The Benefits of Rice Bran Oil for Home Made Cosmetics
Rice bran oil is extracted from the outer hull (or the “bran”) of the rice grain and it is a rich source of antioxidants and micronutrients, even vitamin E.
In Japan, rice bran oil is often used as a popular skin and beauty enhancer, but it is used around the world in a variety of cosmetics, especially cosmetics for treating dry and mature skin.
Rice bran oil spreads smoothly and offers moderate penetration with very little greasiness.
This recipe for a lip balm or treatment will prevent dry, chapped, or cracking lips and rice bran oil helps to moisturize and protect lips from damage.
Lip Treatment
- ½ oz beeswax
- ½ oz cocoa butter
- 1 tablespoon infused calendula oil
- 1 tablespoon castor oil
- 1 tablespoon rice bran oil
- 6 drops vitamin E oil
4 to 6 drops of your favorite essential oil (recommended: peppermint, orange or mandarin)
Cut or grate the beeswax into very small pieces into a heatproof container then melt by placing container in hot water. Add the cocoa butter and melt but do not allow the mixture to overheat. Slowly add the calendula, rice bran, and castor oils. Remove from heat and add the vitamin E oil and essential oil. Mix well and pour into small glass sealable dishes.
To use, apply a small dab of lip treatment to lips for moisturizing treatment and protection. (Beet juice can be added in very small amounts for a desired color effect.)
Shea butter is a popular skin moisturizing treatment, and you won't believe how easy it is to make your own shea butter by using this next rice bran oil based recipe!
Basic Shea Butter
- 30% olive oil
- 25% rice bran oil
- 20% unrefined shea butter
- 15% virgin palm kernel oil
- 10% virgin coconut oil
- Add your own preference essential oil for desired fragrance
Combine all ingredients into a tight sealing storage container, mixing well. It's that easy!
To use, rub this basic shea butter into the skin for a moisturizing treatment. Although the SPF of rice bran oil is not known, it does offer protection from the damage of the sun so this can also be used as a minimal sun screen.
For a daily face mask and moisturizer, check out this next recipe to get the most out of the many benefits of the proteins, nutrients, and antioxidants found in rice bran oil.
Face Moisturizer
- 1 teaspoon rice bran oil
- 1 teaspoon avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon canola oil
- 1 teaspoon walnut oil
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
- ½ teaspoon coconut oil
- ¼ teaspoon orange oil (can be increased for a richer aroma)
Mix all ingredients together in a small saucepan and then heat on the stove over low heat, without over heating. Let the mixture cool completely before pouring into a storage container or cosmetic dispensing bottle. Shake well before using, as the ingredients may separate. To use, massage a few drops into your face and neck daily for a moisturizing effect that reduces elasticity.
