Ricebran Oil
Ltin Name: Oryza sativa
Family: Poaceae, Graminae
Etymology: Sativa is the botanical term for cultivated, planted deliberately.
Method of Extraction: The oil is refined
Principal Constituents:
Type | Based on | Content -% |
Monounsaturated fatty acid | ||
C18:1 | oleic acid | 43.6 |
Polyunsaturated fatty acid | ||
C18:2 | linoleic acid | 36.6 |
C18:3 | linolenic acid | 1.8 |
Typical fatty acid content | 16.3 |
Physical properties
Colour Lovibond | 3.0 R max / 30.0 Y max |
Free fatty acids | 0.05% max |
Iodine value | 98-108 |
Peroxide value | 1.5 max |
Saponification value | 185-195 |
Unsaponifiable matter | 2.5% max |
Smoke point | 500F |
Specific gravity @ 25C | 0.913-0.919 |
Refractive index 25C | 1.470-1.473 |
Benefits to the skin
The main benefit of rice bran oil to the skin is its wonderful deep-moisturizing capability. This is due to its combination of vitamin E and fatty acids, which go deep into skin to hydrate. It’s recommended as an alternative to the popular lanolin, so keep plenty of skin cream with rice bran oil around for those cold, harsh winter months.
Concerned if you have oily skin? Try it anyway. Rice bran oil is light and penetrates easily, so it’s not likely to increase the oiliness of your skin.
How it can help
With all its natural components, rice bran oil is considered an anti-aging secret in Japan. It’s actually a high compliment to tell a Japanese woman that she is a “rice bran beauty.” The natural vitamin E plus vitamin B help firm and tighten your look, maintaining hydration, which helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Rice bran oil also contains “squalane” which is known to help your skin look younger and fresher.
The benefits don’t stop there! Rice bran oil has a slight ability to brighten the look of your skin, helping to reduce the appearance of dark spots and smooth skin tone. Antioxidants like beta-carotene and lycopene protect from environmental stressors, and enzymes like CoQ10 provide active components that help it maintain its youthful glow.
Try it!
This oil is difficult to obtain on a retail basis . As far as cooking is concerned in its unrefined state it has characteristics similar to those of wheatgerm oil (Emmerson & Ewin 1996) Naturally high in tocopherols and ferulic acid (an antioxidant) Reference: Annmarie Gianni
Reference: Carrier Oils For Aromatherapy and Massage: Len Price with Ian Smith & Shirley Price