May 8, 2025 FLSCC Meeting, Tampa, Florida

Presentation Title: Why Rice is so Nice: the Beauty Product Formulator's Guide

Presentation Abstract: 

Did you know rice is the oldest known grain cultivar in human history and consumed throughout the world? 

The scope and utility of materials derived from Oryza sativa has grown steadily over the past three decades and this progress has resulted in many novel products for the HBA formulator toolbox. These upcycled materials may not be as well-known in the personal care trade as have those from other botanical sources. In this presentation we review the cultivation history, inherent chemical composition, the diverse materials sourced from rice bran feedstocks and their dynamic applications in formulation chemistry.

This examination of the functional chemistry, suitability, attributes and formula applications of these upcycled products may surprise you as they span the beauty product index from skincare and haircare to color cosmetics and wellness products. This presentation cites many diverse iterations for these remarkable ingredients, including basic formulae, offering you an understanding as to just how nice is rice to personal care product development.

Presenter Bio: 

Matthew Zoeller is currently the Applications Director for the Specialty Division of 3V Sigma USA based in Georgetown, South Carolina. Before this venture Matt spent over 30 years in technical management positions in contract manufacturing businesses in the Chicagoland area where he was integral to the development and technology transfer of thousands of personal care products for hundreds of beauty brands. He contributes knowledge to formulators around the world and is the host and science writer for the popular YouTube channel 3V Sigma USA “Makin’ it with Matt.”

Matt holds two topical drug patents and a B.S. Chemistry from Roosevelt University in Chicago, where he spent most of his life and contributed to the Midwest Chapter of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, of which he is an Emeritus member.

About 3V Sigma USA

3V Sigma USA is a specialty chemical manufacturer based in Georgetown, South Carolina that supplies ingredient applications for the plastics, detergents, coatings and personal care markets of the Americas. The firm’s hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS) line is a mainstay in the thermoplastics and CASE industries. 3V Sigma USA., part of the 3V Group based in Bergamo, Italy, has maintained a decades-long presence in the personal care market with their Synthalen®, Polygel® , Emulsiderm, Sensoderm, Rapidgel and other lines of polymers, emulsifiers, emollients and functional ingredients such as their Uvasorb line of UV absorbers. 3V Sigma USA continues to supply solutions for its diverse customer base through applied technology and formulation knowledge.