TikTokers Are Putting Rice Water On Their Skin. Here's Why.
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If you're looking for a new product that protects your skin from breakouts like whiteheads, visible signs of aging like wrinkles, and areas of hyperpigmentation such as dark spots, your solution might just be inside your kitchen cabinet—at least according to social media. Rice water has been a staple in Chinese and Japanese culture for centuries, but lately, plenty of #SkinTok users have also been promoting its benefits.
While there are claims that the ingredient can improve gut health, plenty of others incorporate it into their beauty routines, since it also promotes hair growth, increases shine (hello, glass hair), and can improve your complexion.
That said, there's "a lack of scientific studies on the true benefits of using rice water on the skin or hair," says board-certified dermatologist Ana Karp, MD. But that doesn't mean all the good buzz behind it has no value. "Even if we don't have great clinical studies or hard data to support these things, knowing that it's been a tried and true treatment for many years holds some weight," adds board-certified dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, MD.
If you're ready to upgrade your skincare game, read on to learn about all the benefits of rice water and how to incorporate it into your beauty routine.
Meet the experts: Ana Karp, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at the Skin Institute of New York. Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York.
What is rice water?
Rice water is created when rice soaks in water for at least 30 to 60 minutes. "[The water] helps release a lot of the vitamins and minerals and beneficial properties that are in the rice," says Dr. Murphy-Rose. You can shop rice water-based products instead, but if you decide to DIY it, use the water sooner rather than later to avoid bacterial contamination.
Benefits of rice water for skin
Rice water is said to have many benefits because of its vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants. However, as previously mentioned, there aren't many studies on the benefits of rice water to begin with.
"Things like rice water don't get a lot of clinical attention—no one's putting money into a well-designed clinical trial on the benefits of rice water," says Dr. Murphy-Rose. "More research would be needed to support the purported benefits, but they may very well exist." They do anecdotally, at least. These are some of the most common claims to keep in mind:
It can improve hyperpigmentation: If you've ever heard of using kojic acid to lighten certain areas of your skin (like your underarms), you may be surprised to hear that it's also found in rice water. Dr. Karp explains that kojic acid is a tyrosinase inhibitor that reduces melanin production, meaning it can help with hyperpigmentation.
It moisturizes: Rice water contains allantoin, which helps hydrate the skin by helping the skin retain moisture, says Dr. Karp.
It protects skin from free radical damage: Some studies suggest that the antioxidants found in rice water, such as phytic acid, gamma oryzanol, and ferulic acid, can prevent free radical damage from UV radiation. However, it's important to note that there still isn't enough research to back up how helpful it can be in this case. "I wouldn't want consumers to think that rice water will protect you from the sun because it won't," says Dr. Murphy-Rose. "But anything that has true antioxidant benefits can help to protect your skin from sun damage and signs of skin aging in conjunction with a true sunscreen or sun protective regimen."
It has anti-aging properties: In addition to skin aging from sun damage, a 2018 study from Cosmetics shows that rice water blocks the activity of elastase, an enzyme that breaks down elastic fibers, leading to wrinkles.
It can improve acne: Rice water contains nourishing and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it ideal for soothing eczema and preventing breakouts, says Dr. Murphy-Rose. However, she notes that it should not be used on broken skin since DIY rice water may contain bacteria.
How to use rice water for skin
There are a few ways you can incorporate rice water into your regimen, depending on the purpose. To treat inflammation, try soaking a towelette in rice water, and make it a cold compress to soak your skin, says Dr. Murphy-Rose. It can also be used as a spray or as a serum.
While DIY rice water can go bad pretty quickly, it may be the best option for those with eczema or sensitive skin since there are no other ingredients in it that can cause a reaction. At the same time, products formulated with rice water have a longer shelf life because of the preservatives, says Dr. Murphy-Rose.
"Fermented rice water works the best because fermentation breaks down molecular compounds so that it can easily be absorbed into your skin," adds Dr. Karp. "The benefits in the rice water multiply with fermentation."
Are there any potential side effects?
Because not many people have an allergy to rice, it's generally unlikely that those using rice water would experience side effects. If you do have a rice allergy, it's best to skip it and consider other options to treat your skin.
However, if you're buying a skincare product formulated with rice water, there's a higher chance that you may have an allergy to another ingredient. However, Dr. Murphy-Rose notes that rice water tends to mesh well with other ingredients, so it shouldn't be an issue.
Who should avoid using rice water on their skin?
Because rice water is so gentle, most skin types can tolerate it, says Dr. Karp. If you're buying a product with rice water, it's best practice to do a swatch test before going all in. "Treat a small area of skin every day for three days, wait a full week, and see if you react," adds Dr. Murphy-Rose.
A reaction may look like redness, roughness, scaliness, or a dry appearance. In this case, you may be hypersensitive to the product. Still not sure if rice water is for you? Consult with your dermatologist about the best approach.
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