There’s no arguing it. J- and K- Beauty are trailblazers in the skincare zeitgeist. They brought us snail mucin (a skincare hero we desperately needed), introduced us to every radiance-boosting trend imaginable (hello, dewy, glass, and dolphin skin?), and made us upgrade our two-step lazy girl regimens to a super-powerful five-step/ten-step routine.
Now, the skintellectuals are re-introducing us to the magical powers of rice extract. Yes, you heard that right—Rice water.
The Southeast Asian age-old secret to the glow-up of your dreams has been used for centuries to heal and rejuvenate the skin. It’s also rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, which tackles all your skin woes – including the esteem-crushing hyperpigmentation (it’s no wonder the Kardashians are fans).
So if brighter, blemish-free, firmer, and radiant skin is what you’ve been looking for, keep scrolling because below are some of the market’s best rice water-infused products.
Benefits of Rice Extract/Peptides On The Skin
The extract has been found to offer the following benefits:
It intensely hydrates the skin: The extract works as well as glycerin to increase skin hydration and seal in moisture, but without the ickiness.
It minimizes irritation: Rice hydrolysate contains properties that might help reduce skin redness and soothe the skin.
It contains antioxidant properties: The extract can help safeguard the skin from sun damage and photoaging. They also help lower oxidative stress.
It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles: Peptides increase collagen production, which reduces signs of aging, blasts hyperpigmentation, and keeps the skin firm and supple.
It enhances skin brightness: Its hydrolysate has been found to inhibit melanin production through tyrosinase inhibition, which means it can lighten your skin.
Rice Water Skincare Product Recommendations
Here are a few derm-approved rice extract beauty products to try out:
Dot & Key Rice Water Hydrating Toner, $5
This toner-serum has a bit more body than other hydrating toners and has been repeatedly touted for its dark-spot corrective powers.
What makes it so unique is the healthy blend of moisture-packed ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, Japanese rice water, and probiotics that gently refine the skin’s texture and maintain a healthy microbiome to help strengthen barrier function.
The zero-alcohol formula and non-synthetic fragrance are just added bonuses.
Tatcha The Rice Polish Foaming Classic Enzyme Powder, $68
If soft, supple, dewy skin is your goal, this Tatcha The Rice Polish Classic Enzyme Powder should be in your beauty arsenal. The water-activated treatment contains nourishing Japanese bran and silk protein that transforms into a creamy formula to deliver a smooth, plump, and healthy glow.
It also incorporates an amino acid base that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin and papaya enzymes that enhance natural skin turnover to instantly reveal baby-soft skin and a clean, makeup-ready canvas.
And did we mention it’s an essential part of Doja Cat’s, Kim Kardashian’s, and Meghan Markle’s everyday beauty routine? Enough said.
Cosrx Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask, $18
Wow, wow, wow. COSRX really knocked it out of the park with this overnight spa mask. Enriched with over 68% of rice extract, humectants, and antioxidants, this mask offers you intensive nourishment and deep hydration to give you firmer, plumper, and softer skin come sunrise.
It’s also ideal for sensitive skin types as it helps reduce redness, rejuvenate your complexion, and protects your skin from free radicals damage.
