Kaken Introduced a Propriety Rice Bran Ferment
Edited by Debra John — April 17, 2026 — Fashion
This article was written with the assistance of AI.
References: cosmeticsbusiness
Rice Bran Ferment is a new cosmetic ingredient introduced by Kaken, produced from rice bran (komenuka) using a proprietary micronisation step followed by controlled fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum. The ingredient was developed to deliver a smooth, skin-friendly particle and to concentrate beauty-related components such as γ-oryzanol, vitamins and ceramides while retaining rice bran’s natural profile.
Kaken produced the ferment by micronising rice bran to a fine texture, then fermenting it for 18–24 hours to boost lactic-acid-bacterial activity and enhance functional compounds. The resulting Rice Bran Ferment was positioned for incorporation into cleansing formulas to improve moisture retention, reduce roughness and leave a comfortable post-cleanse skin feel.
For brands and consumers, the ingredient pairs traditional Japanese fermentation knowledge with modern processing, offering an upcycled, culturally rooted option for gentle high-performance cleansers. Its combination of enhanced skin benefits and sustainability fits rising demand for clean, heritage-backed actives.
Image Credit: Light Stock / Shutterstock
Kaken produced the ferment by micronising rice bran to a fine texture, then fermenting it for 18–24 hours to boost lactic-acid-bacterial activity and enhance functional compounds. The resulting Rice Bran Ferment was positioned for incorporation into cleansing formulas to improve moisture retention, reduce roughness and leave a comfortable post-cleanse skin feel.
For brands and consumers, the ingredient pairs traditional Japanese fermentation knowledge with modern processing, offering an upcycled, culturally rooted option for gentle high-performance cleansers. Its combination of enhanced skin benefits and sustainability fits rising demand for clean, heritage-backed actives.
Image Credit: Light Stock / Shutterstock
Interest in fermented, upcycled ingredients in facial cleansers
Helps decide whether to try, buy, or switch to cleansers featuring fermented and/or upcycled ingredients in the next 1–2 weeks.
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How likely are you to try a cleanser with fermented ingredients next purchase?
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Which cleanser claim would you be more likely to buy next?
Trend Themes
1. Fermentation-based Actives - New microbial processing techniques are creating bioactive-rich extracts with enhanced skin compatibility and novel functional profiles that can redefine ingredient efficacy.
2. Upcycled Beauty Ingredients - Conversion of rice bran and other agri-waste into concentrated cosmetic actives is enabling circular-supply narratives with measurable sustainability benefits.
3. Heritage-backed Clean Beauty - Blending traditional Japanese fermentation knowledge with modern micronisation and quality control is producing culturally rooted actives that appeal to provenance-focused consumers.
Industry Implications
1. Skincare Formulation - Cleansers and leave-on products can be reformulated around gentle, ferment-derived particles to improve moisture retention and post-cleanse skin feel compared with conventional surfactant systems.
2. Ingredient Manufacturing - Specialized micronisation and controlled-fermentation processing creates premium, standardized actives that can disrupt commodity ingredient supply chains through differentiated performance.
3. Sustainable Beauty Brands - Brands emphasizing upcycled, culturally authentic actives have the potential to differentiate on traceability and environmental impact in a crowded clean-beauty market.
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