Like us, you’ve probably grown up hearing how good rice water, or kanji, is for health. Be it for an upset tummy, to improve digestion and gut health, or to stay better hydrated, this elixir has always been recommended. So, you’ll be happy to know that this familiar power-packed ingredient, rich in minerals and probiotics, works great for skin and hair health too! It’s no wonder then we’ve been spotting rice water in skincare through a variety of products.
Benefits Of Rice Water In Skincare
We spoke to expert dermatologist Dr Madhuri Agarwal, Founder and Medical Director of Yavana Skin Aesthetics to get her view on this ingredient. “Rice water is said to have multiple benefits, it is beneficial in itchy skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis. It is used to soothe sunburns and reduce blemishes. Rice water also hydrates the skin, giving it a smooth and porcelain-like finish. It is shown to have antioxidant activity by virtue of ferulic and phytic acid elements. There were also a few studies done in 2018 that presented anti-ageing potential of rice water.”
In fact, the Koreans, Chinese and Japanese have been using rice water in their skincare routine for years. That explains their radiant, glass-like skin! Packed with minerals, amino acids and antioxidants, rice water also helps tighten skin and minimise pores, brighten skin, lighten scars and boost overall skin elasticity.
Dr Madhuri adds that rice water is known to be more beneficial for irritated, sensitive skin types. It is also known to help oil control in the skin by absorbing excess oil.
DIY Rice Water
Being an economical and natural ingredient it can be easily added to one’s skincare routine by preparing it at home. There are multiple ways of making this at home including washing and soaking rice in water for 30 minutes, or soaking it for a couple of days to achieve fermented rice water, or even boiling rice in water and straining it for use.
Dr Madhuri points out though, that with rice water prepared at home, you will get variable concentrations and there is no way of knowing how much of the active ingredient of rice water will be absorbed by the skin. She also suggests avoiding leaving rice water at room temperature for longer than 24 hours as it will get spoiled and be devoid of its benefits.
Intrigued by the benefits of this humble but effective ingredient? Pick from these skincare products that come infused with rice water extracts…
1. The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam
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A creamy cleansing foam, this product is one of the bestsellers from the brand, and is enriched with rice extracts. Delicately scented, it gently cleanses and brightens the face without that stretchy post-wash feeling. We give it a two thumbs up!
2. COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask
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Enriched with more than 65% rice extract, this sleeping mask provides intensive nourishment and deep moisture to the skin. It also helps in refining and brightening the skin, all while you get in your beauty z’s. As a 3-in-1 mask, it can be used as an overnight mask, a wash-off mask, or even as a daily moisturiser.
3. Dot & Key Rice Water Probiotics Hydrating Toner
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This toner blends the potency of moisture-rich ingredients like rice water, probiotics, and hyaluronic acid in an alcohol-free formula to hydrate dry, thirsty skin. It also balances the skin’s pH and strengthens the microbiome barrier, clarifies the skin of dirt and impurities for a dewy radiance, and gently exfoliates to refine the skin’s texture for an even skin tone.
4. Earth Rhythm Rice Water & Kombucha Body Yogurt
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With rice water and kombucha infusions, this body yoghurt provides intense moisturization and gives the body a non-greasy glow. Its key ingredients help delay skin ageing and improve elasticity. Its lightweight formula absorbs quickly giving you nourished, supple, and hydrated skin.
5. Plum 10% Niacinamide Face Serum With Rice Water
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Infused with niacinamide, fermented rice water, caffeine, and squalene, this face serum clarifies and brightens skin by actively working on blemishes and post-acne marks, soothing active acne and regulating sebum production. It also helps minimize the appearance of pores and protects from sun damage.
6. Quench Botanics Mesmerice Nourishing Hand Cream
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Give your busy hands a break with this nourishing hand cream. Imbued with aloe vera, rice bran water and shea butter, it soaks right into the skin leaving your hands and cuticles soft and smooth. Ideal for dry, irritated or sensitive skin, this richly nourishing hand cream is infused with glycerin and vitamin E that repairs and heals dry hands. The cream is part of the brand’s hydrating and skin-soothing Mesmerice range, which also includes a face wash, cream mask, serum and more, where rice water is in fact, the hero ingredient.
7. Innisfree Rice Capsule Recipe Pack
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A convenient and compact size offering two uses, this face pack contains rice extract for soothing and brightening effects. It’s got a thick, rich texture and can be used as a simple wash-off pack, a sleeping pack or a cooling one which can be refrigerated before application for soothing the skin.
