To make an ointment, soybean wax and other waxes were already previously used. However, Formulators who prefer a much better wax choose CErtain waxes that have been proven by research that can treat Cutis better. Botanical formulators who prefers their ointment be made of natural ingredient and perfect for vegans opt to utilize rice bran wax as their ingredient. Read below to see research studies that prove that riCE bran wax does not cause irritation on the Cutis, as well as it’s antimicrobial activity against microorganisms such as Staphyllococcusaureous.
Microbiological and irritation investigation on guinea pig and goat skin
The potential use of rice bran wax as an effective oil in water emulsion type of ointment base was investigated in a 2022 animal study. To make the various ointment formulations for the study, crude rice bran wax was utilized and was then processed by purifying it and standardizing it. The prepared ointments also have a different concentration of rice bran wax. Formulation 1 has 5%, Formulation 2 has 7.5%, Formulation 3 has 10%, formulation 4 has 12.5%, and formulation 5 has 15%w/w). The ingredients in the formulated ointments were purified gondia, , white petrolatum, cetostrearyl alcohol, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, and nutrient agar. Carnauba ointment was also prepared to have it used as a standard base for comparison. All of the formulated ointments were then compared with carnauba wax ointment (C1) and a marketed ointment. (1)
To identify the antimicrobial activity of rice bran wax against microorganisms such as Staphyllococcusaureous, Bacillus subtilis, and escherichia coli microbiological studies were conducted and guinea pigs were used. The result of the study yielded that the inhibition zone diameters of the formulated creams were comparable with the marketed formulation.
To test skin irritation, male and female guinea pigs weighing 400-500g were used. One side of the animals served as a control and the other served as a test. All the samples which include ointment formulations 1 to 5, carnauba wax ointment, and commercial formulation were applied 0.5g per animal twice a day for 7 days. The portion where the samples were applied was observed for any sensitivity and adverse reactions. The finding of the study demonstrated that the rice bran wax formulated ointments have no sensitivity reaction. (1)
Irritation results on rat skin
It has also been proven in a 2017 study that rice bran wax is ideal to be used for oleaginous type ointment bases. The researchers of the study prepared different formulations of rice bran wax. Various formulations were prepared using different amounts of the ingredients which includes hard paraffin, cetostearyl alcohol, rice bran wax, and white soft paraffin. For the different formulations of Ointment of Econazole, the ingredient Econozole was incorporated into the formulation, hence the Formulation OE1 to OE4. While for the Ointment of 5 Fluorouracil, 5 Fluorouracil was added hence producing 5 formulations, which includes formulation OE5 to OE9. (2)
skin irritation study was carried out to test the various formulation. The investigation used rats that were assigned into three groups. The various formulations of rice bran wax ointment were uniformly topically applied over the shaven skin of the rats. After 24, 48, and 72 hours of topical application of the formulations, the rats’ skin were observed for swelling and redness. The test indicated that the all rice bran wax formulations have negligible irritation scores, hence safe for cutaneous application. (2) This proves that rice bran wax does not irritate Cutis.
The studies above proves the antimicrobial activity of rice bran wax against microorganisms such as Staphyllococcusaureous, bacillus subtilis, and escherichia coli. And it’s inhibiting ability is comparable to the marketed preparation. (1)
Meanwhile, with regard to cutis irritation, it has been consistently found out that various formulations using rice bran wax, do not cause cutis irritation despite that it has been tested on the skin of different animals such as rats, guinea pigs, and goats.
This demonstrates that Vegan people who want to avoid and ditch toxic substances can opt for ointments with naturally proven ingredients. The research confirms that ointments with riCE bran wax is the better choice.
Choose non-irritating ingredients ❤
- Nandgave M., Lade U.B., Gotephode S. Formulation Development of Gentamicin Sulphate Ointment Using Rice Bran Wax as Novel Base for Topical Application. International Journal of Science and Research. 2022; 11 (2)
- Malviya R. Khirsagar M.D. Chandewar A.V. Studies on Rice Bran Wax as Modified Pharmaceutical Excipient. International Journal of Pharmaceutical & Biological Archives 2017; 8 (3): 15-22
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