Rice water for skin has been a well-kept beauty secret for centuries, and it’s no surprise why. Packed with skin-loving nutrients, rice water has climbed its way up to superstar status in the world of Korean skincare thanks to its ability to brighten, hydrate, and rejuvenate the skin.
But what makes rice skincare so special? And why is Korean rice skincare taking the beauty world by storm? Whether you’re curious about DIY rice water treatments or hunting for the best products out there, we’re here to spill the grains. Keep reading to discover the benefits of rice water for skin and learn how this unique ingredient can transform your routine.
What is rice water for skin?
To some, rice water might simply mean the starchy liquid left behind after soaking or boiling rice. To others, it’s a skincare gem that’s been cherished for generations. Most commonly found in toners, face masks, and serums, rice water works to protect and soothe the skin, while providing a range of other benefits. While it may seem like a new ingredient on the beauty scene, it’s a time-tested favourite in Korean skincare that’s been used for hundreds of years thanks to its soothing and rejuvenating properties.
The skin benefits of rice water products
Rice water products offer a wide range of benefits for the skin, blending ancient beauty secrets with modern formulations to achieve the ultimate glass-skin glow. Packed with amino acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, these products hydrate, brighten, and soothe all at once. Whether you’re dealing with dryness, dullness, or irritation, rice water’s multitasking powers help reduce dark spots, calm redness, and leave your skin feeling bouncy, radiant, and refreshed.
What skin types are rice water products best for?
One of the best parts about rice water is that it can be enjoyed by everyone. Got dry skin? Rice water products are deeply hydrating, locking in moisture to keep your skin soft and plump. For oily or acne-prone skin, their lightweight, non-greasy formulas help control excess oil while calming redness and irritation. If you’ve got sensitive skin, rice water’s soothing properties gently work to reduce inflammation. And if dullness or uneven tone is your concern, rice water’s brightening abilities will leave your complexion glowing. In short, whatever your skin type or concern, any routine can benefit from the addition of this skin-loving ingredient.
The best Korean rice skincare products
Ready to rice-up your routine? From gentle toners to powerful sun protection, let’s dive into the best Korean rice skincare products we can’t stop reaching for.
The Best Korean Rice Toners
1. Thank You Farmer Rice Pure Essential Toner
If you’ve got dull skin that needs a glow boost, make room in your routine for the Thank You Farmer Rice Pure Essential Toner. Powered by Korean gyodong rice extract to clear the skin along with niacinamide to brighten, and centella asiatica to soothe, this gentle, hydrating toner is the secret to boosting your skin’s brightness.
2. Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Rice Milk Toner
Sensitive skin, meet your new best friend. The Glow Replenishing Rice Milk Toner from Beauty of Joseon combines nutrient-rich rice extract and amino acids to deeply hydrate, smooth rough texture, and gently enhance your skincare routine. With a unique dual-layer formula, the moisture layer delivers intense hydration, while the powder layer controls sebum and refines pores, all with a lightweight, non-greasy finish.
3. I’m From Rice Toner
Perfect for all skin types, the I’m From Rice Toner is made with organic rice to gently sweep away impurities and excess oil. This multitasking must-have also brightens dark spots, evens skin tone, and instantly rejuvenates the complexion. Add to your routine for skin that’s hydrated, balanced, smooth, and radiant.
The Best Korean Rice Creams
1. Thank You Farmer Rice Pure Aqua Hydrating Multi Balm Stick
Hydration on the go has never been easier with the Thank You Farmer Rice Pure Aqua Hydrating Multi Balm Stick. Infused with barrier-soothing ceramides and skin-strengthening rice extract, this on-the-go balm relieves itchiness, locks in moisture, improves pigmentation, and prevents dryness, all in one swipe. Suitable for all skin types, it’s the ultimate blend of convenience and care.
2. I’m From Rice Cream
Soft, supple skin without the grease? Enter the I’m From Rice Cream. Ideal for oily skin types, this base-balancing cream controls sebum without compromising on hydration. Enriched with rice bran ceramide that’s packed with fatty acids, this cream strengthens your skin barrier, maintains moisture, and controls sebum for all-day radiance. If you’re after a smooth, healthy glow, this is it.
The Best Korean Rice Face Masks
1. Beauty of Joseon Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask
Turn up your glow with the Beauty of Joseon Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask. This powerhouse formula combines natural rice hull powder, makgeolli lees (a byproduct of traditional Korean rice wine), and 5% honey to deeply hydrate, refine texture, and calm acne-prone skin. It enhances elasticity, brightens, purifies pores, and gently exfoliates, without any skin tightness or discomfort in sight.
2. COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Spa Overnight Mask
Wake up dull, tired skin with the COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Spa Overnight Mask. Packed with 68% rice extract, this 3-in-1 wonder deeply hydrates, brightens dark spots, and revitalises skin. Use it as an overnight mask, a wash-off treatment, or even a daily moisturiser for a luminous, refreshed complexion.
The Best Korean Suncreams
1. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics
Sensitive skin types, this one’s for you. The Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics is an organic, lightweight chemical suncream that gently cares for your skin whilst offering SPF50+ protection against UVA and UVB rays. It’s enriched with probiotics and rice extract to strengthen the skin barrier, prevent dehydration, and nourish your complexion, all without the dreaded white cast or greasy residue.
2. I’m From Rice Sunscreen
Step into the sun with glowing confidence using the I’m From Rice Sunscreen. This mineral-based SPF50+ PA++++ formula provides powerful UVA and UVB protection with a non-sticky finish. Infused with 41% amino acid-rich goami rice extract, it nourishes, brightens, and smooths your skin while gently removing impurities. Fast-absorbing, silky-smooth, and ideal for all skin types, SPF has never looked or felt so good.
How to use rice water for skin
While rice water can be made at home, it can be both messy and time consuming. Luckily, skincare experts have done the hard work for you with specially created rice water products packed with all the skin-loving benefits. From hydration, to brightening and soothing, these rice- formulated goodies are designed to give your skin everything it needs, without any of the guesswork. So, while it’s possible to make your own, we recommend skipping the kitchen experiment and letting these rice-infused skincare saviours work their magic.
