Rice Water Face Wash: The Asian Secret To Clear Skin
As women, we all have that one skincare product that we swear by. It could be a toner, a moisturizer, or a face wash that has worked wonders for our skin.
However, have you ever considered incorporating rice water into your routine? Rice water has been a beauty secret in Asia for centuries, and it's time for the rest of the world to know the benefits of this simple ingredient.
In this article, we will dive into the history and benefits of rice water face wash, explain how to make it at home, and also review some of the best commercial versions available.
Rice Water: An Ancient Beauty Elixir for Modern Skincare
The use of rice water in skincare dates back to ancient times. In Japan, women who worked in rice fields used the leftover water from washing rice to bathe their skin.
They were known as 'Yu-su-jin,' which translates to 'rice water women.' Their skin was so smooth and bright that it caught the attention of Japanese royals, and soon rice water became a staple in their skincare routines
Similarly, in Korea, female rice farmers used rice water to cleanse their faces and bodies, resulting in supple and even-toned skin. Today, this tradition has evolved into a method called the 'Chal-bibim-bath' or 'mixed rice bath.'
The Science Behind the Beauty
Rice water is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including ferulic acid, allantoin, and phytic acid. These compounds have anti-inflammatory, brightening, and anti-aging properties that can benefit various skin types and conditions.
- Dry Skin: The starch in rice water helps to improve skin barrier function and retain moisture.
- Acne-Prone Skin: Rice water's soothing and anti-inflammatory properties can calm irritated skin and reduce redness.
- Signs of Aging: The antioxidants in rice water help neutralize harmful free radicals that cause premature aging.
- Dull Skin: Rice water can brighten complexion and improve skin texture.
A Natural Way to Cleanse the Skin
One of the main benefits of using rice water as a face wash is that it's a natural and gentle way to cleanse the skin. Rice water contains amino acids, vitamin E, and ferulic acid, which all work to soothe and detoxify the skin. These properties help in reducing the appearance of breakouts, blemishes, and uneven skin tone.
Rich in Antioxidants
Another significant benefit of rice water is its high antioxidant content. Antioxidants protect the skin from free radicals, which can cause damage and lead to premature aging. The antioxidants in rice water help slow down the aging process, and regular use can result in brightening and toning the skin.
Hydrates and Nourishes the Skin
Rice water is also known for its hydrating properties, which explains why it's a popular ingredient in many skincare products. Using it as a face wash can help in keeping the skin moisturized and nourished. The starch in rice water helps in binding moisture to the skin, resulting in a soft and supple complexion.
Yasmin
Affordable and Accessible
Another great thing about rice water is that it's affordable and accessible. Unlike other skincare products that can be expensive, making your own rice water is easy and cost-effective. All you need is rice and water, and you're good to go. It's also easy to incorporate into your routine, and you can use it as a face wash or as a toner.
Suitable for All Skin Types
Lastly, rice water is suitable for all skin types, making it a great addition to any skincare routine. Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, rice water can benefit you. However, if you have sensitive skin, make sure to do a patch test first before using it.
Achieving clear and glowing skin doesn't have to be complicated, and sometimes the simplest things work the best.
Rice water is a natural and gentle way to cleanse, tone and hydrate the skin. Its many benefits, affordability, and accessibility make it a great addition to any skincare routine. So why not give it a try and unlock the secret to healthy and radiant skin.
DIY Rice Water Face Wash
Making rice water at home is easy and economical. Here's a simple step-by-step guide:
- Rinse 1/2 cup of uncooked rice to remove any dirt or impurities.
- Soak the rinsed rice in 2-3 cups of water for about 30 minutes.
- Strain the rice, preserving the water in a clean bowl.
- Store the rice water in a glass container and refrigerate it for up to one week.
To use it as a face wash, simply apply it to your skin using a cotton pad, and gently massage using circular motions. Leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse off with warm water.
If you don't wish to make your own, there are excellent commercially available alternatives. We have reviewed our favorites below. Enjoy!
The Face Shop Bright Cleansing Foam
Why We Love It
As a premium Korean brand, The Face Shop brings together nature and science in their range of skin care products.
This cleansing foam is the perfect choice for anyone looking to detoxify, brighten and cleanse their skin.
This luxurious cleansing foam provides a rich and creamy texture to provide a thorough cleansing experience that removes impurities, dead skin cells and makeup.
The dense foam is enriched with natural ingredients, like fermented rice extract, soapwort extract and a beautiful floral scent for a bit of aromatherapy while cleansing.
With regular use, this cleansing foam will help to produce smoother, softer and brighter skin.
