Soroci Skincare Review and Rice Bran Oil Benefits

Long time no write! I’ve been enjoying some time off from writing this summer, but it is time to get back into the Saddle. And I want to get back to a long overdue skincare review of some Soroci products sent to me by TakeGoodCare a Canadian Online retailer of Korean Beauty back in January #Ineededtoreviewthisaloooongtimeago

The kind folks @takegoodcare.ca let me pick some Soroci products to try and review. This brand features rice bran oil as their signature ingredient, but most of their items do contain other desirable anti-inflammatories and humectants which are nice for skin. I chose the softener mainly because I haven’t had one in awhile. I mean its just a hydrating element but the name softener brings back good memories. The mild lotion was a must when I saw some additonal plant oils and good old ceramide. And lastly it was a really tough choice between the EGF essence and the NMF serum. I am always interested in EGF for its anti-aging aspect but since I had a lineup essences to test I went with the serum which still looks swaggy cuz it does seem to be a more moisturizing formula than the hydrating soothing essenc. . . . Aaaaand I finally have their awesome stickers😍😍😍😍 . . . . #bloggermail #takegoodcare #soroci #rasianbeauty #asianbeauty #koreanbeauty #koreanskincare #koreancosmetic #kbeauty #instablogging #instabeautyblogging #instablogger #instablog #instabeauty #instaskincare #skincare #routine #bblogger #lifestyle #lifestyleblogging #natural #naturalcosmetic #moisturizer #cleanser #쇼핑#스킨케어#뷰티 #hyggee #gobdigoun #abcommunity

A post shared by 에이미 ~ Amy (@peepingpomeranian) on Jan 24, 2017 at 8:05pm PST

Soroci the Brand

Before we begin the review…

However takegoodcare made this, I like it

Take good care describes Soroci as:

Soroci is a newly launched Korean skin care brand that offers lightweight and highly moisturizing products. Their signature ingredient, rice bran oil, is chosen for its potent antioxidants and naturally moisturizing properties. This brand is committed to using only beneficial ingredients without harmful or unnecessary fillers. Their products are packaged in airless pump containers to maintain the potency of the ingredients and makes it travel friendly as well.

Their slogan is: Wherever Whenever Always Beside You

And what you might be noticing is their sleek airless pump packaging. This was intentional as they wanted to protect the ingredients inside (which was mentioned above and on soroci’s website). They are also a big big fan of rice bran. And you’ll notice the ingredient popping up in each of the products below and their other products as well. I’ll go into the research behind rice bran oil and it’s benefits if any, after my review of the three soroci products

My skin type

• Dry Skin
• Non- Sensitive (literally have not reacted to hundreds of products over the course of my lifetime)
• Concerns
  • a few pronounced sebaceous filaments on the nose
  • The occasional pimple
  • inhibiting wrinkle formation
  • preventing cancer
  • getting through the hot and humid summer weather

Soroci Repair Skin Softener

What it claims to do (taken from the product details section of takegoodcare.com:

Soroci Repair Skin Softener is a unique product that multifunctions as a toner, essence and a light moisturizer. The entire Soroci skin care product line is formulated with rice germ extract which has a source of skin friendly vitamins, naturally moisturizing proteins and potent antioxidant properties. The Repair Skin Softener also contains sodium hyaluronate and provitamin B5, both of which are great hydrating humectants. This all-in-one product is great for those seeking a simpler skin care routine.

And from the Soroci website

• It acts like a three in one product
  • toner
  • lotion
  • essence
• The aloe inside helps with skin regeneration
• They mention something about sugar cane and skin waste but my Korean isn’t good enough to make sense of it, and there’s no sugar cane or its derivatives in here so I am at a loss
• The gamma-oryzanol helps to balance skin’s oil and water content

What it is like

• Scent: it is lightly fragranced, and to myself and my fiance kind of smells like a toned down clinique happy cologne
• Texture: very watery/runny gel, or a slightly thicker toner depending on how to like to think of it
• Absorption: takes a few seconds or with some gently massaging/patting it absorbs quite well
• Finish: smooth and velvety
• pH : using my strips it seems to be around a 5-6

