Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow It HelpsHow to Use ItHow Long You to Use ItSide Effects
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How It Helps
How to Use It
How Long You to Use It
Side Effects
Rice water is the starchy water left behind when rice is cooked. It’s become a trendy skin care product on social media sites. However, the use of rice water for beauty among Japanese women dates back thousands of years.
Many claim thatricewater can help brighten their skin and provide a “glass” look. Research suggests that rice water has moisturizing and anti-inflammatory effects and can reduce signs of aging in the skin.You can make rice water at home or purchase products that contain it.
How Rice Water Improves Skin
Many online posts discuss how rice water can transform your skin or provide a “glass complexion.” While not all these claims have been proven, little research suggests that rice water may benefit your skin.
Rice water contains antioxidants, which can help fightfree radicalsin your body. One study found that rice water contains the same biological antioxidant activity asvitamin C.Rice water may also lessen the activity of an enzyme called elastase, which is involved in skin aging.
Another study found that fermented rice water may help lessen skin damage from the sun and reduce the signs of aging in the skin.
A Word From VerywellRice water has been used for hair care for millenia. It dates back to the Heian period in Japan (794 to 1185). As long as the rice is low in arsenic, it is a relatively easy addition to overall skin care.—DEEPTEJ SINGH, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Rice water has been used for hair care for millenia. It dates back to the Heian period in Japan (794 to 1185). As long as the rice is low in arsenic, it is a relatively easy addition to overall skin care.—DEEPTEJ SINGH, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Rice water has been used for hair care for millenia. It dates back to the Heian period in Japan (794 to 1185). As long as the rice is low in arsenic, it is a relatively easy addition to overall skin care.
—DEEPTEJ SINGH, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
How to Use Rice Water in Your Skin Care Routine
You can buy rice water in products or make your homemade version, such as in the following ways:
Skin Tone and Rice WaterMost experts agree that rice water is generally safe for all types and tones of skin, including sensitive skin. However, try a patch test before using rice water on your face to ensure you are not allergic. If you have any concerns, speak with a healthcare provider.
Skin Tone and Rice Water
Most experts agree that rice water is generally safe for all types and tones of skin, including sensitive skin. However, try a patch test before using rice water on your face to ensure you are not allergic. If you have any concerns, speak with a healthcare provider.
At-Home Products
While many rice water products are sold in stores, you can make your own at home, including:
Rice Water for HairMany people also userice wateras a shampoo, conditioner, or hair rinse.
Rice Water for Hair
Many people also userice wateras a shampoo, conditioner, or hair rinse.
How Long to Let Skin Absorb Rice Water
The amount of time you need to keep rice water on your skin depends on the type of product you’re using. Many online influencers suggest leaving it on for about 30 minutes or until it fully absorbs into your skin. Some people even leave it on overnight.
Side Effects and Reactions
Rice water is considered a nonirritating and hypoallergenic product (not likely to cause an allergy).However, it is always a good idea to perform a patch test on your skin before applying a new ingredient. This is especially important if you have sensitive, easily irritated skin.
Above all, rice water should not be considered a substitute for medical care. A dermatologist can help you determine the most suitable treatment option if you haveeczemaor another skin condition.
Summary
Many social media influencers tout rice water as an anti-aging and skin-brightening miracle. While these claims are often exaggerated, some research suggests that rice water may improve the look of your skin.
