Therapeutic Potential of Rice Water (Oryza sativa L.) in Dermatology and Hair Care: A Review of Bioactive Components, Pharmacological Activities and Cosmetic Applications

Rice water, a nutrient-rich byproduct of food processing from the seeds of Oryza sativa, serves as an accessible, chemical-free agent with notable cosmetic and dermatological applications. Packed with essential trace minerals (such as zinc, magnesium, and selenium), vitamins (B complex, C, and E), and vital amino acids, it acts as a natural skin hydrator and a potent promoter of healthy hair pigmentation and growth. Recent scientific evaluations indicate that rice water-based formulations exhibit significant anti-aging, antioxidant, and elastase inhibition properties while remaining highly biocompatible with human skin barrier physiology. In trichology, rice water acts as a mild, chemical-free cleanser that balances scalp pH, smooths the cuticular surface, enhances luster, and accelerates growth by delivering a targeted protein boost to the hair fibers. Furthermore, its intrinsic antifungal activity provides a sustainable, natural therapeutic strategy against dandruff-causing fungi like Malassezia species.