At ORY®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about hydrolyzed rice protein. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.
How to read this page Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews. Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY® uses. Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly. |
1. General Description and Role
Claim: Hydrolyzed rice protein is rice protein broken into small peptides. In ORY® products, it helps fine hair look fuller and shinier and leaves a light, smoothing film on skin. It is plant-based and gluten-free. |
Verification: Supported. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has reviewed rice-derived ingredients, including hydrolyzed rice protein, as used in cosmetics.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2006). Final report on the safety assessment of Oryza sativa (rice)-derived ingredients, including hydrolyzed rice protein. International Journal of Toxicology, 25(Suppl 2). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=safety%20assessment%20Oryza%20sativa%20rice%20bran%20oil%20hydrolyzed%20rice%20protein%20International%20Journal%20of%20Toxicology%202006
- What it shows: CIR safety assessment of rice-derived ingredients.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2006). Final report on the safety assessment of Oryza sativa (rice)-derived ingredients, including hydrolyzed rice protein. International Journal of Toxicology, 25(Suppl 2). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=safety%20assessment%20Oryza%20sativa%20rice%20bran%20oil%20hydrolyzed%20rice%20protein%20International%20Journal%20of%20Toxicology%202006
2. Composition and Production
Claim: It is made by enzyme hydrolysis of rice endosperm or bran protein, typically to 1,000–3,000 Da. |
Verification: Supported. Rice bran protein chemistry is documented in food-science reviews.
Citations:
- Fabian, C., & Ju, Y. H. (2011). A review on rice bran protein: Its properties and extraction methods. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 51(9), 816–827. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2010.482678
- What it shows: Review of rice bran protein.
- Fabian, C., & Ju, Y. H. (2011). A review on rice bran protein: Its properties and extraction methods. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 51(9), 816–827. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2010.482678
3. Skin Type Suitability
Claim: Hydrolyzed rice protein suits most skin types. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. We found no clinical studies on specific skin types. Hydrolyzed wheat protein in a facial soap caused serious wheat allergy in Japan, including anaphylaxis. This is why ORY® uses low-molecular-weight proteins and keeps levels low in facial cleansers.
Citations:
- Fukutomi, Y., Itagaki, Y., Taniguchi, M., et al. (2011). Rhinoconjunctival sensitization to hydrolyzed wheat protein in facial soap can induce wheat-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 127(2), 531–533. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Rhinoconjunctival%20sensitization%20to%20hydrolyzed%20wheat%20protein%20in%20facial%20soap%20can%20induce%20wheat-dependent%20exercise-induced%20anaphylaxis
- What it shows: Wheat protein soap allergy report.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2006). Final report on the safety assessment of Oryza sativa (rice)-derived ingredients, including hydrolyzed rice protein. International Journal of Toxicology, 25(Suppl 2). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=safety%20assessment%20Oryza%20sativa%20rice%20bran%20oil%20hydrolyzed%20rice%20protein%20International%20Journal%20of%20Toxicology%202006
- What it shows: Safety data.
- Fukutomi, Y., Itagaki, Y., Taniguchi, M., et al. (2011). Rhinoconjunctival sensitization to hydrolyzed wheat protein in facial soap can induce wheat-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 127(2), 531–533. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Rhinoconjunctival%20sensitization%20to%20hydrolyzed%20wheat%20protein%20in%20facial%20soap%20can%20induce%20wheat-dependent%20exercise-induced%20anaphylaxis
4. Hair and Scalp Suitability
Claim: In haircare, hydrolyzed rice protein helps fine hair look fuller and shinier. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Reviews describe film-forming proteins that add body and shine; we found no trial of rice protein on hair.
Citations:
- Secchi, G. (2008). Role of protein in cosmetics. Clinics in Dermatology, 26(4), 321–325. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18691510/
- What it shows: Review.
- Gavazzoni Dias, M. F. R. (2015). Hair cosmetics: An overview. International Journal of Trichology, 7(1), 2–15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25878443/
- What it shows: Review.
- Secchi, G. (2008). Role of protein in cosmetics. Clinics in Dermatology, 26(4), 321–325. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18691510/
5. Benefits
Claim: Hydrolyzed rice protein adds body and shine to hair and a smooth feel to skin. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Evidence comes from protein-cosmetics research and supplier data.
Citations:
- Secchi, G. (2008). Role of protein in cosmetics. Clinics in Dermatology, 26(4), 321–325. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18691510/
- What it shows: Review.
