Evidence supporting the use of: Rice Flour
For the health condition: Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Rice flour has been traditionally used in various cultures, particularly in Asia, as a topical treatment for dry or flaky skin. Historical records and folk remedies document its application as a gentle exfoliant and soothing agent when mixed with water, milk, or honey to create face masks or scrubs. The starchy, fine texture of rice flour allows it to help remove dead skin cells and impart a smoother feel to the skin, which can be beneficial for dry or flaky conditions.
However, scientific studies directly evaluating rice flour's efficacy for dry or flaky skin are limited. Some laboratory research has indicated that rice bran (a component sometimes present in rice flour) contains antioxidants and minor amounts of bioactive compounds that may help in skin barrier function, but these effects are better documented for rice bran oil or extracts rather than the flour itself. The mild abrasive nature of rice flour provides a physical exfoliation, which can help slough off dry skin, but there is little rigorous clinical evidence to confirm long-term skin hydration or healing benefits.
In summary, while rice flour’s use for dry or flaky skin is supported by longstanding traditional practices and anecdotal reports, direct scientific validation is limited, resulting in a low-to-moderate evidence rating.
Other ingredients used for Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Aloe veraalpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
beeswax
biotin
borage oil
colostrum
evening primrose oil
gooseberry
linoleic acid (LA)
magnesium
omega-3 fatty acids
rehmannia glutinosa
silicon
vitamin A
vitamin E
zinc
chickweed
swertia
birch
sea salt
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
American Liverleaf
Allantoin
Acemannan
Argan nut oil
Butter
Borage
Cod Liver Oil
Cape Aloe
Cocoa Butter
Cowslip
Chestnut
Castile Soap
Emu Oil
Evening Primrose Oil
Fat liver oil
Ficus religiosa
Glycolic acid
Glyceryl oleate
Heartsease
Lilium polyphyllum
Linseed Oil
Mucilage
Milkweed
Oak
Orchid
Phlebodium decumanum
Panthenol
Rubus
Rockweed
Spikenard
Silk protein
Sulfur
Sargassum
Servicetree
Witch Hazel
Other health conditions supported by Rice Flour
Celiac DiseaseSkin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin Care (general)