For centuries, rice water, rice bran, and other rice-based ingredients have been essential components of Korean skin care routines. Today, they remain favored alongside ingredients like centella, ginseng, and snail mucin. YesStyle’s bestselling items often feature rice-infused skin care products.
Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients, rice offers a variety of advantages for the skin. It has brightening and anti-inflammatory properties, making it particularly suitable for those with acne-prone skin. This summer, I’ve developed a six-step skin care routine combining classic and contemporary rice-based products from beloved K-Beauty brands such as I’m from, THE FACE SHOP, and Beauty of Joseon. Continue reading to find out how this rice-based skin care routine performed on my skin over a one-month trial!
THE FACE SHOP is renowned for utilizing natural ingredients in its highly affordable products. A top seller on YesStyle, the Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil is available in two formulations: the rich version and the light version. The rich variant includes additional ingredients (cetyl ethylhexanoate, candlenut seed oil, and canola oil), offering a more nourishing cleanse. Both contain rice bran oil, rice extract, and soapwort extract for gentle yet effective cleansing.
My thoughts:
Given my sensitive skin, I opted for the light version to avoid irritation. Despite its label as “light,” the cleansing oil is thicker than I anticipated. The fragrance is mild, although I would prefer a scent-free option. It quickly dissolved my base and eye makeup, including mascara, without causing any eye irritation. The emulsified makeup rinsed away effortlessly after a few splashes of water, leaving my skin feeling moisturized after cleansing.
Launched in June this year, the vegan facial cleanser from I’m from’s Rice line has quickly become a highly sought-after item. The formula is enriched with AHA, PHA, and LHA to cleanse and purify pores. Niacinamide, along with 5% Korean rice extract and rice bran extract, gently brightens the skin and reduces redness. The pearlescent texture transforms into a creamy foam when lathered with water.
My thoughts:
This cleanser effectively removes oil and dirt while being gentle on the skin. I appreciate that it is fragrance-free and does not leave my skin feeling tight after use. Its pasty consistency ensures no dripping when applying the product. The Rice Whip Facial Cleanser comes in a sizeable tube that should last for three months.
I’m from’s Rice Toner has consistently ranked among the top three best-selling toners on YesStyle since 2020. With a rich, milky texture resulting from 77.8% goami rice extract, the toner aids in reducing pigmentation and enhancing skin texture. Additionally, it features rice bran extract, niacinamide, and purslane extract, providing brightening, nourishing, and moisturizing properties.
My thoughts:
At first glance, I assumed the opaque Rice Toner would feel similar to LANEIGE’s Cream Skin Cerapeptide Refiner; however, it is notably thicker and richer. The toner imparts a gentle sheen to the skin, perfect for those desiring a dewy glow.
The Rice Toner has a grainy fragrance. While it is free from artificial fragrances and alcohol, it did cause a slight tingling sensation on my acne wounds, so I would avoid using it during breakouts. This toner also leans toward the nourishing side—I’d skip moisturizer on humid days when using it—making it potentially more suitable for those with drier skin types.
Recently introduced to Beauty of Joseon’s Rice Bran line this summer, the Glow Replenishing Rice Milk is a toner infused with rice extract and amino acids to hydrate and plump the skin, while kaolin powder absorbs excess sebum to refresh the complexion. This toner can also be utilized as a face mask—just soak cotton pads and apply them to the face for about ten minutes before removing.
My thoughts:
Even though “milk” is in the name, this toner has a texture reminiscent of rice water. It’s an excellent summer option, serving as a refreshing alternative to I’m from’s Rice Toner while still harnessing the benefits of rice for the skin. Similar to I’m from’s Rice Toner, it has a rice grain scent and separates into two layers (water and rice extract), so be sure to shake well before use.
This emulsion is enriched with ceramide, rice bran oil, and shea butter, creating a fast-absorbing barrier on the skin without leaving a sticky or greasy residue. It has a floral scent.
My thoughts:
My primary concern regarding this emulsion is its packaging—I would prefer it in a pump bottle to avoid needing to shake the product out onto my hand. Its lightweight texture works perfectly as a summer moisturizer; however, I’m not particularly fond of its strong fragrance.
This mineral sunscreen, released two years ago, offers SPF 50+ PA++++ protection while hydrating the skin with a generous 41% amino acid-rich goami rice extract. Its reef-friendly formula leaves a matte finish.
My thoughts:
Being a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide, the Rice Sunscreen can be slightly drying. It may leave a white cast if over-applied, but it is lightweight enough for summer use. This sunscreen could be ideal for those seeking sun protection with a subtle tone-up effect.
The Final Thoughts
This rice-based skin care routine succeeded in lightening the less prominent dark spots on my face while maintaining a plump and soothed appearance. My pores appeared slightly smaller, my skin texture improved, and my acne healed more quickly throughout the one-month trial. Ultimately, I will continue using THE FACE SHOP’s Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil, I’m from’s Rice Whip Facial Cleanser, and Beauty of Joseon’s Glow Replenishing Rice Milk in my skincare regimen.
As with any cosmetic products, it’s advisable to perform a skin patch test before fully incorporating this rice-based skin care routine, particularly if you have sensitive skin.
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