Long celebrated in Eastern medicine, Ayurveda, and Korean skincare, rice is making a major comeback in beauty. Known for its hair-strengthening properties, it's also been used in skincare for centuries.
“There’s a growing appreciation for holistic, culturally rooted aesthetic traditions,” says Edyta Jarosz, aesthetician at the Shafer Clinic. "People are now looking to those ancient practices for inspiration.”
To learn more about rice and its relation to beauty, we spoke with Jarosz and fellow aesthetician Samantha Susca. Here’s what they shared about the benefits of rice-based skincare, how to use it, and the best products worth trying.
How rice can help your skin
According to a recent study by the National Library of Medicine, rice-derived ingredients have been found to support moisturized skin and anti-aging.
Additionally, Susca says she recommends rice-based skincare for clients dealing with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, as it can help brighten dark spots and soothe irritation. “It's known to help prevent transepidermal water loss and is calming, lightly hydrating, and toning,” she explains.
Incorporating rice into your beauty routine
When it comes to skincare, rice most commonly appears as rice water or as physical exfoliants like rice bran extract and rice powder. According to Susca, rice water-based products are typically found as essences or toners. “Essences are especially popular since they deliver visible results without overwhelming the skin,” she explains. “I often recommend using fermented rice essences before a vitamin C serum or retinol treatment to enhance glow and reduce sensitivity.”
Rice also shows up in moisturizers and exfoliants. Best sellers include Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant and Tatcha’s Rice Wash and Polish Enzyme Powder.
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Rice-based skincare is generally suitable for all skin types
“Rice water is gentle and ideal for daily use, even on sensitive and rosacea-prone skin,” says Jarosz. For oily and combination skin, rice starch can be a great option, as the ingredient works to “gently absorb excess sebum and minimize the appearance of pores without drying out the skin,” she notes.
But don't overdo it. “Physical exfoliants made with rice powder can be too abrasive if overused or applied with too much pressure, especially on thin or compromised skin barriers,” Jarosz adds. “While rice itself is non-comedogenic, products containing rice bran oil may be too rich for acne-prone or very oily skin.”
