Ingredient Focus: Rice

Last Updated: 23 September 2020

Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes

Rice may be a staple food in Asian households, but did you know that when used in skin care products, it does wonders for your skin? I’ve been eating rice all my life but I only discovered the benefits of rice in skin care when I started incorporating more Asian beauty products into my routine.

Curious about what rice can do for your skin? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about this skin care ingredient:

Benefits of Rice

Rice water or rice extracts can mostly be found in Korean or Japanese skin care. Rice is rich in vitamins A, C and E, antioxidants, and ferulic acid. When used in skin care products, rice boasts nourishing, brightening and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Rice is a soothing ingredient that helps calm redness or irritation. Rice also helps your skin heal so if you’re prone to blemishes, using skin care products infused with rice water or extracts will help your skin heal much quicker.

In addition to soothing and healing, rice is also known for its anti-aging benefits. Rice water is packed with allantoin, which helps improve your skin’s elasticity and softens your skin. If you have a dry or dehydrated complexion, look no further as rice will keep your skin deeply nourished, making it the perfect ingredient for fall and winter!

What skin type is rice best for?

The great thing about rice is that it’s a gentle ingredient so it can be used by all skin types, including sensitive skin. However, rice is most beneficial for those with dry or acne-prone skin as it hydrates your skin and helps heal acne as well as fade hyperpigmentation.

You should also consider adding skin care products with rice into your regimen if you have a weak skin barrier as rice can help repair your skin barrier and protect it from further damage from external stressors.

Add Rice to Your Skin Care Routine

Rice can be found in a variety of skin care products including facial cleansers, toners, face masks and even moisturizers.

Rice in Cleansing Oils

Starting your skin care routine with a cleansing oil infused with natural rice bran oil and rice extract, such as THE FACE SHOP’s Rice Water Cleansing Rich Oil, is perfect for getting rid of impurities while keeping your skin moisturized. Go for the lighter version, the Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil, if you have an oily complexion.

Rice in Facial Cleansers

Finishing your double cleansing routine with a facial wash that’s packed with rice will not only leave your skin feeling clean but also soft and hydrated. Try MIZON’s Rice Real Cleansing Foam for a deep and relaxing cleansing experience. This cleanser is packed with rice bran that gently removes dead skin cells and leaves you with skin that’s extra soft and free of dirt.

Rice in Toners

Using a toner with rice water comes in handy, especially if you experience dry patches during the colder months. I’m from’s Rice Toner is well-loved because of its major skin benefits. Packed with rice extracts, this toner keeps your skin hydrated while also brightening your skin and improving its elasticity. You can opt for the travel-sized version first if you want to give the toner a go but don’t want to commit to the full sized bottle just yet.