• 

  Soroci Skin Softener

How I used this

• I applied this morning and night after any actives as a hydrating toner

Ingredients

I uploaded the Ingredient list into CosDNA

Ingredient	Function	Acne	Irritant	Safety
Water	‧Solvent			1
Sodium Hyaluronate	‧Moisturizer	0	0	1
Oryza Sativa Germ Extract	‧Emollient
Sodium Polyacrylate	‧Viscosity Control			3
Butylene Glycol	‧Solvent ‧Moisturizer	1	0	1
PEG/PPG-17/6 copolymer	‧Solvent			3
Hexylene Glycol	‧Surfactant ‧Solvent ‧Emulsifier	2	1	1
Sodium PCA	‧Antistatic ‧Moisturizer	0	0	1
Glycerin	‧Solvent ‧Moisturizer	0	0	2
Glyceryl acrylate/ acrylic acid copolymer	‧Viscosity Control ‧Moisturizer			1
Sodium magnesium silicate				1
Phenyl Trimethicone	‧Antistatic			1
Panthenol	‧Antistatic ‧Moisturizer	0	0	1
Hydrogenated Castor Oil	‧Surfactant ‧Viscosity Control ‧Emollient ‧Emulsifier	1	0	1
Betaine	‧Viscosity Control ‧Antistatic ‧Moisturizer			1
Carbomer	‧Viscosity Control	0	1	1
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract	‧Moisturizer ‧Emollient			1
Paeonia lactiflora	‧Whitening
Algae Extract	‧Moisturizer ‧Emollient			1
Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Extract	‧Plant extract			1
Portulaca Oleracea Extract				1
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract	‧Fragrance ‧Anti-inflammatory ‧Emollient			1
Propolis Extract				1
1,2-Hexanediol	‧Solvent			1
Fragrance	‧Fragrance			1 ~ 4

I also peeped at HwaHae and found that there were an ingredient there that were not included on the body label (which is the same label posted on the takegoodcare website

• some type of elm extract / 느릅나무깝칠추출물 which is included on the lotion label interestingly enough

Overall

It is one of the more elegant hydrating toners I’ve used. More often than not a hydrating toner will be too viscous to absorb and instead ends up leaving a film on the skin, which isn’t a tremendous issue, but since I like to use multiple watery layers this lengthens the drying time I need between products. This skin softener acts in two ways: firstly it softens the skin and second it absorbs well.

Soroci Mild Lotion (Mide works too ¯\_(ツ)_/¯)

What it claims to do (taken from the product details section of takegoodcare.com)

Soroci Mild Lotion is formulated to protect and nourish even the most sensitive skin. The entire Soroci skin care product line is formulated with organic rice bran oil (y-Oryzanol) which has a source of skin friendly vitamins, naturally moisturizing proteins and potent antioxidant properties. The Mild Lotion also contains ceramides, vitamin E and lecithin for skin protecting and anti aging benefits. This product is suitable for all skin types.

And from the Soroci Website (shown above)

• it contains natural moisturizing ingredients which improves skin texture
  • gamma-oryzanol
  • ceramide
  • lecithin
  • topheral (vit. E)
• Protects fragile skin, without being sticky
  • gamma-orzyanol, hyaluronic acid, and sunflower seed oil help
• Apparently there was some sort of assessment of this product to prove it is effective
• This lotion is made with the best blend of herbal ingredients for sensitive skin

What it is like

where’d the label go

• Scent- lightly sweet, perhaps a little fruity. For some reason I’m picking up grape?
• Texture – a standard creamy lotion, which isn’t runny.
• Absorption – when used on it’s own, you can definitely feel it work its way into skin, hydrating it. Over other products the effect is a bit lessened
• Finish – smooth and hydrated

How I used this

• Day and Night, after my acids and serums etc. but before a cream and/or sunscreen

Ingredients

I uploaded the ingredient list into CosDNA

Ingredient	Function	Acne	Irritant	Safety
Purified Water
Glycerin	‧Solvent ‧Moisturizer	0	0	2
Butylene Glycol	‧Solvent ‧Moisturizer	1	0	1
Sunflower Seed Oil	‧Fragrance ‧Antioxidant ‧Emollient ‧Plant extract	0	0	1
Grape Seed Oil	‧Moisturizer ‧Antioxidant ‧Emollient ‧Plant extract			1
Ceramide 3	‧Moisturizer			1
Hydrolyzed Oryzanol
Lecithin	‧Moisturizer ‧Antioxidant ‧Emollient ‧Emulsifier			1
Niacinamide				1
Sodium Hyaluronate	‧Moisturizer	0	0	1
Tocopheryl Acetate	‧Moisturizer ‧Antioxidant	0	0	3
Cetearyl Alcohol	‧Surfactant ‧Viscosity Control ‧Emulsifier	2	2	1
Carbomer	‧Viscosity Control	0	1	1
Polysorbate 60	‧Surfactant ‧Emulsifier			3
Glyceryl Stearate & PEG-100 Stearate	‧Solvent ‧Viscosity Control ‧Emulsifier			3
Sorbitan Stearate	‧Emulsifier	0	1	1
Cera alba	‧Viscosity Control ‧Emollient ‧Emulsifier	0-2	0-2	1
Dimethicone/ Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer	‧Viscosity Control			1
Glyceryl Monostearate	‧Surfactant ‧Solvent ‧Emulsifier			1
Algae Extract	‧Moisturizer ‧Emollient			1
Morus Alba Bark Extract				1
Licorice Root Extract	‧Fragrance ‧Anti-inflammatory ‧Emollient			1
or Licorice Root Extract				1
Elm Bark Extract	‧Astringent
Apricot Kernel Extract	‧Plant extract			1
Sodium Hydroxide	‧pH Adjusters			3
Propolis Extract				1
Fragrance	‧Fragrance			1 ~ 4

