As editors, we've seen some quirky DIY beauty trends online. Over the past year, TikTok users have used bitten cherries as blush and used men's beard dye for an at-home brow tint. But one recent trend that has piqued our interest is rice water for the skin — yes, that kind of rice water.
Just as rice satisfies our bellies, social media claims rice water has some perks for the skin, too. Some users have made rice water themselves, whereas others (me!) have kept it simple, and have stuck to purchasing products powered with the ingredient. We prefer the latter!
There is a question that remains, however: What are the benefits of rice water? We spoke to board-certified dermatologists to get their expertise on the trendy ingredient and what to look out for. Plus, we rounded up some of our top picks to try out the ingredient for yourself, too.
Keep reading to discover all of the ins and outs of rice water.
What is rice water? | Benefits of rice water | Side effects of rice water | Expert-recommended products | More products to shop | How we chose | Meet the experts
What is rice water?
After we cook a batch of rice for a set time (typically around 10 to 30 minutes), rice water is the "starchy water" left behind. Most of us toss this liquid out, though some have recently taken a DIY approach to implementing it into their beauty routines, and research shows they might be on to something.
“It is said to be rich in vitamins, minerals and amino acids, including skin nourishers like B vitamins, vitamin E and inositol,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose. This also includes allantoin and the antioxidant, ferulic acid.
However, according to Healthline, the usage of rice water goes back thousands of years in Japan and remains a ritual in Asian beauty. Rice water has previously been implemented as a 'conditioner' for the hair (some even claim it promotes hair growth, too), but as of late, rice water has gained attention online for how easily accessible its benefits are for the skin.
What are the benefits of rice water for the skin?
While there is still much to explore about the trendy ingredient, there are some findings (from the past and present) that reveal that rice water has a number of perks for the skin.
One benefit worth noting is the hydration it can offer the skin. After using rice water, "well-hydrated skin appears plumper and is less susceptible to features of aging, such as fine lines," suggests double-board certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp. The gentle hydration it provides may even be helpful for those with sensitive skin, according to Camp, who says rice water can calm dry skin and eczema flares.
But there are even claims that rice water can assist with other anti-aging concerns. For instance, rice water can inhibit the activity of the enzyme, elastane. "Elastase may contribute to the breakdown of structural skin proteins leading to the formation of skin laxity and fine lines," Camp adds.
Murphy-Rose also notes that those with acne concerns can benefit from using rice water, too, since it contains a carbohydrate, Inositol, that "may provide anti-androgenic effects," such as fighting bacteria and reducing sebum production.
Interested in trying this ingredient at home? Here are some rice water-powered products recommended by experts and our editors.
Rice and/or rice water-based products recommended by experts and editors
An overnight treat: COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask
- Moisturizing
- Improves pores and texture
- Some say it is a bit sticky
Size: 2.02 oz | Key ingredients: Rice extract, niacinamide and panthenol | Best for: All skin types
Recommended by Camp, this moisturizing mask should help you wake up with a more renewed complexion. “This overnight face mask brightens and moisturizes dry, tired skin," he says. The addition of niacinamide and panthenol is also a huge plus, as the duo helps the mask tackle multiple skin concerns in one as you sleep, from dryness to oiliness.
A great DIY alternative: I’m from Rice Serum
- Boosts skin radiance
- Lightweight
- Very hydrating
- Some found it sticky
Size: 1.01 oz | Key ingredients: Rice germ fermented extract, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid | Best for: All skin types
Recommended by Murphy-Rose, the I'm From Rice is a great store-bought alternative to a DIY rice water solution, she suggests. The dermatologist also adds that the mix of fermented rice extract, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid "calm, hydrate and support the skin barrier while brightening."
The first step in your routine: Tatcha The Rice Wash
- Nice creamy texture
- Non-stripping
- Gentle on the skin
- Some find it a bit drying
Size: 4 oz | Key ingredients: Japanese rice powder, hyaluronic acid, red algae and amino acids | Best for: Normal, dry and combination skin types
Cleansing is the first and most important step in our skin care routine, so it should be the most enjoyable. According to reviews, this wash is highly effective at removing dirt, grime and makeup without stripping the skin (and it is a favorite of senior SEO editor Jess Bender). Afterward, the skin should be left squeaky clean, soft and glowing.
For daily exfoliation: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
- Gentle for daily use
- Improves texture
- Great for large pores and acne
- Some don't love the smell
Size: 2.6 oz | Key ingredients: Rice bran-derived phytic acid, papain enzymes, salicylic acid and colloidal oatmeal | Best for: Normal, oily and combination skin types
Another recommendation from Bender, the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant is gentle enough to be used daily because it is mostly rice-based. When you dispense the product, it comes out as a powder, but when mixed with water, it lathers into a foamy paste that is just as smooth as the results.
For a smoother complexion: Tatcha The Rice Polish
- Gently exfoliates
- Comes in different variations
- Some are mixed on scent
Size: 2.1 oz | Key ingredients: Japanese rice bran, green tea and algae | Best for: Dry skin, but different variations available for other skin types
Recommended by Camp, Tatcha's The Rice Polish promises a non-abrasive formula gently exfoliant and treat the skin based on your skin type. For instance, the polish comes in four variations —Classic, Deep, Gentle and Calming — to either clarify pores for oily skin, sooth irritation for sensitive skin, among other concerns. But they all contain one main ingredient: Rice bran, which Camp says leave the skin "brighter and smoother."
