Antioxidant grain extract
Black Rice
INCI: Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract·Limited evidence
An anthocyanin-rich extract of black (purple) rice, a darker, more pigmented fraction than the pale rice water used in glass-skin toners. It is used in K-beauty serums for the appearance of firmer, more radiant-looking skin, on the strength of its natural antioxidant content.
Studied for
- ·The appearance of radiance and a brighter-looking tone
- ·The look of firmer, smoother skin
- ·Antioxidant support against the look of environmental dulling
How it’s thought to work
Black rice is naturally high in anthocyanins, ferulic acid and vitamin E, studied as antioxidants for the appearance of the skin. As with most whole-grain botanicals, the finished-product evidence is limited and the extract is not standardised to a single active.
Questions
- How is this different from rice water toners?
- Rice water and pale rice extracts are used mostly for a soft, radiant finish. Black rice is the darker, anthocyanin-rich fraction, so it is pitched more on antioxidant and firming-appearance grounds, though the evidence for either is limited.
- Does black rice extract have any known irritation risk?
- It is generally considered a low-risk antioxidant botanical with no major reported irritation pattern, though as with any plant extract a patch test is sensible if you have known botanical sensitivities.