Overall

Since I got this early in the year while suffering from allergies, I kinda thought it was scentless. But having used it since my nose returned I enjoy its light scent. I also didn’t find it very special or interesting after my first month of incorporating it. It was really when I stopped using and switched to other products did I start to how gentle and convenient this lotion is. It actually reminded me of the atoclassic lotion, where I could be more adventurous in exfoliation and not have to worry so much about extra dryness and irritation.

Soroci NMF Serum

What it claims to do (taken from the product details section of takegoodcare.com)

Soroci NMF Serum is an anti-aging, moisture replenishing serum, created with a blend of ingredients to restore protective oils found on healthy skin. The organic rice bran oil (y-Oryzanol) in the serum is a source of skin friendly vitamins, naturally moisturizing proteins and potent antioxidants. The NMF Serum also contains Coenzyme Q10 for protecting the skin and has anti-aging benefits. This product is suitable for all skin types.

According to the Soroci website

• This serum is a three in one skincare item
  • toner
  • essence
  • eye cream
• Improves skin elasticity
  • using EGF, gamma-oryzanol, caviar extract and ceramide
• The combination of EGF with a variety of herbal ingredients helps with skin regeneration and elasticity
• They use liposomes that are 5-10 micrometers to encapsulate the major ingredients for improved absorption

What it is like

almost gone

• Scent – it’s a little oaty, maybe sweet oatmeal? Regardless the fragrance is quite light
• Texture – smooth and milky like melted ice cream
• Absorption – doesn’t just sit on the skin, penetrates quite well for being something that looks so creamy
• Finish  – none really, it absorbs that well

How I used this

• Morning and night as my serum step. So I would sandwhich it between my actives/toner/essence and then the lotion/cream

Ingredients

I uploaded the Ingredients into CosDNA for your viewing pleasure

Ingredient	Function	Acne	Irritant	Safety
Purified Water ▼
Carbomer ▼	‧Viscosity Control	0	1	1
Glycerin ▼	‧Solvent ‧Moisturizer	0	0	2
Lecithin ▼	‧Moisturizer ‧Antioxidant ‧Emollient ‧Emulsifier			1
Coenzyme Q10 ▼	‧Antioxidant			1
Jojoba Oil ▼	‧Moisturizer ‧Emollient	2	0-2	1
Squalane ▼	‧Moisturizer ‧Antioxidant ‧Emollient	1	0	1
Hydrolyzed Oryzanol ▼
Sunflower Seed Oil ▼	‧Fragrance ‧Antioxidant ‧Emollient ‧Plant extract	0	0	1
Pearl Extract ▼	‧Antioxidant
PEG-60 CASTOR OIL ▼	‧Surfactant ‧Emulsifier			5
Sodium Hyaluronate ▼	‧Moisturizer	0	0	1
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride ▼	‧Fragrance			1
Sorbitan Stearate ▼	‧Emulsifier	0	1	1
Dimethicone/ Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer ▼	‧Viscosity Control			1
Cetearyl Olivate ▼	‧Emulsifier			1
Licorice Root Extract ▼	‧Fragrance ‧Anti-inflammatory ‧Emollient			1
or Licorice Root Extract ▼				1
Bletilla Striata Root Extract ▼				1
Morus Alba Bark Extract ▼				1
Elm Bark Extract ▼	‧Astringent
Sodium Hydroxide ▼	‧pH Adjusters			3
Propolis Extract ▼				1
Fragrance ▼	‧Fragrance			1 ~ 4
Aronia Fruit Extract	no matched results

Aronia Fruit is black chokeberry btw

Overall:

This was my favourite product of the set I tried. I can’t say that it brightened my skin, but it did soak in so well that I felt like all the extracts it is made up would get in and do something. It’s a rich, hydrating serum so you will see some plumping which I suppose would aide in elasticity.