- Secchi, G. (2008). Role of protein in cosmetics. Clinics in Dermatology, 26(4), 321–325. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18691510/
6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines
Claim: Hydrolyzed rice protein is used in all four ORY® product lines, mainly in syndet and liquid soap for the soap line. |
Verification: Supported. In cold-process soap it only partly survives.
| Product line | Typical level | How ORY® uses it |
| Skincare | 0.5–2% | Serums, lotions, masks, and hand creams. |
| Haircare | 0.5–3% | Volumizing shampoos, conditioners, masks, and leave-ins. |
| Handmade Soap | 0.5–2% | Syndet, liquid, and shampoo bars; up to 1% in facial cleansers. |
| Cosmetics | 0.5–1% | Mascaras, foundations, and lip products. |
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2006). Final report on the safety assessment of Oryza sativa (rice)-derived ingredients, including hydrolyzed rice protein. International Journal of Toxicology, 25(Suppl 2). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=safety%20assessment%20Oryza%20sativa%20rice%20bran%20oil%20hydrolyzed%20rice%20protein%20International%20Journal%20of%20Toxicology%202006
- What it shows: Reported uses.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
- What it shows: FDA definition of soap; other bars are cosmetics.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2006). Final report on the safety assessment of Oryza sativa (rice)-derived ingredients, including hydrolyzed rice protein. International Journal of Toxicology, 25(Suppl 2). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=safety%20assessment%20Oryza%20sativa%20rice%20bran%20oil%20hydrolyzed%20rice%20protein%20International%20Journal%20of%20Toxicology%202006
7. Pros
Claim: A plant-based, gluten-free protein reviewed by CIR. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Supported by CIR review and protein-cosmetics literature.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2006). Final report on the safety assessment of Oryza sativa (rice)-derived ingredients, including hydrolyzed rice protein. International Journal of Toxicology, 25(Suppl 2). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=safety%20assessment%20Oryza%20sativa%20rice%20bran%20oil%20hydrolyzed%20rice%20protein%20International%20Journal%20of%20Toxicology%202006
- What it shows: Safety.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2006). Final report on the safety assessment of Oryza sativa (rice)-derived ingredients, including hydrolyzed rice protein. International Journal of Toxicology, 25(Suppl 2). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=safety%20assessment%20Oryza%20sativa%20rice%20bran%20oil%20hydrolyzed%20rice%20protein%20International%20Journal%20of%20Toxicology%202006
8. Cons
Claim: Hydrolyzed rice protein gives less repair than keratin and has limited direct trials. |
Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:
- Less repair than keratin.
- Limited trials. Class and supplier evidence.
- Protein overload.
- Preservation. Protein solutions need strong preservation.
Citations:
- Secchi, G. (2008). Role of protein in cosmetics. Clinics in Dermatology, 26(4), 321–325. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18691510/
- What it shows: Review.
- Secchi, G. (2008). Role of protein in cosmetics. Clinics in Dermatology, 26(4), 321–325. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18691510/
9. Safety Notes
Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only. |
Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:
- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes unless the product is made for the eye area.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2006). Final report on the safety assessment of Oryza sativa (rice)-derived ingredients, including hydrolyzed rice protein. International Journal of Toxicology, 25(Suppl 2). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=safety%20assessment%20Oryza%20sativa%20rice%20bran%20oil%20hydrolyzed%20rice%20protein%20International%20Journal%20of%20Toxicology%202006
- What it shows: Safety review.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2006). Final report on the safety assessment of Oryza sativa (rice)-derived ingredients, including hydrolyzed rice protein. International Journal of Toxicology, 25(Suppl 2). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=safety%20assessment%20Oryza%20sativa%20rice%20bran%20oil%20hydrolyzed%20rice%20protein%20International%20Journal%20of%20Toxicology%202006
10. Product-line notes
- ORY® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY® Haircare: Designed for the look and feel of hair and scalp comfort. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss.
- ORY® Handmade Soap: Hydrolyzed rice protein is used mainly in syndet, liquid, and shampoo bars (cosmetics under FDA rules). Not intended to treat any skin condition.
- ORY® Cosmetics: Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.
11. References
Peer-reviewed research
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2006). Final report on the safety assessment of Oryza sativa (rice)-derived ingredients, including hydrolyzed rice protein. International Journal of Toxicology, 25(Suppl 2). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=safety%20assessment%20Oryza%20sativa%20rice%20bran%20oil%20hydrolyzed%20rice%20protein%20International%20Journal%20of%20Toxicology%202006
- Fabian, C., & Ju, Y. H. (2011). A review on rice bran protein: Its properties and extraction methods. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 51(9), 816–827. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2010.482678
- Fukutomi, Y., Itagaki, Y., Taniguchi, M., et al. (2011). Rhinoconjunctival sensitization to hydrolyzed wheat protein in facial soap can induce wheat-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 127(2), 531–533. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Rhinoconjunctival%20sensitization%20to%20hydrolyzed%20wheat%20protein%20in%20facial%20soap%20can%20induce%20wheat-dependent%20exercise-induced%20anaphylaxis
- Gavazzoni Dias, M. F. R. (2015). Hair cosmetics: An overview. International Journal of Trichology, 7(1), 2–15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25878443/
- Secchi, G. (2008). Role of protein in cosmetics. Clinics in Dermatology, 26(4), 321–325. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18691510/
Government and regulatory sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
