Is Rice Water Good for Your Skin?
TikTokers are obsessed with the benefits of rice water for skin right now—and they’ve got the glow to prove it.
From DIY rice water toners to face masks, rice water has become a go-to ingredient for glowing, glass-like skin. Some say their pores have literally vanished since using fermented rice water for skin. But is it really as good as people say it is?
Here’s what you should know about rice water, including how to make it, how to use it, and the benefits of using it in your skincare routine.
Is Rice Water Good for Skin?
Rice water—the starchy liquid left behind after soaking or boiling rice—is gaining popularity as a skincare trend. However, the use of rice water for skin is nothing new. Rice water has long been used in Asia for both its skincare and haircare benefits. From boosting hydration to minimizing enlarged pores, there’s a lot to love about rice water.
Today, rice water is becoming a popular skincare treatment for soothing redness and irritation as well as restoring a healthy skin barrier. And the best part? You can make it easily at home.
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Benefits of Rice Water for Skin
Discover the top benefits of rice water for face.
1. Hydrates Skin
Rice water is rich in amino acids and antioxidants that help keep your skin soft, supple, and hydrated. Best of all, its lightweight, non-greasy formula makes it suitable for all skin types. Whether you’ve got dry skin or oily skin, using rice water as a moisturizer can keep your skin hydrated without exacerbating shine.
2. Shrinks Pores
Rice water for tightening pores is extremely effective thanks to its natural astringent properties. It helps to tighten the skin, improve skin texture, and reduce the appearance of pores. Alongside this, rice water offers deep cleansing abilities which can remove impurities and unclog pores, reducing their visibility. Some TikTokers say their pores look practically invisible since using rice water for skin.
3. Soothes Irritated Skin
A natural anti-inflammatory, rice water for skin can provide relief from redness, irritation, and even skin conditions such as eczema. Its soothing properties help calm inflamed skin, reduce swelling, and promote healing, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive or reactive skin. Regular use can restore balance, leaving the skin feeling more comfortable and less irritated.
4. Protects Against Sun Damage
Rice water is packed with antioxidants, which help protect the skin from harmful UV rays. These antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals, reducing the damage caused by sun exposure and preventing premature aging. It’s not a replacement for sunscreen, but it can certainly be a helpful addition to your skincare routine for extra protection against harmful UV rays.
5. Clears Blemishes
The gentle exfoliating properties of rice water help clear away dead skin cells, which can contribute to clogged pores and blemishes. Regular use of rice water for skin can promote a clearer complexion by preventing breakouts and minimizing acne scars.
6. Prevents Fine Lines
Rice water’s antioxidant properties aren’t just for fighting sun damage—it also helps slow down the signs of aging. It does this by boosting collagen production, which helps firm the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. That being said, you’ll need to use it regularly to reap its full anti-aging benefits.
7. Brightens Skin
Rice water is rich in vitamin B and vitamin E, which both benefit the skin. It helps to even out skin tone, fade dark spots, and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation to give your skin a natural, healthy glow. As a natural exfoliant, rice water further aids in skin brightening by buffing away the buildup of dead skin cells to reveal bright, glowing skin.
What Kind of Rice is Best for Rice Water?
According to dermatologists, the best rice for making rice water for skin is raw, unprocessed rice. Most store-bought rice is refined and unlikely to contain all of its natural nutrients. If you can, try to find an organic brown rice when making your own rice water.
How to Make Rice Water for Skin
Ready to make your own rice water toner or cleanser? While rice water skincare products are growing in popularity, it’s easy to make it yourself. Here are several ways to make rice water—and they’re all super simple.
Soak
The first and most common method of making homemade rice water is soaking uncooked rice in cold water. Leave it to soak for one hour and then sift away the rice. Refrigerate your rice water and it’s ready to use. Easy!
Boil
Start by rinsing and draining uncooked rice. Using four times more water than rice, bring it to a boil, remove from head, and then press the rice before straining with a sieve. Refrigerate the rice water and dilute with water before applying to your skin.
Ferment
To make fermented rice water (considered the best kind by dermatologists), use the same process for soaking the rice. Instead of refrigerating the water, store it in a jar at room temperature for two days. Dilute with water before use.
To apply your homemade rice water for skin, you can either apply it with cotton pads or pour it into a spray bottle and spritz it on like a mist.
Try Making This DIY Rice Water Face Mask
You can also create your own rice water sheet mask at home. And it’s just as easy! All you need to do is soak cotton pads in rice water and place them over your face, leaving on for 10-15 minutes.
Rice water, a staple in Korean and Japanese skincare, is known for its ability to improve skin health and calm sensitive skin. For an extra boost, you can mix in a bit of aloe vera for soothing hydration and nourishment.
Remember to do a patch test before using to ensure your skin doesn’t have any negative reactions to rice water.
How to Use Rice Water for Skin
Rice water has so many uses, it’s definitely worth at least trying. Just remember: If you boiled or fermented your rice water, be sure to dilute it with a cup of water before use. Here’s how to use rice water for face and body.
Facial Cleanser and Toner
For a simple toner, apply a small amount of rice water to a cotton pad and gently sweep it over your face and neck. To use it as a facial cleanser, massage the rice water into your skin and rinse if desired. You can also create a face mask by soaking a cotton pad in rice water and applying it to your face for 10-15 minutes.
Eye Compress
Rice water can help reduce puffiness and dark circles around the eyes. Soak a cotton pad in chilled rice water and place it over your eyes for 5-10 minutes. Your eyes will feel instantly soothed and refreshed.
Hydrating Face Mist
Fill a small spray bottle with rice water and use it as a refreshing, hydrating mist throughout the day. Perfect for dry skin, it gives your face a quick moisture boost while balancing your skin’s pH.
Body Scrub
For an exfoliating body scrub, mix rice water with sea salt and a couple of drops of your fave essential oil. Gently rub it onto your skin for full-body exfoliation. Your skin will feel noticeably smoother after using.
Sunscreen
Some sunscreens contain rice water extracts, which can enhance protection from the sun’s harmful rays. Research shows that sunscreens with rice bran extracts, along with other plant-based ingredients, may improve UVA/UVB protection, helping to safeguard your skin from sun damage.
That does not mean you should skip sunscreen. Always wear SPF 30 or higher daily. Pair it with rice water and/or a vitamin C product like serum to maximize the protective effects.
Other Uses for Rice Water
As much as we love the benefits of rice water for skin, here are a few other ways to include it in your beauty routine.
Hair Growth Treatment
People in Japan and China have long used rice water for hair growth. It is believed that the nutrients and antioxidants in fermented rice water such as inositol nourish the scamp and hair follicles, promoting healthy hair growth. In some Asian countries, people use it to prevent their hair from turning gray.
To make your own rice water hair treatment, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to your homemade rice water. Apply the rice water from roots to ends, and leave it on for at least 10 minutes before rinsing out.
Shampoo
To make a rice water-based shampoo, mix fermented rice water with liquid castile soap. You can also add aloe vera, chamomile tea, or a few drops of essential oil for extra benefits. This combination helps cleanse your scalp while keeping it hydrated and refreshed, leaving your strands soft and shiny.
Is rice water for skin worth the hype? From what research and dermatologists tell us, there are several benefits of rice water for skin. However, like with all skin trends, it’s important to pay attention to what works best for your skin. Just because someone sees positive effects from something doesn’t mean it will have the same effects for you.
We suggest sticking to a daily skincare routine that works for you. Need customized product recommendations for your skin’s needs? Take our quiz and we’ll match you with your must-have products.
