What Is Rice Bran Ferment and How Is It Used in Skincare?

The bountiful array of nutrients found in rice, combined with the power of fermentation, make rice bran ferment one of the most potent beauty secrets on the market today.

Jul 27 2022 - 5 min read

Written by Shiko Beauty Collective

What Is Rice Bran Ferment and How Is It Used in Skincare?

While you may have only learned about the amazing benefits of using rice water or rice oil for your skin recently, the use of rice to keep skin looking radiant and refreshed has been known for hundreds of years in Japan.

There are, of course, numerous ways to nourish your skin with the anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and hydrating compounds found in rice. But one of the most effective ways to take advantage of this ancient and potent skincare ingredient is the use of rice bran ferment in your skincare products.

Benefits of Rice in Skincare

The Western World is only just starting to learn about the incredible powers of rice as a skincare superstar. Rice contains numerous components that benefit skin health, such as phenolic compounds that protect collagen and elastin, squalene which lubricates and protects your skin, and rice bran which is rich in antioxidants and other nourishing benefits.

The Power of Fermentation

In Japan, fermentation has been treasured for centuries as a key to human health and wellness. The numerous nourishing and restorative health benefits of fermentation provide a foundation for Japanese food, culture, and even its world-renowned beauty products.

Japan’s warm, humid climate is ideal for the growth of fermentation bacteria, including Japan’s “national fungus” Kōji. Kōji mold is used in brewing sake, or fermenting soybeans for soy sauce, miso, and mirin, as well as for fermenting rice bran for use in skincare products.

Fermentation in Skincare

The fermentation process uses microorganisms to break down organic materials, leaving behind nutrient dense byproducts such as peptides and amino acids. When these ingredients are concentrated as a consequence of fermentation, they become not only more potent, but also more easily absorbed by the skin.

Fermented ingredients in skincare improve barrier function and collagen synthesis, and are an impressive anti-aging treatment. They promote skin turnover, as well as increase penetration of other ingredients, leading to improved hydration.

What is Rice Bran?

The “bran” of rice is the brown outer layer of the rice kernel, removed and set aside during the milling of rice. But there is a reason the bran is only set aside and never thrown out during the milling process. Rice bran is overflowing with over 100 antioxidant compounds, including:

Vitamin E
Oryzanol
Ferulic acids

Rice bran is also rich with polysaccharides, omega-3 fatty acids, as well as micronutrients such as zinc, calcium, and selenium. Because of its high nutritional content, rice bran is used to treat a variety of health conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure.

What is Rice Bran Ferment?

When rice bran is fermented, all these unique and dynamic components are concentrated, allowing for deep, long lasting penetration. At Shikō Beauty, we use rice bran ferment as a powerful ingredient in many of our skincare products to help to lock in moisture, without clogging your pores. Rice bran ferment softens and clears skin naturally, while conditioning your skin by preventing minerals in water from causing undesired reactions.

Rice bran ferment inhibits the synthesis of melanin, targeting dull spots and discoloration, while also brightening and moisturizing your skin. Our Seiso Jbeauty Fuwafuwa Foaming Cleanser is one of our favorite products that features rice bran ferment. Perfectly pH balanced for delicate facial skin, this cleanser is one of the most effective on the market, and uses fermented rice extract to keep skin looking balanced, all while feeling properly hydrated and velvety soft.

Is Fermented Rice Good for Skin?

If your skin has struggled in the past from dull spots, unevenness, or blemishes, products that feature fermented rice bran can provide a long lasting solution. By boosting the production of collagen, fermented rice bran gives skin a supple, even, and radiant tone. The fermentation process also produces hyaluronic acid, which works to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

In addition, your skin's microbiome is an often overlooked player in the quest for youthful, supple skin. Fermented rice bran helps regulate the balance of your skin's microbiome, helping to normalize moisture balance and improving your skin's barrier function. Our The Finggy Skin Lotion is infused with Nakamurakin ferment filtrate, a specific strain of yeast made by adding rice malt to rice bran and naturally fermenting it with mineral-rich "Otowa water”, sourced from the most renowned Kiyomizu dera temple in Kyoto to help balance your skins microbiome and restore the appearance of clear, resilient skin.

Does Rice Bran Lighten Skin?

When used topically, rice bran ferment can even out skin tone and brighten your complexion. This is accomplished by improving circulation and increasing melanin synthesis. It also provides some protection from radiation, minimizing the damage done by UV rays and other environmental stressors.

Is Rice Bran Good for Sensitive Skin?

Rice bran ferment is an ideal ingredient for those with sensitive skin. Easily absorbed, it functions as both a carrier and an emollient, transporting needed nutrients to damaged skin, while also moisturizing and hydrating. In studies, rice bran ferment has been shown to help with atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema.

Does Rice Bran Oil Clog Pores?

Many oils used in skin care products have a tendency to clog pores, leading to blackheads or breakouts. Luckily, rice bran oil is not comedogenic, meaning it has not been found to clog pores or cause breakouts. In fact, the use of rice bran oil and ferment can help calm your skin if it is too oily. By nourishing and moisturizing your skin, it sends a signal to your pores to cease overproduction of sebum, the natural oil that your skin produces, sometimes in overabundance, thereby eliminating breakouts and clogged pores.

Our Ishii Clinic Beauty Labo Ferment Gel is the ideal showcase for the incredible uses of rice bran ferment gel. Only one or two pearl-sized dots after cleansing provides long lasting hydration and improves your skin barrier, while protecting, brightening, and calming your skin. And as always, our expert team is on hand to answer any questions you may have about which skincare products featuring rice bran ferment will bring out the best in your skin.