The grain of ricecontains super “powers” for the skin. Thanks to its composition, it is the king food in Asia. “It is rich in starch, complex carbohydrates, proteins, fatty acids, vitamin E, B, fiber and minerals”, specifies Emilie Jolibois, specialist in cosmetic ingredients. Its nutritional properties are also interesting for the skin. Long before we knew its composition, it was first rice powder that was used in cosmetics: geishas applied it to whiten their complexion a few centuries ago. It appears in France under the old regime to matify and hide all imperfections.
Its oil is restorative
“In rice bran oil, we findoleic acid, which applied to the epidermis, forms a protective film and promotes healing. But also, linoleic acid which reconstitutes the hydrolipidic barrier, often altered in the event of sensitive or dry skin”, continues the expert. Phyto-sterols bring, as for them, a soothing action : they soothe irritation and relieve inflammation. “This oil also contains antioxidant molecules, such as vitamin E, ferulic acid and gamma oryzanol acid, which fight against free radicals”.
Its proteins strengthen the hair
“Rice proteins have a sheathing effect on the hair. They swell on contact with water, they coat the fiber, with which they are in perfect affinity, to thicken it. In Asia, women use water cooking rice, rich in starch, to rinse the hair and thus increase their volume”, describes Emilie Jolibois. In the manner ofa dry shampoorice powder absorbs excess sebumof the scalp, which tends to flatten the roots. It also brings body to hair without volume, on which no hairstyle holds.
4 treatments we love
Face scrub
Fermented rice is combined with black willow extract and yeast to soften the epidermis, while plant-based cellulose eliminates dead cells. And the rice bran extract protects the skin from dehydration.
Mc Girly Rice Scrub, Too Cool For School, €18 for 150ml.
Volumizing shampoo
A gentle cleansing base without sulphates or silicones which respects the integrity of fine hair, and a rice germ extract, which coats the hair, combined with fortifying and repairing honey.
Volume shampoo, Naturé Moi, €3.76 for 250ml.
Body Cream
This whipped cream is enriched with organic rice milk for its nourishing and restorative properties. The formula is delicately scented with cherry blossoms, a symbol of the awakening of nature in Japan.
Magic Touch The Ritual Of Sakura Body Cream, Rituals, €15.50 for 200ml. Exclusively at Sephora.
Radiance mask
A Chinese rice extract helps maintain water in the epidermis, while ginseng extract stimulates cell renewal and organic sesame oil softens the skin.
Illuminating Exfoliating Mask with Chinese Ginseng and Rice, The Body Shop, €20 for 75ml.
Thanks to Emilie Jolibois, research expert in cosmetic ingredients for Aroma Zone.
Read also: 4 beauty rituals to steal from Japanese women
The health benefits of Japanese cuisine