Dermatologist-loved brand: Tatcha The Essence
- Boosts skin care efficacy
- Absorbs quickly
- Hydrating
- On the higher end
Size: 5.1 oz | Key ingredients: Akita rice, Okinawa algae and uji green tea | Best for: All skin types
Although this is another pick from Tatcha in this list, both dermatologists recommended the highly-loved brand. "Tatcha The Essence contains fermented rice water, green tea and algae to soothe, hydrate and plump," raves Murphy-Rose. The Essence is also great for prepping your skin for the rest of your skin care, suggests the brand, and could boost the efficacy of your favorite serums, moisturizers and more.
To boost skin hydration: SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier
- Very hydrating
- Lightweight
- Improves fine lines
- Results take time
Size: 1 oz | Key ingredients: Purple rice extract, licorice root extract, hyaluronic acid and proxylane | Best for: All skin types
SkinCeuticals says their Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier is true to its name, and boosts the skin's natural skin’s hyaluronic acid levels by 30%. That's an impressive number, and I [San Miguel] believe the serum does what is says and more, especially for those looking to improve fine lines, irritation and texture caused by dryness.
For a healthy skin barrier: Augustinus Bader The Cream
- Very moisturizing
- Leaves skin radiant
- Repairs skin over time
- Pricey
Size: 30 ml | Key ingredients: Rice protein, amino acids, vitamins A, C and B5 | Best for: All skin types
Although this moisturizer is definitely a splurge, it is well worth the hype, which I [San Miguel] can attest to. According to the brand, users should see a noticeable difference in the complexion with consistent use. While using it for their suggested 27 days, I noticed less redness and an overall healthier skin barrier.
The reason is because this cream has a complex of natural amino acids, rice protein and various vitamins that guide the skin through its natural repair and renewal process. Meaning, it supports your skin barrier to improve moisturize levels, irritation, fine lines and anything else your skin needs to be its best self.
More rice and/or rice water-based products
A budget pick: TONYMOLY I’m Rice Sheet Mask
- Results in just 20 minutes
- Brightening
- Affordable
- Single-use only
Size: 0.74 oz (1 sheet) | Key ingredients: Rice extracts | Best for: All skin types
With a price like that, how could we have not noticed? This single-use sheet mask is based with different ingredients, so not one is alike. But we noticed their “I’m Rice” version, which contains rice extracts to improve elasticity, add hydration and brighten the skin in just 20 minutes.
For added radiance: Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum Rice + Alpha-Arbutin
- Adds radiance
- Moisturizing
- Targets acne scars
- Not everyone saw results
Size: 2.02 oz | Key ingredients: Rice extract, niacinamide and panthenol | Best for: All skin types
Glow is very true claim when it comes to Beauty of Joseon’s TikTok viral serum. The brand says it uses 68% of rice water, which offers users tons of hydration and suppleness when applied. And since it is deeply nourishing, this should add a healthy radiance to the skin. It even should help with hyperpigmentation, too.
A viral brand: TIRTIR Milk Skin Rice Toner
- Fungal-acne friendly
- Protects skin barrier
- Hydrating
- Some say it is a bit sticky
Size: 5.07 oz | Key ingredients: Rice bran extracts, niacinamide, chamomile flower and panthenol | Best for: All skin types
The Internet loves this brand for their foundation, but they also sell skin care, too. Their toner is another great find, offering an equal amount of brightening and hydration to promote a ‘glass skin’ complexion.
To treat the skin overnight: EltaMD PM Restore Facial Moisturizer
- Softens skin
- Great for dryness
- Improves skin barrier
- Some say it pills
Size: 1.7 oz | Key ingredients: Rice protein, niacinamide, peptides and ceramides | Best for: All skin types
You skin is most active while you sleep, and this moisturizer works overtime to ensure your wake up with a renewed complexion. Since it contains niacinamide rice protein, the product should help encourage cell growth, which should contribute to building collagen and improving skin elasticity, and speed up the renewal process.
Side effects of rice water
Like all new beauty trends and products, you should always do a patch test before applying topically. “Whenever integrating a new skin care product to your routine, it is advisable to do a test spot of the product on the inside of your arm for a few days to see how it reacts,” recommends Camp. “This is especially important for those with more sensitive skin.”
Although you can make rice water at home, you can also shop for rice water and/or rice-based skin care. Below are some of our favorites that implement the ingredient in their formula.
Frequently Asked Questions
"When rice water is prepared at home as a DIY skin care treatment, it can be poured into an ice cube tray so that the cubes can be used as a treatment to calm irritated skin and reduce swelling or puffiness," notes Dr. Camp. "It is recommended to rinse the rice of dirt and debris prior to preparation."
After making the mixture, Dr. Murphy-Rose says you can then apply it as a solution by using your "fingertips or on a saturated applicator," which can be a cotton pad, etc.
It is important to keep in mind that everyone will have a different reaction to any beauty product. Although rice water is well tolerated, Dr. Camp advises those with an allergy to not use it. And Dr. Murphy-Rose agrees. "Some may be sensitive to the slightly acidic rice water," she says. "Despite rice water being soothing to most skin, it can be irritating to some. Look out for redness and dryness, which would suggest rice water is not great for you."
Because rice water has brightening benefits, it can potentially help with lightening dark spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation. "The ingredients in rice water may affect the enzymatic pathways involved in pigment production," notes Dr. Camp.
In short: Yes! "As a toner, rice water can have an exfoliating effect on the skin," explains Dr. Camp. "As such, it should be used carefully with other ingredients that can be potentially irritating, such as alpha and beta-hydroxy acids and retinols."
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences around rice water and other rice-based products to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time. Learn more about Shop TODAY.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York.
- Dr. Brendan Camp is a double board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and New Jersey.
