What is Hydrolyzed Rice Protein for Skin?
It isn’t a skincare ingredient you hear of every day, but using hydrolyzed rice protein for skin can bring you a number of benefits thanks to its high content of amino acids. From hydrating to anti-aging properties, this conditioning agent might be worth adding to your skincare routine if you’re looking to target fine lines, wrinkles, or dryness. But it’s benefits don’t stop there.
What does hydrolyzed rice protein do for skin? Ahead, everything you need to know about this skin-loving protein and why it deserves a place in your daily regimen.
What is Hydrolyzed Rice Protein?
Hydrolyzed rice protein (otherwise known as rice protein hydrolysate) is a cosmetic grade vegetable protein extracted from non-GMO rice bran. Derived from rice grains that have undergone hydrolysis, this clear amber liquid is naturally gluten-free and perfect for anyone following a vegan lifestyle. In skincare, it is used as a conditioning agent—commonly added to skin and hair care formulations including creams, lotions, shampoos, hair masks, and even some cleansers.
Packed with antioxidant and peptide content, studies shows that hydrolyzed rice protein can help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, even out skin tone, and improve hydration. It is also an effective anti-irritant that can help soothe dry, itchy skin. For that reason, hydrolyzed rice protein is a great choice for people with sensitive skin.
Is Hydrolyzed Rice Protein Good for Skin?
Yes, hydrolyzed rice protein is good for the skin. That is why this vegetable protein is often added to products like serums, lotions, face masks, and other personal care products. It can actually benefit all skin types. Incredibly gentle, hydrolyzed rice protein offers powerful hydrating and anti-aging effects for people with sensitive skin—without side effects such as dryness and irritation.
Rich in amino acids and antioxidants, hydrolyzed rice protein can hydrate, firm, and soothe the skin. With its powerful peptide activity, this protein can also combat oxidative stress on the skin—preventing premature signs of aging.
Benefits of Hydrolyzed Rice Protein for Skin
There’s a reason it is getting more common to see hydrolyzed rice protein in skincare products. It’s because this protein is a powerful, high performance ingredient. Here are the top hydrolyzed rice protein benefits for skin.
Intensely Hydrates Skin
Hydrolyzed rice protein has water-binding properties, which can help to improve skin hydration. It forms a protective film on the skin’s surface, preventing water loss and promoting moisture retention so that skin stays smoother for longer.
Fights Signs of Aging
This amino-packed protein combats aging in several ways. First, through collagen support. Some studies suggest that rice protein may boost collagen production, which is essential for maintaining skin structure and elasticity.
Second, the smaller peptides resulting from the hydrolysis process (like HRP) can penetrate the skin more easily, improving skin firmness and elasticity, while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Ans finally, rice protein contains natural antioxidants that can help neutralize free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage skin cells and contribute to premature aging. The antioxidant properties of hydrolyzed rice protein may help protect the skin from oxidative stress.
Soothes Irritated Skin
Some studies suggest that hydrolyzed rice protein may possess anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease irritation. It is also known to be an anti-irritant, helping to relieve bumps, redness, and itching. For that reason, hydrolyzed rice protein is a highly valuable ingredient in body creams and shaving products.
Evens Out Skin Tone
Hydrolyzed rice protein particles provide gentle exfoliation, which helps to remove dead skin cells and improve skin tone. It can fade dark spots and discoloration while brightening the skin for a clearer, more radiant looking complexion.
Shop Hydrolyzed Rice Protein Skincare
Looking for the best hydrolyzed rice protein skincare products? Here are our favorites.
Truly’s Soft Serve After Shave Oil
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A hydrating, healing solution for razor burn, ingrown hairs, and irritation. Soft Serve After Shave Oil combines exfoliating strawberry with soothing hydrolyzed rice protein to leave your skin smooth for days after your shave.
Key Ingredients: Strawberry, Peptides (Hydrolyzed Rice Protein), Hyaluronic Acid | Targets: Dryness, Itchiness, Ingrown Hairs, Razor Burn | Scent: Strawberry and Vanilla
Truly’s Dreamiest Shave Set
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Discover your dream shave with this 4-step routine. Full of the most sumptuous shave products that defend against cuts and bumps while leaving you irresistibly smooth. You get: Glazed Donut Whipped Shave Butter, Soft Serve After Shave Oil, Unicorn Fruit After Shave Moisturizer, and Coco Cloud Deodorant. All four formulas ensure skin health recovery and ingrown prevention so you can enjoy a silky, painless shave.
Key Ingredients: Peptides (Hydrolyzed Rice Protein), Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Mandelic Acid | Targets: Dry Skin, Ingrown Hairs, Body Odor, Discoloration | Scent: Coconut, Cotton Candy + Sweet Vanilla Glaze
Is Hydrolyzed Rice Protein Safe?
Hydrolyzed rice protein was confirmed to be a safe cosmetic ingredient in the 2006 Cosmetic Ingredient Review report. Like with all skincare ingredients, there’s always a risk of irritation. However, it is unlikely—especially with this rice protein as it is anti allergenic and anti irritant, suggesting it should be safe for all skin types.
Is Hydrolyzed Rice Protein For Skin Worth it?
Definitely. Thanks to its hydrating, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory properties, this protein can combat dryness, fine lines, and irritation. For that reason, we highly recommend looking for it in your personal care products. It’s also extremely safe and suitable for all skin types, particularly sensitive skin.
Besides working wonders for your skin, hydrolyzed rice protein can also benefit hair health. It’s said to deeply condition, repair, and strengthen your strands. Plus, it can increase hair volume. You can even use it on your nails to soften and soothe your cuticles.
Tip: Keep your hydrolyzed rice proteins fresh by storing them in a cool, dark, and dry place. The average shelf life of hydrolyzed rice protein is around one year.
