Cosmetics · Oils & lipids

Rice Germ Oil

米胚芽油 (Kome haiga-yu)

Also known as: Oryza Sativa Germ Oil

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At a glance

CategoryCosmetics
INCI nameOryza Sativa Germ Oil
Japanese labeling nameコメ胚芽油
Common Japanese notations米胚芽油, コメ胚芽油
OriginPlant-derived (rice germ, isolated from rice bran)
Typical functionsEmollient, Antioxidant (via gamma-oryzanol)
Regulatory status in JapanCosmetic ingredient listed in the JSCI (Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association) labeling name dictionary.

Rice germ oil is pressed specifically from the germ fraction of rice — a smaller yield than rice bran oil, which uses the whole bran. Germ oil concentrates the vitamin E and gamma-oryzanol content and is used in specialty cosmetic applications positioning around these natural antioxidants.

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Classification

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Common OEM product categories

Finished-product categories where Japanese OEM manufacturers commonly formulate with this ingredient.

  • Face oils and lotions
  • Body products
  • Specialty skincare

Ingredient profile

Oryza Sativa germ oil is produced by separating the germ fraction during rice milling and pressing or solvent-extracting it. The oil concentrates gamma-oryzanol, tocopherols, tocotrienols, and phytosterols at higher levels than whole bran oil.

OEM applications

In cosmetics, rice germ oil appears in face oils, specialty moisturizers, and body products — often in formulations emphasizing natural antioxidant content.

Regulatory classification in Japan

Cosmetic use is permitted under the JSCI dictionary.

Regulatory classification in other markets

EUListed in CosIng. Permitted for cosmetic use.
USAINCI recognized by PCPC.
ChinaPermitted per IECIC listings.
KoreaPermitted under KFDA / MFDS.

Market reference formulations

Example finished products will be added after each product's current full ingredient list has been verified.

All brand names and product names referenced anywhere on this site are the property of their respective owners. Example entries are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement.

Alternative ingredients

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Quick answers

What is Rice Germ Oil?
Rice germ oil is pressed specifically from the germ fraction of rice — a smaller yield than rice bran oil, which uses the whole bran. Germ oil concentrates the vitamin E and gamma-oryzanol content and is used in specialty cosmetic applications positioning around these natural antioxidants.
What is the regulatory status of Rice Germ Oil in Japan?
Cosmetic ingredient listed in the JSCI (Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association) labeling name dictionary.
What products typically use Rice Germ Oil?
Face oils and lotions / Body products / Specialty skincare
Where does Rice Germ Oil come from?
Plant-derived (rice germ, isolated from rice bran)
What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Rice Germ Oil?
INCI: Oryza Sativa Germ Oil / JSCI: コメ胚芽油

FAQ for OEM buyers

Q. Is Rice Germ Oil different from Rice Bran Oil on the INCI label?

Yes — 'Oryza Sativa Germ Oil' (rice germ oil) and 'Oryza Sativa Bran Oil' (rice bran oil) are distinct INCIs from different parts of the rice grain. Rice germ oil is the smaller, more specialized fraction with higher tocopherol/tocotrienol and γ-oryzanol content per gram; rice bran oil is the more commercially common fraction.

Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26

  • CosIng database — Oryza Sativa Germ Oil and Oryza Sativa Bran Oil entries
Q. What are the key functional/marketing markers for rice germ oil?

γ-Oryzanol (a ferulic acid ester complex, ~1-2% in rice germ oil) and a high tocotrienol/tocopherol vitamin E profile are the typical functional markers. Both are well-documented antioxidant components and useful for ingredient-narrative positioning.

Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26

  • Peer-reviewed: γ-oryzanol and vitamin E composition of rice germ oil (Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society)
Q. What is the typical sensorial / formulation profile of rice germ oil?

Rice germ oil is a medium-light oil with a faint cereal-rice scent and pale yellow color; it is more oxidation-prone than rice bran oil due to higher unsaturated fatty acid content, so it benefits from antioxidant addition (mixed tocopherols at 0.05-0.2%) and proper packaging.

Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26

  • Industry knowledge — Japanese rice oil suppliers

Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source

Q. What is the cost / sourcing profile vs. rice bran oil?

Rice germ oil is significantly more expensive than rice bran oil because the germ is a small fraction (~3%) of the brown rice grain by weight. Domestic Japanese rice germ oil is available but commands a premium; specify Japan-origin if Made-in-Japan storytelling is required, otherwise lower-cost imported rice germ oil is widely available.

Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26

  • Industry knowledge — Japanese rice oil milling industry

Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source

Use cases

  • Premium face oil / facial serum oil

    Positioning
    Antioxidant-rich Japanese-rice-heritage face oil
    Typical usage level
    5-100% (single-oil hero product) or 5-30% in blends
    Formulation notes
    Add mixed tocopherols 0.05-0.2% for oxidation control; pair with camellia oil and squalane

    Sources

    • Industry knowledge — Japanese face oil market

    Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source

  • Hand & body lotion / cream

    Positioning
    Daily moisturizing line with rice-heritage narrative
    Typical usage level
    2-10% in oil phase
    Formulation notes
    Compatible with most O/W emulsifier systems; light skin-feel

    Sources

    • Industry knowledge — Japanese body care market

    Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source

  • Cleansing oil / makeup remover

    Positioning
    Plant-oil-based gentle cleansing oil
    Typical usage level
    10-40% in oil phase
    Formulation notes
    Combine with PEG-or-polyglyceryl emulsifiers for water-rinse capability

    Sources

    • Industry knowledge — Japanese cleansing oil market

    Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source

  • Hair oil / scalp treatment

    Positioning
    Japanese-rice hair-care line
    Typical usage level
    10-50% in oil phase
    Formulation notes
    Often blended with camellia (tsubaki) oil for traditional Japanese haircare narrative

    Sources

    • Industry knowledge — Japanese hair oil market

    Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source

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Official regulatory databases

External links to public Japanese / international regulatory authorities. We are not affiliated.

References

  1. JSCI (Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association) labeling name directory — コメ胚芽油
  2. EU CosIng entry: Oryza Sativa Germ Oil

Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.

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