Mechanistic Insights into Pigmented Rice Bran in Mitigating UV-Induced Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Pigmentation

As an agri-food by-product, the rice bran of pigmented rice, encompassing varieties such as red, black, and purple rice, has garnered increasing attention due to its richness in terms of bioactive compounds. Being mainly composed of the pericarp, aleuron, seed coat, and germ, the brown outer layer of the rice kernel offers potential health benefits and has applications in skincare. Human skin serves as the primary barrier against external threats, including pathogens, pollutants, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Notably, UV radiation accelerates the aging process and contributes to various skin issues. Recent trends suggest a heightened interest in incorporating pigmented rice into skincare regimens, motivated by its potential to mitigate oxidative stress, inflammation, and pigmentation, which are pivotal factors in skin aging and photodamage. With increasing consumer demand for natural and sustainable ingredients, pigmented rice has emerged as a promising candidate within the skincare and personal care sectors, effectively bridging the gap between nutrition and dermatological health. This review examines the applications of pigmented rice in skincare, with a particular focus on its bioactive components and potential mechanisms of action that contribute to skin health. The unique chemical composition of pigmented rice, which includes compounds such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and vitamin E, underlies its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-protective properties. Despite the increasing recognition of its benefits, a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms remains limited, underscoring the necessity for further research to exploit the potential of pigmented rice in skincare applications fully.