Rice: why does this K-Beauty ingredient work?

Rice is one of the most popular ingredients in Korean cosmetics thanks to its many benefits. But did you know rice has a long history in Korean skin and hair care? 

Rice has a significant history dating back thousands of years – it has been used as food, in cosmetics, and even as currency during ancient Korea’s dynasties! 

Rice is one of the most important ingredients in traditional Korean skincare, known as hanbang skincare. Hanbang is traditional Korean medicine that uses many natural raw materials like plants, roots, and fermented extracts. These ingredients are also a big part of Korean cosmetics. If you want to learn more about hanbang’s significance in skincare, read our article on hanbang skincare.

Let’s take a closer look at...

• What benefits does rice have in skincare?
• Who is skincare with rice suitable for?
• What are the best products with rice?

Rice in skincare – why does this K-beauty ingredient work? 🌾

Rice is for good reason one of the most popular ingredients in K-Beauty, and it’s not just a trend. Rice is a well-studied ingredient with extensive benefits for skincare. The properties of rice vary slightly depending on the type and manufacturing method used. But generally, rice has shown certain properties that appear in most studies. But what does rice actually do in skincare?

1. Hydrating

Rice contains abundant vitamins and minerals that help deeply hydrate the skin. Using rice water in skincare products can help maintain the skin’s moisture balance, leaving it soft and elastic.

2. Evens out skin tone

Rice has natural brightening properties that help even out skin tone and reduce the effects of hyperpigmentation.

3. Antioxidant

Rice is a source of antioxidants that protect the skin from environmental damage, such as UV radiation and air pollution. Antioxidants also help prevent early signs of aging and promote skin health.

4. Prevents blemishes

Rice gently helps cleanse the skin of impurities and excess sebum. Rice’s soothing and skin-strengthening properties are especially beneficial for skin prone to blemishes. 

DIY tips!Use the water left over after rinsing rice, for example for hair care. Rice water has been used in skin and hair care for centuries and has the ability to nourish and promote a healthy scalp. It contains many ingredients beneficial for skin and hair, such as lipids and proteins. However, do not store the rice water; try to use it quickly so it does not spoil.

Who is skincare with rice suitable for?

Rice is an excellent choice if you want to benefit from plant-based and gentle ingredients. Rice is both effective and mild, so it suits many with sensitive skin. It’s a good choice to brighten, even out skin tone, hydrate the skin, and increase skin vitality. 

Choose rice as part of your skincare if:

• you want a clearer and more even skin tone
• you have sensitive skin and cannot use other active ingredients
• your skin needs moisture
• you want to start using anti-aging products 

Rice is a gentle start for a well-aging routine for those who don’t want to use strong ingredients like retinol. Rice has been shown to have many properties that reduce signs of aging, but its effect is milder and softer than, for example, retinol. You can also use rice in your skincare morning and evening, and it works excellently together with other ingredients. 

The best skincare products with rice

There is a wide range of rice products in K-Beauty and it comes in many forms: rice water, rice extract, rice oil, fermented rice... Rice has something for everyone! 

🌟Top 3 most popular rice products

[Beauty of Joseon] Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics a perfect lightweight sunscreen especially for combination and dry skin types. 

[About Me] Rice Makgeolli Skin Softener toner is a timeless favorite among our customers and the Yeppo team! The toner contains fermented rice that leaves the skin velvety smooth and is easy to layer to get just the right amount of moisture for the skin.

[hwarang'] Extreme Glow Ogok Latte Creamy Toner Became a viral toner on social media shortly after launch! The toner impresses with its unique, rich texture. It provides intense radiance and is a perfect multifunctional product for a simple skincare routine.

The best rice products from each category

Here are the most popular rice products from different categories, so you can easily find an option that fits your routine!

• Cleansing: [EQQUALBERRY] Purple Rice Pore Smoothing Cleansing Oil

Eqqualberry's deep-cleansing cleansing oil contains black rice and fermented rice, which gives clearer skin and gently cleanses. The best choice for oily and blemished skin.

• Toner: [hwarang'] Extreme Glow Ogok Latte Creamy Toner

This favorite is among our top 3 most popular rice products, but we also mention it in this toner category! An obvious first choice among rice toners.

Essence: [K-SECRET] SEOUL 1988 Essence : Snail Mucin 97% + Rice

Essence with snail mucin and three different types of rice that make the skin clearer and hydrated. Thanks to its light texture, this product suits all skin types, including sensitive and blemished skin. 

Serums and ampoules: [Anua] 7 Rice Ceramide Hydrating Barrier Serum

The viral bestseller Anua serum with rice and ceramides provides radiance, hydration, and clarity to the skin while strengthening the skin barrier. A perfect choice for sensitive and irritated skin! 

Moisturizer: [About Me] Rice Makgeolli Ceramide Cream

One of About Me's most popular skincare lines is entirely dedicated to fermented rice. This rich moisturizer is especially loved during winter and for dry and sensitive skin. 

What is makgeolli? 

Makgeolli is a traditional Korean rice wine. This milky and lightly carbonated drink is made by fermenting rice, grains, and water. Makgeolli has been consumed in South Korea for centuries and is still a popular drink during Korean holidays as well as relaxed evenings with friends.

Makgeolli contains yeast, vitamins, and amino acids that help hydrate and nourish the skin. It helps maintain the skin's moisture balance and leaves the skin soft and elastic. Makgeolli also contains benefits typical of fermented skincare as well as anti-aging properties that promote skin renewal and slow down signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles.

Peeling: [House of Dohwa] White Rice Wash Off Mask

This luxurious peeling product gives the skin radiance and offers gentle exfoliation. Convenient packaging that is easy to take on trips!

Face masks: [Anua] Rice 70 Glow Collagen Mask

Luxurious hydrogel masks easily refresh the skin! Want to hydrate and even out your skin tone? Choose this Anua mask containing rice milk and collagen!

Sunscreen: [Beauty of Joseon] Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh: Rice + B5

A lighter version of Beauty of Joseon's super hit Relief Sun sunscreen is their Aqua-Fresh version, which is somewhat lighter and fresher in texture than its predecessor. A perfect choice for oily and combination skin.

Want to learn more about ingredients in Korean cosmetics? 

Read our other articles on Korean hanbang ingredients as well as other trending ingredients! There you will find valuable information about the ingredient's benefits and product recommendations suited to your skin type. 

Article reviewed 15.4.2026, Table, S.

Sources:

Bioactive components and skincare benefits of rice fermentation products: An overview. 

Dermatological uses of rice products: Trend or reality?

Rice milk: A natural remedy for hair health.