What Is Recoflavone?
Recoflavone is a plant based ingredient prized for its silky skin feel. It is a flavone molecule naturally present in the outer layers of rice kernels, especially in varieties grown in humid subtropical regions. During rice milling the bran is collected and soaked in food grade solvents that draw out the flavone rich oil. After gentle filtration and vacuum distillation the pure golden liquid that remains is Recoflavone. First noted by Japanese chemists in the late 1970s for its softness on the skin, it entered local moisturizers a decade later and has since spread to international formulas. You will most often spot it in hydrating creams, overnight masks, soothing after sun gels and makeup primers where a smooth glide is desired.
Recoflavone’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Recoflavone works mainly as an emollient. It fills tiny gaps on the skin surface, smoothing rough patches and leaving a supple touch. By creating this thin comforting layer it can help reduce the tight feeling that comes from dryness while also improving the spreadability of thicker creams or foundations.
Who Can Use Recoflavone
Recoflavone is gentle enough for most skin types. Normal and dry skin often appreciate its cushioning feel while combination skin can use it to soften flaky spots without tipping the balance on oilier zones. It tends to be lightweight and non occlusive so even those with oily or acne prone skin usually tolerate it well, though extremely reactive or hypersensitive skin should introduce any new emollient carefully and watch for individual triggers.
The ingredient is entirely plant derived and involves no animal by-products or testing in its standard supply chain which makes it suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.
Current data shows no hormone related activity so products with Recoflavone are generally considered safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. This is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should run their skincare choices past a qualified health professional to be sure.
Recoflavone does not increase photosensitivity and can be worn during the day without raising the risk of sunburn. As always a broad spectrum sunscreen is still recommended to protect against everyday UV damage.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Recoflavone vary from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects only and most users will never encounter them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Mild redness or warmth – usually short lived and often linked to over-application on very sensitive skin
- Transient itching – can occur if the product is combined with strong actives like high level exfoliating acids
- Contact dermatitis – rare but possible in individuals with specific plant flavone allergies
- Eye irritation – if the product accidentally gets into the eyes it may cause stinging that should subside once rinsed out
If any uncomfortable reaction develops stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for further guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Recoflavone carries a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. The molecule is lightweight and lacks the heavier waxy fatty acids that more commonly clog pores which keeps its occlusive effect low. Most users, including those prone to acne, find it sits on the skin without trapping excess oil or debris so breakouts are unlikely. Because it is extracted as a purified flavone rather than a full rice bran oil, residual proteins and starches that could feed surface bacteria are largely removed, further reducing pore-clogging potential. In very thick formulations or if blended with richer oils the overall product may feel heavier, but Recoflavone itself remains a low-risk ingredient for congestion.
Summary
Recoflavone acts primarily as an emollient, smoothing the skin surface by filling micro-gaps and forming a soft flexible layer that cuts down on rough texture and tightness. Its silky slip also improves the spread of creams, gels and makeup so formulas apply more evenly.
While not as famous as shea butter or squalane, Recoflavone has been gaining quiet traction among formulators who want a plant-derived ingredient that feels elegant yet remains light. You will spot it most often in mid-range Asian moisturizers and an increasing number of global K-beauty spin-offs.
Current research and field use show Recoflavone to be a very safe choice with only rare reports of irritation. As with any new skincare ingredient it is smart to patch test a product first to confirm personal compatibility before applying it broadly.