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RED RICE VINEGAR.

Valuable CAS - / ASTRINGENT

Red Rice Vinegar, derived from fermented red rice, is a multifunctional ingredient rich in polyphenols and tannins. It delivers comprehensive benefits by protecting against oxidative stress, reducing inflammation, enhancing skin hydration and barrier function, and providing brightening and anti-aging properties. Its mild acidity also supports a balanced skin pH and microbiome.

antioxidant anti-inflammatory moisturizing anti-aging skin brightening pH balancer antimicrobial exfoliant

Science

Red Rice Vinegar exerts its beneficial effects through a concentrated profile of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, tannin pigments, catechins, and catechol tannins, which efficiently scavenge free radicals to mitigate oxidative stress. Its anti-inflammatory action is mediated by the inhibition of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) production, a key stimulating factor in inflammatory responses. For improved skin hydration and barrier integrity, it upregulates mRNA expression of Aquaporin 3 (AQP3), Filaggrin (FLG), and Hyaluronan Synthase 1 (HAS1), while also increasing Claudin 1 (CLDN1), Involucrin (IVL), and Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) in keratinocytes. Anti-aging benefits are achieved by promoting fibroblast cell proliferation and enhancing mRNA expression of ECM-related anti-aging genes, which supports collagen synthesis. Additionally, it offers a skin brightening effect by inhibiting melanin synthesis and provides gentle exfoliation due to its lactic acid content. The ingredient's mild acidity helps optimize skin pH, crucial for healthy oil balance and a resilient skin microbiome, by inhibiting the proliferation of harmful bacteria.


Research

High confidence
Effective range 1.25–2.5%
Optimal

2.5%

Key findings

  1. 01 Significantly increased antioxidant efficacy and strongly inhibited IL-6 production, indicating a potent anti-inflammatory effect.
  2. 02 Significantly boosted skin water content and enhanced the expression of Aquaporin 3 (AQP3), Filaggrin (FLG), and Hyaluronan Synthase 1 (HAS1) mRNA in a 3D epidermal model, demonstrating improved hydration and barrier function.

Transparency

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 3 – 3.4
0 7 14

Stability

Red Rice Vinegar, specifically within formulations such as 'Activega Red Rice FV', demonstrated excellent stability. It exhibited minimal visible changes in serum, cream, and shampoo formulations at 1%, 3%, and 5% concentrations when stored at 25°C and 50°C for periods ranging from 15 to 30 days. Furthermore, it maintained remarkable stability with only very slight pH fluctuations even after prolonged exposure (30-60 days) to 50°C and direct sunlight.


Safety

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Max tested
100%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has not specifically evaluated Red Rice Vinegar. While the FDA has not established a specific regulatory status for this ingredient in cosmetics, products incorporating it must comply with proper notification guidelines. An FDA warning regarding an unauthorized cosmetic product was due to a lack of proper notification, not an inherent safety concern with the ingredient itself. A human skin irritation clinical test confirmed non-irritation at a 100% concentration for a commercial red rice vinegar product ('Activega Red Rice FV'), and traditional naturally fermented red rice vinegar did not induce cytotoxicity at concentrations up to 10%.


Your Skin

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Valuable

Red Rice Vinegar is a valuable multi-functional ingredient that effectively addresses oxidative stress, inflammation, hydration, and signs of aging, suitable for diverse skin types.


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