Rice water in skincare has been trending, but is it new? Definitely not. In fact, it’s been used for centuries in skincare for haircare, specifically in Asian countries. 

 

According to the Smithsonian Magazine,“the oldest rice phytoliths in Shangshan date to 9,400 years. Phytoliths are microscopic silica bodies that form in plants and are released into the soil after the plant decays. 

Shangshan is an early Neolithic culture that originated in the lower Yangtze region of China between 8000 BC and 5000 BC. The Shangshan culture is considered the birthplace of global rice farming,”

What is rice water used for?

In Traditional Chinese medicine, rice supports overall health plus your spleen, an organ that modulates your blood. Rice is also considered a  “neutral,  clean burning, and  harmonious food," meaning it gently removes “dampness” (stagnation and heat) from the body. Read more here. 

 

 

And in Ayurveda from India, rice water is known as “chawal ka mand.” Chawal ka mand is made from washing rice before cooking. Because of its thick texture, rice water is often used as a hair conditioner. Rich in starch and antioxidants, rice water can even be used for gut health and skin inflammation. 

What are the benefits of rice water in skincare?

Ferulic Acid

Rice water contains ferulic acid. Ferulic acid is a free radical scavenger, meaning it looks for and gets rid of skin-damaging particles. These skin-damaging particles can be produced by our bodies and environment. 

Fortunately, ferulic acid inhibits the enzymes that catalyze free radical generation. Ferulic acid boosts free radical scavenging activity in the body too. Likewise, ferulic acid is very good at protecting the main skin structures that keep your skin bouncy and glowy: keratinocytes, fibroblasts, collagen, and elastin.

Plus, ferulic acid inhibits melanogenesis, meaning it can prevent the spread or intensification of dark spots! Ferulic acid is also great for wound healing and neutralizing the effects of UV radiation. The only thing is that ferulic acid breaks down pretty quickly — so, its benefits probably won't last for an extended period of time without reapplication. 

Amino acids

We also love how rice water has amino acids.Amino acids are a huge part of the skin’s natural moisturizing factors. They keep the skin hydrated and within normal pH levels, making the topical application of amino acids wonderful for fine lines. 

Beta-glucans

The beta-glucans in rice are sugars that act as humectants. So, they pull moisture into the skin and hold it there. Beta-glucans can also stimulate repair and the production of ceramides, which make up about 50% of the skin's barrier. 

Sustainability 

Rice (Oryza sativa) water is a common waste product of food processing that can potentially be incorporated into cosmetic and skincare formulas.

Anti-inflammatory and soothing effects 

As mentioned before, rice water contains starch, a biodegradable substance that can be washed down the sink without directly harming the environment. But, even though it's often discarded, starchy rice water should be repurposed because it's so useful! 

Topically applying starch can reduce inflammation, itchiness, and potentially atopic dermatitis, or eczema. It also boosts the other benefits available in rice water. Rice water also provides these same benefits to the scalp, potentially resulting in increased hair health!

Here are a few rice water skincare products that we love!

 

 

Rice Water Bright Vegan Serum

 

Cover photo cred: Depology