Applications of Rice Bran Oil in Industrial Manufacturing – Complete 2025 Guide
Applications of Rice Bran Oil in Industrial Manufacturing – Complete 2025 Guide
1. 🌾 What Is Rice Bran Oil? Full Scientific Overview
Rice Bran Oil (RBO) is extracted from the outer layer of rice grain, known as the bran. This layer contains 16–20% oil and is rich in antioxidants such as γ-oryzanol, tocopherols, tocotrienols, and phytosterols. These compounds provide high oxidative stability, making rice bran oil suitable for industrial and food applications.
There are two major types:
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Crude Rice Bran Oil (CRBO): Brown to dark yellow, higher FFA, used for soap, biodiesel, animal feed, and oleochemicals.
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Refined Rice Bran Oil (RBRBO): Light yellow, low FFA, used in cosmetics, personal care, and high-grade industrial applications.
Vietnam’s rice industry ensures year-round stability in RBO supply.
2. 🏭 Industrial Applications of Rice Bran Oil (Crude & Refined)

Rice bran oil has become one of the most versatile raw materials in the industrial sector. Each grade of oil — crude, semi-refined, and refined — serves different purposes depending on:
- FFA level
- Impurity content
- Moisture
- Color
- Wax content
Below is the fully expanded list of industrial applications.
2.1. 🧼 Soap & Detergent Manufacturing
Crude rice bran oil is widely used by soap factories because its high Free Fatty Acid (FFA) content accelerates the saponification process. Benefits include:
- Lower raw material cost than palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD)
- Creates firm, long-lasting soap bars
- Produces rich foam and smooth texture
- Ensures high TFM (Total Fatty Matter)
RBO is especially favored in African, South Asian, and Middle Eastern soap industries.
2.2. 🕯️ Candle Making (Industrial Wax Blends)
When blended with paraffin or beeswax, refined rice bran oil improves:
- Burn stability
- Color uniformity
- Scent retention
- Melting consistency
This makes it a top choice for mass candle production, particularly for religious candles and low-cost decorative candles.
2.3. ⚙️ Lubricants & Metalworking Fluids
Due to its natural viscosity and oxidative stability, rice bran oil is used in:
- Metal cutting oil
- Industrial lubricants
- Hydraulic fluids
- Grease formulations
Its biodegradability makes it a preferred choice for environmentally sensitive industries.
3. 🐟 Rice Bran Oil in Animal Feed & Aquaculture

The feed industry uses rice bran oil to boost energy density and pellet quality. Benefits:
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Better FCR (Feed Conversion Ratio)
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Faster weight gain
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Stronger pellet durability
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Better skin & scale condition in fish/shrimp
3.1.🐔Poultry Feed
RBO supports efficient fat absorption in broilers and layers. It enhances egg yolk pigmentation and improves overall nutrient density.
3.2.🐠Aqua Feed (Shrimp, Tilapia, Pangasius)
In aquaculture, rice bran oil:
- Improves floating feed performance
- Reduces pellet breakdown
- Acts as a binder and energy source
Vietnam’s aquaculture industry relies heavily on RBO for shrimp and fish feed.
3.3.🐄 Livestock Feed
RBO provides slow-release energy for cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. It also enhances coat shine and reduces digestive stress.
4.🛢️⚡Rice Bran Oil for Biodiesel Production

Crude RBO is one of the most efficient biodiesel feedstocks due to:
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High FFA – ideal for esterification
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Lower price vs. soybean/sunflower
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High cetane number
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Good combustion quality
Typical biodiesel production steps:
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Degumming
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Esterification
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Transesterification
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Distillation
RBO is becoming a major sustainable energy source globally.
5.🧴⚗️ Oleochemical & Surfactant Manufacturing

Rice bran oil is used to produce:
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Detergents
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Shampoos
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Soaps
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Industrial cleaners
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Rubber softeners
Key oleochemicals derived from RBO include:
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Fatty acids
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Fatty alcohols
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Methyl esters
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Glycerin derivatives
These are exported worldwide for FMCG and industrial use.
6. 💧 Use in Cosmetics & Personal Care

Refined rice bran oil is valued for:
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High Vitamin E
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Non-greasy absorption
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Hypoallergenic properties
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Excellent emollient behavior
Used in:
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Creams & lotions
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Hair serums
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Massage oils
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Makeup removers
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Moisturizing soaps
7. 📑 Key Specifications Buyers Should Review
Below are the expanded technical details required when evaluating crude or refined RBO from any supplier:
| Specification | Crude Rice Bran Oil | Refined Rice Bran Oil |
|---|---|---|
| FFA (as Oleic Acid) | 10–20% | 0.1–0.3% |
| Moisture & Impurities | 0.5–1% | 0.1% max |
| Color (Lovibond) | Brown to dark yellow | Light yellow / bright |
| Wax | High (requires winterization) | Very low |
| Odor | Natural oil smell | Neutral |
When importing, always request:
- COA (Certificate of Analysis)
- MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)
- Specification Sheet
- Origin Certification
8. 🇻🇳🌟Why Vietnam Rice Bran Oil Dominates the Global Market
Vietnam produces rice year-round, providing abundant raw materials for extraction.
Vietnam advantages:
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🌾 Top-tier rice production
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🏭 Strong extraction technology
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📦 Stable supply 12 months/year
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💰 Competitive export pricing
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🚢 Fast loading at HCMC, Cai Mep, Hai Phong
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📑 Full international documentation
9. 🚚 Rich Moon Supply Capacity & Packaging Options
Rich Moon supplies RBO globally to India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia, UAE, and Africa.
Packaging Options
- 🛢️ 190 kg Steel Drums
- 🔳 1,000L IBC Tanks
- 🧱 Flexibag for 20' Container (21–22 MT)
- 🛢️ ISO Tank for Bulk Shipments
Supply Capacity
- Crude RBO: 500–1,000 MT/month
- Refined RBO: 300–600 MT/month
10. ❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is crude rice bran oil suitable for soap making?
Yes. Crude rice bran oil contains natural fatty acids that are suitable for soap production, especially for industrial soap and laundry bar formulations.
What are the packaging options for export?
We can offer steel drums, IBC tanks and flexibags. For small trial orders, customized packaging can be discussed based on your logistics and storage needs.
Can I request COA, MSDS, and sample?
Yes, Rich Moon provides full COA, MSDS and pre-shipment samples. For regular buyers we can also arrange reference samples from every lot shipped.
Is rice bran oil good for biodiesel production?
Yes. Crude rice bran oil is widely used as a cost-effective feedstock for biodiesel plants thanks to its fatty acid profile and stable supply from Vietnam.
11. 🏢 About Rich Moon Co., Ltd
Rich Moon is a trusted Vietnamese exporter specializing in agricultural oils, marine products, dried seafood, agricultural raw materials, and industrial feed ingredients. With strong partnerships across Vietnam’s rice milling system, we ensure stable supply, competitive pricing, and strict quality control for global buyers.
12. 📞 Contact Ms. Jade for Rice Bran Oil
Ms. Jade – Sales Executive
📱 Phone/WhatsApp/Zalo/Wechat: +84 833 997 879
📧 Email: sale1@richmoon.com.vn
🌐 Website: www.richmoon.com.vn
🏢 RICH MOON CO., LTD – 270/4i Le Dinh Can Street, Tan Tao Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
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