Great for those with normal to oily skin types or those dealing with oiliness and clogged pores, Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam from The Face Shop is sure to satisfy all your cleansing needs.
Things You Should Know
Form: Gel
Size: 5 Fluid oz
Scent: Floral
Ingredients:
Water/Eau, Myristic Acid, Glycerin, Potassium Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Glycol Distearate, Lauric Acid, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamide MEA, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Glyceryl Sterate PEG-100 Stearate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract Saponaria Officinalis Leaf Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Sodium Chloride, Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer, C12-13 Pareth-23, C12-13 Pareth-3, Hexylene Glycol, Discoum EDTA, Blue 1 (CI 42090), Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Red 4 (CI 14700), Hydroxyethyl, Methylcellulose, Parfum/Fragrance, Hexyl Cinnamal.
View Up-To-Date Verified Purchase Reviews
Naturium Fermented Rice Enzyme Cleanser
Why We Love It
Naturium’s Fermented Rice Enzyme Cleanser; is designed to gently scrub away dirt and oil, leaving your skin feeling softer, smoother and more supple.
Suitable for all skin types, this innovative formulation contains natural fruit enzymes, fermented rice filtrate, and other potent natural and advanced synthetic ingredients for maximum efficacy.
It is biocompatible and dermatologist-tested to ensure skin safety and is also free of harmful parabens, fragrances, and animal products.
It is perfect for daily cleansing and massage routine and can be used for sensitive, dry, acne-prone, aging, and combination skin.
Naturium uses the highest quality botanical, earth, and marine-based ingredients along with advanced science for a non-toxic cleaning experience.
Things You Should Know
Form: Cream
Size: 4 Fluid oz
Scent: Unscented
Ingredients:
Aqua, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Niacinamide, Acrylates Crosspolymer-4, Coco-Glucoside, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Xanthan Gum, Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract, Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Fruit Ferment Filtrate, Punica Granatum Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glyceryl Laurate, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Panthenol, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Squalane, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Jojoba Esters, Oryza Sativa Germ Powder, Lactic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Propanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin
View Up-To-Date Verified Purchase Reviews
VEILMENT Rice Therapy Rice Bran Scrub Cleansing Foam
Why We Love It
Enjoy a refreshing and revitalizing cleanse every day with this gentle yet thorough cleanser.
Formulated with a powerful Rice Complex, this scrub foam cleanser harnesses the nutritional benefits of rice, from bran to grains, providing your skin with a nourishing and rejuvenating treatment.
It effectively removes dead skin cells and impurities from your face, resulting in a clearer and more radiant complexion. In addition, it delivers a mild cleansing experience with minimal skin irritation - perfect for those with oily skin!
VEILMENT is a natural home spa treatment brand focusing on self-care and wellness, sourcing only the highest quality ingredients to deliver nourishing products with transformative effects.
Things You Should Know
Form: Foam
Size: 5.1 Fluid oz
Scent: Unscented
Ingredients:
Water, Glycerin, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Coco-Glucoside, Acrylates Copolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tromethamine, Butylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Extract (4.76 Ppm), Artemisia Capillaris Leaf Extract(2 Ppm), Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Glycine Max (Soybean) Seed Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract (1 Ppm), Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil (1 Ppm), Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate (1 Ppm), Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramide NP, Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Fragrance, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Citronellol
View Up-To-Date Verified Purchase Reviews
SKINFOOD Rice Cleansing Wipes
Why We Love It
SKINFOOD Rice Cleansing Wipes are the perfect way to quickly and efficiently remove makeup and other impurities while leaving your skin clean and refreshed.
Infused with nourishing rice bran water, these wipes are paraben-free with a pH level of 5.5-6.5, making them great for sensitive skin. They're perfect for people with normal to dry skin, or those looking to smoothe dull, rough, lackluster skin.
With just one swipe across your face, you can easily remove stray dirt and makeup and can feel light and clean all day! Plus, not only will these wipes give you beautiful, healthy skin, but over time, they can help fade dark spots and blemishes.
Coming from the world-leading Korean Beauty brand, SKINFOOD has a long track record of creating top-tier beauty and makeup products rooted in its belief that the highest quality nutritive food results in healthy, beautiful skin.
Things You Should Know
Form: Cleansing Tissue
Size: 80 wipes
Scent: Unscented
Ingredients:
Water, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Butylene Glycol, Methylpropanediol, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Oryza Satvia (Rice) Bran Water, Oryza Satvia (Rice) Extract, Aspergillus Ferment, 1,2-Hexanediol, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan Extract), Glycosyl Trehalose, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyglutamic Acid, Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract, Glycerin, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Hydrogenated Olive Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance
