India, Bangladesh, and some other Asian countries. It has a mild flavour and high smoke point, making rice bran oil suitable for stir frying, deep frying and other high-temperature cooking methods. In India, it is used in the preparation of vegetable ghee, a type of clarified butter.
Rice bran oil is also widely used for personal care because of its balanced fatty acid composition. It is made up of monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and saturated fats in almost equal proportions. Rice bran oil contains oleic acid (an Omega 9 fatty acid), linoleic acid (an Omega 6 fatty acid), alpha-linolenic acid (an Omega 3 fatty acid), palmitic acid, stearic acid, and myristic acid.
Due to such fatty acid composition, the oil absorbs well, doesn’t clog pores, and doesn’t make skin and hair look greasy. It can be used to take care of all skin types, including oily, combination, and problem skin. Rice bran oil is also rich in antioxidants such as oryzanol and vitamin E (tocopherols and tocotrienols), which makes it perfect for taking care of mature skin. Antioxidants neutralise the harmful effects of free radicals and prevent premature skin ageing. Due to containing both antioxidants and fatty acids, rice bran oil improves skin elasticity and smooths out fine lines.
The oil is also valued for its anti-inflammatory, rejuvenating, nourishing, moisturising and sun protective effect. It is considered to be hypoallergenic and therefore safe for people with overly sensitive skin. However, you should keep in mind that hypersensitivity is unpredictable, so if you’ve never used rice bran oil before, you should test it on a small inconspicuous area such as your wrist.
Rice bran oil can also be used for hair care. It is suitable for all hair types. This oil makes the hair stronger and softer, improves its elasticity and flexibility, restores the hair’s natural shine, and stimulates hair growth. It also helps to normalise sebum secretion in the scalp, preventing flaking, greasy roots, and other common scalp problems caused by increased or insufficient sebum secretion.
You can apply rice bran oil as is, blend it with other carrier and/or essential oils, use it to make DIY cosmetics, and add to store-bought personal care products such as shampoos, hair conditioners and masks, facial moisturisers, etc. When using pure rice bran oil, apply several drops to your fingertips, massage it lightly into the skin, then remove the residue (if there is any) with a cotton pad. We recommend that you apply oil to damp skin because this makes it easier to spread and absorb.
When applying rice bran oil to your hair, first apply it to hair roots and then spread along the entire length. If you have brittle or split ends, pay them special attention. Then put on a shower cap, wrap your head in a towel and wait for at least an hour, then wash your hair thoroughly. You will notice the effect after the first use as your hair will become softer and more manageable.
You can buy pure rice bran oil in our online shop Organic Store. We also offer other carrier oils, including Ayurvedic oils infused with herbs, produced by brands such as Aromatika, Cococare, Pharma Bio Laboratory, Flora Secret, Chandi, Triuga, Home Doctor, Elfa Pharm, Aasha Herbals, Ekolux, Parachute, and others. We offer high-quality products for a reasonable price and deliver internationally to any member country of the Universal Postal Union.
Natural Carrier Oils in Our Store
Cococare 100% Cocoa Butter Stick, 28 g |
Flora Secret Grape Seed Oil, 60 ml |
Flora Secret Almond Oil, 60 ml |
Triuga Black Cumin Oil, 75 ml |
Triuga Coconut Oil, 100 ml |
Triuga Shea Butter, 100 ml |