Rice Water: This Korean Skincare Ingredient Promises Glowing Skin!

Korean glass skin has been the talk of the town for years. And everyone is busy chasing the goal of healthy, happy skin. But how do the Koreans achieve it? It’s this one ingredient that is universally available - rice water. Korean skincare is renowned for its use of varied ingredients, one of which is rice water.

Rice Water Benefits for Skin

According to the experts, 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 because of ferulic and phytic acid elements.

History of Rice Water in Skincare

Koreans, Chinese and Japanese have been using rice water in their skincare routine for years. Traditionally, Rice water was collected after rinsing or boiling rice and used as a face wash or mask. It was believed to have purifying and brightening properties, helping to achieve a flawless and youthful complexion. That explains their radiant, glass-like skin. Now that’s a trend that’s here to stay.

Making Rice Water at Home

If you have been longing for glass skin like your favourite Korean celebs, here’s how to make rice water at home.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup uncooked rice (preferably organic)
• 2 cups of water

Method:

Take some rice in a bowl and rinse it thoroughly under cold running water. This will assist in getting rid of any surface pollutants or impurities. Add about two cups of water into the bowl of rice. Let the rice soak for 15 to 30 minutes. You will see the water appear foggy during this period. Give the grains a nice stir before separating them from the rice water using a strainer. You can also choose to ferment for further advantages. Let the strained rice water sit at room temperature for 24 to 48 hours. Fermentation boosts its potency and nutritious content. After fermenting, refrigerate it in a clean airtight container. The cool temperature will keep it fresh but also be good for your skin.

Skincare Brands that offer Rice Water infused Products

1. Earth Rhythm Rice Water & Kombucha Body Yogurt

This rice water skincare product by Earth Rhythm claims to improve skin elasticity, delay ageing and moisturise your skin. The Earth Rhythm Rice Water & Kombucha Body Yogurt contains rice water, rich in amino acids, minerals, and antioxidants that is said to help in reducing or slowing down your skin ageing process. According to the brand, it could also help to maintain skin elasticity while reducing the appearance of ageing signs on the skin. It also has Kombucha which contains organic acids. These are said to help improve the skin barrier and bring skin hydration while maintaining the natural balance of the skin. It promises to improve elasticity, skin tone, clarity, and texture.

Price: Rs. 599 for 100ml

2. Plum 10% Niacinamide Brightening Face Serum With Rice Water & Ferment

This lightweight skincare product has a milky texture and claims to brighten the skin while fading blemishes. It is suitable for all skin types and can be used twice a day. The Plum 10% Niacinamide Brightening Face Serum With Rice Water & Ferment contains the water-soluble form of vitamin B3 - niacinamide along with rice ferment extracts and licorice that soothes inflammation, redness and irritation on the skin.

Price: Rs. 349 for 15ml

3. Dot & Key Rice Water Hydrating Toner

This alcohol-free, lightweight, quick-absorbing toner blends moisture-rich ingredients for stronger, healthy and hydrated skin. The Dot & Key Rice Water Hydrating Toner is infused with Hyaluronic Acid, it traps water in the deeper layers of the skin for instant hydration. It also contains Probiotics that promote good bacteria to balance skin microbiome levels and boost skin barrier function. The Lactic Acid in it provides gentle exfoliation to unclog pores while minimising pore appearance.

Price: Rs. 395 for 150ml

4. Glamveda Rice Water Brightening Scrub

Remedy uneven skin tone, environmental skin damage and dull and dry skin with this scrub. The Glamveda Rice Water Brightening Scrub contains rice water along with kesar that lightens the skin, sandalwood to soothe dry and dull skin and almond, honey and pomegranate extracts. Massage it gently in circular motions using your fingertips for about 5-7 minutes while avoiding the eye area.

Price: Rs. 250 for 100gm

5. Quench Intense Repair Serum with Rice Water Minerals

This soothing and calming formula is boosted with skin-improving natural Korean ingredients to help restore the damaged skin barrier and heal dry, itchy, and sensitive skin. It is packed with rice ferment filtrate, olive extracts, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid and grapeseed oil. As mentioned by the brand, Quench Intense Repair Serum with Rice Water Minerals brightens, intensely hydrates and improves your skin texture. It has a light, creamy texture that gets easily absorbed and improves the appearance of wrinkles and uneven skin tone. You can use it regularly.

Price: Rs. 699 for 30ml

6. Sohmya Rice Water Face Mist

This is a refreshing, skin-clearing facial mist that claims to instantly revive dull, tired, and dehydrated-looking skin. Along with rice water, it also contains yarrow which is said to protect your skin from the damaging sun rays. The brand claims that Sohmya Rice Water Face Mist reduces the appearance of wrinkles and delivers softer, youthful-looking skin. It can be used in the morning and evening.

Price: Rs. 1,200 for 200 ml

7. Mystic Valley Face Cleanser

This Mystic Valley Face Cleanser is a soap-free facial cleanser. It promises to remove impurities and minimise pores for clear skin. The brand says that it is enriched with natural rice protein with brightening properties. It also contains glycolic acid that’s said to help unclog pores and remove blackheads leaving skin clear and radiant. The product attests to be free from sulphate, parabens and preservatives. The eco-friendly packaging makes it a good choice for the environment.

Price: Rs. 499 for 100gm