Rice water (the starchy water left after rinsing or soaking rice) has been used for centuries in traditional beauty practices, especially in Asian cultures. It’s known for its natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can benefit both skin and hair.

Here are the main benefits:

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Benefits for Skin

1. Brightening Effect
   • Rice water is rich in amino acids, vitamins (like B & E), and minerals that can help improve skin radiance and even out skin tone.
2. Soothing for Irritation
   • Its anti-inflammatory properties can calm redness, rashes, or skin irritation, making it helpful for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
3. Anti-Aging Support
   • Contains antioxidants (such as ferulic acid) that may help fight free radicals, reducing fine lines and signs of aging.
4. Natural Skin Tightener
   • Can temporarily tighten pores, giving the skin a smoother appearance.
5. Helps with Acne
   • Starch in rice water has mild astringent properties, which can reduce excess oil and help minimize acne breakouts.

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Benefits for Hair

1. Strengthens Hair
   • The amino acids, inositol, and minerals in rice water nourish the scalp and strengthen hair strands, reducing breakage.
2. Promotes Growth
   • Improves scalp circulation and nourishes hair follicles, which may support healthy hair growth.
3. Smooth & Shiny Hair
   • Inositol (a carbohydrate found in rice water) helps coat hair strands, leaving them smoother and shinier.
4. Reduces Frizz & Tangling
   • Works as a natural conditioner, making hair easier to detangle and manage.
5. Soothes Scalp
   • Can help with dandruff, itchiness, or dryness due to its soothing and hydrating properties.

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How to Use

• For Skin: Apply with a cotton pad as a toner, or use it as a rinse/face mask base.
• For Hair: Use as a final rinse after shampooing, leave it on for 5–10 minutes, then rinse out with water.

⚠️ Note: Always patch-test first. Fermented rice water is stronger and may irritate sensitive skin, so dilute if needed.

How to Make Rice Water

1. Regular Rice Water (Quick Method)

You’ll need:

• ½ cup of uncooked rice (any type works, but white rice is most common)
• 2–3 cups of water

Steps:

1. Rinse the rice once to remove dirt or impurities.
2. Place the rinsed rice in a bowl and add 2–3 cups of clean water.
3. Swirl and gently press the rice for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
4. Strain the rice, keeping the water.
5. Store the rice water in a clean container (in the fridge for up to 5 days).

Use as a face toner (dab with cotton), in DIY face masks, or as a hair rinse after shampooing.

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2. Fermented Rice Water (Stronger & More Potent)

You’ll need:

• ½ cup uncooked rice
• 2–3 cups water

Steps:

1. Follow steps 1–3 above (rinse, soak, swirl).
2. Instead of using it right away, leave the rice water in a covered jar at room temperature for 24–48 hours until it turns slightly sour.
3. Once fermented, refrigerate to prevent further spoiling (lasts about 1 week).
4. Before using on skin or hair, dilute with plain water (1:2 ratio is good).

Fermentation increases antioxidants, vitamins, and inositol content, making it more powerful for hair growth, shine, and skin brightening.

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3. Boiled Rice Water (Conditioning Version)

Steps:

1. Cook rice as usual but use extra water (about double the amount you normally use).
2. When the rice is halfway cooked, strain the water.
3. Let it cool completely before using.

This method creates a thicker, starchy liquid that works best as a deep hair conditioner or soothing skin mask base.

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Tips for Use:

• For skin → Apply with a cotton pad as toner, or add a few drops of essential oil (like lavender or tea tree) for extra benefits.
• For hair → After shampooing, pour rice water onto hair/scalp, massage in, leave for 5–10 minutes, then rinse with plain water.
• Use 1–2 times per week to avoid buildup.

Staff Writer

Marto et al. (2018) developed a topical hydrogel with 96% rice water, which demonstrated in vitro antioxidant activity, elastase inhibition (an enzyme linked to aging), and was found biocompatible on human skin, suggesting its potential in anti-aging cosmetic formulations

Hashemi et al. (2022) reviewed the use of rice bran extracts (derived from Oryza sativa) in hair growth. They found that these extracts may promote the hair growth phase by increasing growth factor expression and inhibiting enzymes that trigger hair to move into rest or shedding phases. Importantly, the review also confirmed their safety for use in cosmetic applications.