Rice water has been a skincare staple in Eastern beauty rituals for centuries, celebrated for its hydrating, brightening, and soothing properties. Traditionally used by women in Japan, Korea, and China for smooth, radiant skin, it resurfaced as a viral trend on social media and made its way into beauty aisles. Skincare enthusiasts swear by its ability to minimise pores, control excess oil, and even improve skin texture when used consistently.
But while it may seem like an easy DIY solution, using rice water incorrectly can lead to irritation or ineffectiveness. Factors like fermentation time, dilution, and storage play a crucial role in how well it works for your skin. So before you incorporate it into your routine, here’s a simple guide to help you get the most out of this age-old beauty elixir.
How to make a rice water toner
Creating a rice water toner is incredibly simple. Start by soaking white rice in cold water for 30 minutes to two hours, then strain the rice. The leftover milky water becomes your toner, packed with antioxidants and known for brightening and revitalising the skin.
Using rice water as a toner
There’s a technique that’s especially beneficial for combination and acne-prone skin. After rinsing the rice and soaking the rice for around four hours, store the rice water in the refrigerator. For application, saturate reusable cotton pads and gently exfoliate the face. This method draws on K-beauty traditions, where fermented rice has been a staple for skin cleansing and toning.
Alternative use as a face mask
Another popular approach is to soak cotton pads in rice water and use them as a DIY sheet mask. Leave the pads on your face for 15 minutes to experience a hydrating, baby-soft effect.
Key benefits of rice water for skin
According to a scientific analysis, “ingredients isolated from rice and its components have wide potential for use in skincare and cosmetic products”. The report, which summarised a variety of published research, noted that individual components of rice include phenolic compounds, betaine, squalene, tricin and rice bran. “These rice-derived ingredients have been found to be anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory, whitening, photo-protective and moisturising,” the report states.
The research also shows that these rice-derived ingredients may benefit multiple dermatological conditions. For example, “rice bran ash extract increases melanin synthesis and offers protection from radiation and skin injury”, while “fermented rice bran extract and rice bran broth baths have shown utility in atopic dermatitis treatments”.
