Is Rice Water The Secret To Glass Skin?

Glass skin continues to be highly coveted because who doesn't want a healthy, smooth, glowing complexion. While this may seem difficult to achieve, the answer may just lie in rice water. A traditional beauty secret that has been cherished in Asian cultures for centuries and still remains a ritual, rice water is a simple yet powerful ingredient that is currently making waves in the skincare world for its myriad of benefits. 

What Is Rice Water

Rice water is the starchy liquid that is created after cooking rice or soaking rice for at least 30 minutes to an hour. Rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants, this nutrient-dense water has been used for generations to enhance skin and hair health. It's inexpensive, easy to make at home and can be incorporated into various beauty treatments. Let's take a look at the wonders of rice water how it can transform your skincare routine.

Skincare Benefits Of Rice Water

Rice water is known for its ability to brighten and even out skin tone. It contains essential antioxidants and minerals that help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and brown spots creating a radiant appearance. The natural enzymes in rice water can help lighten dark spots and reduce hyperpigmentation so regular use can lead to a more even complexion.  Rice water has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce redness and soothe irritated skin making it particularly beneficial for those with sensitive skin. Unlike some skincare products that can dry out your skin, rice water supplies deep hydration that helps to maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier, keeping it soft and supple. The antioxidants in rice water help combat free radicals, which can cause premature aging. The gentle exfoliating properties of rice water can help remove dead skin cells, revealing a smoother and brighter complexion, making it an a ideal natural alternative to harsher chemical exfoliants.

How To Use Rice Water In Your Skincare Routine

Rice water can be adapted into your skincare routine in a number of ways. It can applied as a toner after washing your face. Mixing rice water with a bit of flour will create a paste that can be used as a face mask. Apply it to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off. Pour some rice water into a spray bottle and use it as a refreshing facial mist when needed.

While you can make rice water at home, keep in mind that it needs to be used quickly before it goes bad or you just might not want to go through the trouble. Fortunately there is an easier way to try this buzzy skincare ingredient and achieve glass skin thanks to viral K-beauty brand ANUA's Rice Line Collection. This 3-step routine features a Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder, Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner, and 7 Rice Ceramide Hydrating Barrier Serum. When used together, these products work to target texture, dullness and fine lines while supplying deep hydration to help repair and protect the skin barrier. This range is fragrance-free, cruelty-free and dermatologically tested to be suitable for all skin types.

ANUA Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder

$16 (40 g / 1.41 oz.)

Purify pores, banish dull, uneven skin tone and boost hydration levels with this multi-purpose cleansing powder. The formula includes ANUA RICE WATER+, a complex of rice extract, arbutin, and papain to brighten and remove impurities, lactic acid to gently exfoliate the skin's surface and soothing glycerin, allantoin, and ceramides to moisturize and protect the skin barrier for clear and healthy skin. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, this fragrance-free multi-purpose powder cleanser can be used as a wash-off face mask or a cleansing powder depending on your needs.

To use as a wash-off mask: Mix the powder with 1 to 1.5 tablespoon amount of the matching toner and tap for an elastic texture (see 1st photo below) by rubbing it between wet hands. Apply it evenly on skin and massage into the skin for 3 to 5 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water.

To use as a powder cleanser: Dispense 0.5 tablespoon amount of powder and mix with water in your hands. Once the powder turns into foam, gently massage onto your face. Wash off with lukewarm water. It can also be used as the second step of your double cleansing routine after using a cleansing oil. Can be used in place of other water-based cleansers. 

This cleanser has a an ultra fine soft powdery texture that feels lovely. A little goes a long way to providing a thorough yet gentle cleanse. I like to use it as a cleanser in the morning and as a mask in the evenings. It always leaves my skin soft and cleansed without any stripping. As a mask, it develops a unique slightly sticky marshmallowy consistency which is kind of fun but more importantly, my skin feels supple and refreshed after using it.

ANUA Rice 70 Milky Glow Toner

$19 (250 mL / 8.45 fl. oz.)

Featuring a consistency similar to homemade rice water remedies, this milky toner works to provide intense moisture with a refreshing non-sticky finish to create a glass skin. 70% ANUA RICE WATER+™ and niacinamide work to brighten dull skin while ANUA RICE CERA-PROTEIN, a blend of ceramides and protein strengthen and protect the skin barrier. Panthenol, glycerin and allantoin to soothe irritation and provide instant hydration and long lasting moisture. This fragrance-free toner with gentle yet potent ingredients is suitable for all skin types can be use daily in the mornings and evenings. 

I'm a big fan of milky toners and this is a very good milky toner. I love how it is simultaneously super lightweight and ultra hydrating upon application. It feels pleasant and soothing while imparting a nice glow to my skin. I really need to try the 7 skin method with this toner when the weather gets colder.

ANUA Rice Ceramide 7 Hydrating Barrier Serum

$17 (50 mL / 1.69 fl. oz.)

This nourishing serum is specifically designed to strengthen the skin’s barrier and boost hydration making it perfect to use every day and to pair with any actives in your skincare routine for glass skin. Formulated with ANUA RICERA 7+™ and arbutin, it works to soothe, hydrate and brighten dull skin to create a more even skin tone. Ceramides and panthenol repair and protects the skin barrier while hyaluronic acid and glycerin add instant hydration. 3% niacinamide and zinc control oiliness and excess sebum making it suitable for oily skin to prevent blemishes. This fragrance-free serum can be used by all skin types. 

This silky serum applies smoothly to my skin, instantly imparting moisture without any heaviness or stickiness. I really like the softness and long lasting hydration it provides and how it plays well with other products including my vitamin C serum and retinol. It also wears well under sunscreen. 

Since incorporating these products in my skincare routine for the past six weeks, I can confidently attest to the skincare benefits of rice water and say that they have helped give my skin that glass skin appearance. I love how every product is both lightweight and hydrating. My complexion is more radiant and I've seen an improvement to my skin barrier despite the cooler temperatures which can sometimes wreak havoc if I don't adjust my routine accordingly. It's understandable that ANUA is such a popular brand because their products are affordable and results driven without any questionable ingredients. I'm also a fan of their ethical and sustainable practices.

The entire range of ANUA Rice products can be purchased from Amazon and YesStyle.  Everything in this line is under $20 and worth trying. I have it on good authority that the brand will be significantly discounted during Black Friday and Cyber Monday on Amazon which would provide a terrific opportunity to try it out or stock up on some favorites. I would recommend this rice water collection, their highly popular redness-reducing toner, pore-shrinking cleanser and this bestselling transformational brightening serum (Read my review).

Have you used any products with rice water in your skincare routine?  If not, would you try it?

Disclosure: This post features complimentary products received for editorial consideration and may contain affiliate or referral links. For more details about my product review policy, copyright, and information about affiliate links, please refer to the Policies page of this blog.