Final thoughts on the set

After using this brand pretty consistently for a month and then off and on for the following months here are my overall thoughts/recommendations

1. Packaging: Airless pumps offer a very hygienic way to dispense the product and avoid air contact that would degrade the ingredients
   1. I’m not sure if the plastic has any UV resistant coating, so you would want to keep these out of direct sunlight to avoid ingredient degradation
   2. The writing on the tubes themselves has pretty much all but rubbed off. I think that it’s because while I do my skincare I don’t really wash my hands between steps and I think that it might be acids. It’s just a cosmetic thing, but maybe a sticker label would help here rather than printed
2. Ingredients: really glad to see them stick with the incorporation of rice bran oil/extract as their theme while still including
   1. Brightening ingredients: such as licorice root and niacinamide
   2. Hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, and various plant extracts like aloe etc which I appreciate having in addition to glycerol
   3. Skin barrier reinforcement with the addition of ceramides
3. Effect/Claims
   1. the toner and serum are meant to act like 3 in 1s, which I would say checks out.
   2. All three products in my opinion would be great for sensitive skin, even with fragrance and the plant extracts since the extra additions do tend to lean on the anti-inflammatory side of things
   3. They never really claimed to brighten, but they do have brightening ingredients. I personally didn’t notice any extra effect, but I also use vit. C daily in addition to exfoliating with AHAs
   4. Whenever a product talks about skin health/nutrition I’m not entirely sure what to look for. If it’s all evidenced by ingredients, then yes, these products do have ‘nutritive’ additions, but I wouldn’t say it is something I can feel.
4. Who I think would like this
   1. Any skin type should be able to use it, but I think sensitive skin types would enjoy these the most due to their gentler formulas and hygienic packaging.
   2. I think that dry skin and combo skin types will like the hydrating and moisturizing and it does feel absorptive enough that oily skin types would be comfortable wearing this so long as it wasn’t too terribly humid.
5. And because I should rank these
   1. the NMF serum was my favourite
   2. then the toner
   3. then the mild lotion

Cost:

The price has actually come down a little for these products on the TakeGoodCare Website

• NMF Serum: $26.04 USD
• Repair Skin Softener: $14.99 USD
• Mild Lotion $17.36 USD

Take Good Care ships to Canada and the USA, free for orders 65 and over, and $10flat rate for Canada and $15 flat rate for USA for anything under 65.

They also provide some sweet stickers with orders and you can use the code PEEPINGPOM15 for 15% off of any order 🙂

And if you are interested in some research please continue

What is gamma-oryzanol and why do I care?

I will admit, I didn’t know rice bran oil existed until this year. As someone who grew up in a Korean American household all our rice was white and I never really thought of the “bran” component. I certainly never thought of rice as an oily thing either. And if we put two an two together, a by product of white rice production is rice bran, which can be further processed to make rice bran oil. It is from that oil that we can get oryzanol, lecithin, tocopherols and tocotrinols (Patel 2004). What is more interesting is that gamma-oryzanol, when refined from rice bran oil, isn’t a pure substance. It actually contains ferulate esters which are shown below.

Scheme 1 from Patel 2004

These three compounds make up 80% of of gamma-oryzanol and some of their benefits include:

When ingested

• In clinical studies the consistent consumption of rice bran oil and its extracts showed an increase in HDL (the good cholesterol) and reduction in LDL (the bad cholesterol) in addtion to an improvement of overall blood lipid profile (Sohail 2016).
  • in fact gamma-oryzanol showed better LDL lowering effects than just ferulic acid alone
• In looking at dietary interventions for diabetics, oryzanol supplementation showed promise in mitigating hyperglycemia, and potential in helping both type one and type two diabetics in improving their fasting blood glucose levels (Sohail 2016)
• In a small group study, there was evidence of an oral dose of 300mg of gamma-oryzanol producing a significant reductio non elevated serum TSH levels in hypothyroid patients (Patel 2004)
• There was some preliminary evidence to suggest that gamma oryzanol could be used as a sport supplement as early evidence suggests that it may increase endorphin release and assist with muscle development (Patel 2004)

These are all fascinating inquiries, but most of you are probably interested in skincare.  Gamma-oryzanol has been shown to have a protective role in UV light induced lipid peroxidation, which is why it is looked at for being a potential sunscreen agent.  In fact, there has been a patent filed for a sunscreen containing ferulic acid and gamma-oryzaol. Additionally ferulic acid and its esters (remember the figure above) stimulate hair growth and prevent skin aging, these preparations claim to accelerate cell differentiation and to reduce wrinkles in aged women. There was even a patent taken out for including gamma-oryzanol in eyeliner and brow pencils to provide the aforementioned benefits while giving someone fantastic brows and cat-eyes (Patel 2004).

A lot of the cosmetic applications don’t seem to have quite as much substantial research to back them yet; it was quite difficult to find anything specific which is why I decided to use review papers. There is evidence of ferulic acid being a beneficial ingredient both internally and topically as an antioxidant and I think many of you would be familiar with it’s use with vitamin C topical serums. It’s the evidence for ferulic acid’s benefits, that I would think the ferulates of gamma-oryzanol would have some similar effect, but only to a point since they are considerably larger molecules. I hope that with the patents being filed for topical applications we will see more studies conducted, I would even take small ones. The internal benefits do sound amazing though, as I am always interested in incorporating oils into my diet especially if they are from food byproducts.

I hoped you enjoyed this post

cheers

Citations