You can make your own rice water or purchase products that contain it. Rice water is generally considered safe, but you may want to talk to a healthcare provider if you have underlying skin conditions before using it.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Zamil DH, Khan RM, Braun TL, Nawas ZY.Dermatological uses of rice products: Trend or true?J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022;21(11):6056-6060. doi:10.1111/jocd.15099Marto J, Neves Â, Gonçalves LM, Pinto P, Almeida C, Simões S.Rice water: a traditional ingredient with anti-aging efficacy.Cosmetics. 2018;5(2):26. doi:10.3390/cosmetics5020026De Paepe K, Hachem JP, Vanpee E, Roseeuw D, Rogiers V.Effect of rice starch as a bath additive on the barrier function of healthy but SLS-damaged skin and skin of atopic patients.Acta Derm Venereol. 2002;82(3):184-186. doi:10.1080/00015550260132460Binic I, Lazarevic V, Ljubenovic M, Mojsa J, Sokolovic D.Skin aging: natural weapons and strategies.Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM. 2013;2013:827248. doi:10.1155/2013/827248USA Rice Federation.Rice water: DIY secret to glowing, healthy skin.Kaya Clinic.Benefits of rice water for skin: Cleanser, toner, face mask and how to apply.Paiewonsky B, Heinen N, Hordinsky M, Sadick N, Farah RS.Hairfluencer social media trends every dermatologist should know in 2021.J of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2023;22(2):669-670. doi:10.1111/jocd.15123
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Zamil DH, Khan RM, Braun TL, Nawas ZY.Dermatological uses of rice products: Trend or true?J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022;21(11):6056-6060. doi:10.1111/jocd.15099Marto J, Neves Â, Gonçalves LM, Pinto P, Almeida C, Simões S.Rice water: a traditional ingredient with anti-aging efficacy.Cosmetics. 2018;5(2):26. doi:10.3390/cosmetics5020026De Paepe K, Hachem JP, Vanpee E, Roseeuw D, Rogiers V.Effect of rice starch as a bath additive on the barrier function of healthy but SLS-damaged skin and skin of atopic patients.Acta Derm Venereol. 2002;82(3):184-186. doi:10.1080/00015550260132460Binic I, Lazarevic V, Ljubenovic M, Mojsa J, Sokolovic D.Skin aging: natural weapons and strategies.Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM. 2013;2013:827248. doi:10.1155/2013/827248USA Rice Federation.Rice water: DIY secret to glowing, healthy skin.Kaya Clinic.Benefits of rice water for skin: Cleanser, toner, face mask and how to apply.Paiewonsky B, Heinen N, Hordinsky M, Sadick N, Farah RS.Hairfluencer social media trends every dermatologist should know in 2021.J of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2023;22(2):669-670. doi:10.1111/jocd.15123
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Zamil DH, Khan RM, Braun TL, Nawas ZY.Dermatological uses of rice products: Trend or true?J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022;21(11):6056-6060. doi:10.1111/jocd.15099Marto J, Neves Â, Gonçalves LM, Pinto P, Almeida C, Simões S.Rice water: a traditional ingredient with anti-aging efficacy.Cosmetics. 2018;5(2):26. doi:10.3390/cosmetics5020026De Paepe K, Hachem JP, Vanpee E, Roseeuw D, Rogiers V.Effect of rice starch as a bath additive on the barrier function of healthy but SLS-damaged skin and skin of atopic patients.Acta Derm Venereol. 2002;82(3):184-186. doi:10.1080/00015550260132460Binic I, Lazarevic V, Ljubenovic M, Mojsa J, Sokolovic D.Skin aging: natural weapons and strategies.Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM. 2013;2013:827248. doi:10.1155/2013/827248USA Rice Federation.Rice water: DIY secret to glowing, healthy skin.Kaya Clinic.Benefits of rice water for skin: Cleanser, toner, face mask and how to apply.Paiewonsky B, Heinen N, Hordinsky M, Sadick N, Farah RS.Hairfluencer social media trends every dermatologist should know in 2021.J of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2023;22(2):669-670. doi:10.1111/jocd.15123
Zamil DH, Khan RM, Braun TL, Nawas ZY.Dermatological uses of rice products: Trend or true?J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022;21(11):6056-6060. doi:10.1111/jocd.15099
Marto J, Neves Â, Gonçalves LM, Pinto P, Almeida C, Simões S.Rice water: a traditional ingredient with anti-aging efficacy.Cosmetics. 2018;5(2):26. doi:10.3390/cosmetics5020026
De Paepe K, Hachem JP, Vanpee E, Roseeuw D, Rogiers V.Effect of rice starch as a bath additive on the barrier function of healthy but SLS-damaged skin and skin of atopic patients.Acta Derm Venereol. 2002;82(3):184-186. doi:10.1080/00015550260132460
Binic I, Lazarevic V, Ljubenovic M, Mojsa J, Sokolovic D.Skin aging: natural weapons and strategies.Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM. 2013;2013:827248. doi:10.1155/2013/827248
USA Rice Federation.Rice water: DIY secret to glowing, healthy skin.
Kaya Clinic.Benefits of rice water for skin: Cleanser, toner, face mask and how to apply.
Paiewonsky B, Heinen N, Hordinsky M, Sadick N, Farah RS.Hairfluencer social media trends every dermatologist should know in 2021.J of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2023;22(2):669-670. doi:10.1111/jocd.15123
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