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Benefits, uses, side effects and more

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If you’re looking for a new product that will protect your skin from blemishes like whiteheads, visible signs of aging like wrinkles, and areas of hyperpigmentation like dark spots, your solution might be in your kitchen cupboard, at least according to social media. Rice water has been a staple of Chinese and Japanese culture for centuries, but lately many #SkinTok users are also promoting its benefits.

While it’s claimed the ingredient can improve gut health, many others include it in their beauty routines because it also promotes hair growth, increases shine (hello, glass hair) and can improve your complexion.

That said, there is “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 doesn’t have value. “Even if we don’t have great clinical trials or hard data to back these things up, knowing that it’s been a proven treatment for years still carries some weight,” adds board-certified dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, MD.

If you’re ready to upgrade your skincare game, read on to learn 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 with 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 many of the vitamins, minerals and beneficial properties from the rice,” says Dr. Murphy Rose. You can purchase rice water-based products instead, but if you decide to do it yourself, use the water as soon as possible to avoid bacterial contamination.

Benefits of Rice Water for Skin

Rice water is said to have many benefits due to its vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants. However, as mentioned earlier, 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 is 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 claimed benefits, but they may well exist.” At least they do anecdotally. These are some of the most common claims to consider:

  • It can improve hyperpigmentation: If you’ve ever heard of using kojic acid to lighten certain areas of your skin (like your armpits), you might 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 the skin against free radical damage: Some research suggests that the antioxidants found in rice water, such as phytic acid, gamma oryzanol and ferulic acid, may prevent free radical damage from UV radiation. However, it is important to note that there is still not enough research to support how useful 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 real antioxidant benefits can help protect your skin against sun damage and signs of aging when combined with a real sunscreen or sun protection regimen.”
  • It has anti-aging properties: In addition to skin aging due to sun damage, according to a 2018 study 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 damaged skin because DIY rice water can 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 towel in rice water and using it as a cold compress to soak your skin, says Dr. Murphy-Rose. It can also be used as a spray or as a serum.

Although DIY rice water can spoil quite quickly, it may be the best option for people with eczema or sensitive skin because it doesn’t contain any other ingredients that could cause a reaction. At the same time, products formulated with rice water have a longer shelf life thanks to the preservatives, says Dr. Murphy-Rose.

“Fermented rice water works best because fermentation breaks down molecular bonds so it can be easily absorbed into your skin,” adds Dr. Come on. “The benefits of the rice water multiply with fermentation.”

    Are there possible side effects?

    Because not many people are allergic to rice, those who use rice water are generally unlikely to experience side effects. If you have a rice allergy, it is best to skip it and consider other options to treat your skin.

    However, if you purchase a skin care product formulated with rice water, you are more likely to be allergic to another ingredient. Dr. However, Murphy-Rose notes that rice water tends to go well with other ingredients, so it shouldn’t be a problem.

    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 buy a product containing rice water, it is best to do a test before going all-in. “Treat a small area of ​​the skin every day for three days, wait a whole week and see if you respond,” he adds. Dr. Murphy Rose.

    A reaction may look like redness, roughness, flaking, 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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    Sabrina is an editorial assistant for Women’s Health. When she’s not writing, you can find her running, training in mixed martial arts, or reading.

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