Rice: secret behind the popular K-Beauty ingredient

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

Rice has a significant history dating back thousands of years – it has served as food, cosmetics, and even currency during the ancient Korean dynasties! 

Rice is one of the most significant ingredients in traditional Korean skincare, known as hanbang skincare. Hanbang is traditional Korean medicine that uses natural ingredients such as plants, roots, and fermented extracts. These ingredients also play a major role in Korean cosmetics. If you want to learn more about the importance of hanbang in skincare, read our article on hanbang skincare.

Let's take a closer look...

• What are the benefits of rice in skincare?
• Who is rice a good ingredient for in skincare?
• The best products containing 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 this is not just a trend. Rice is a well-researched ingredient with extensive benefits in skincare. The properties of rice vary slightly depending on the variety and preparation method used. But generally, rice has been studied to have certain properties that appear in most research. So what does rice do in skincare?

1. Moisturizing

Rice contains plenty of vitamins and minerals that help deeply moisturize the skin. Using rice water in skincare products can help maintain the skin's moisture balance, leaving it soft and elastic.

2. Brightening

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

3. Antioxidant

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

4. Prevents impurities

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

DIY tip! Make use of the water left from rinsing rice and use it, 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 the normal health of the scalp. It contains many beneficial ingredients for skin and hair, such as lipids and proteins. However, do not store rice water; try to use it quickly so it doesn’t go bad, since there are no preservatives.

Who is rice suitable for in skincare?

Rice is an excellent choice in skincare if you want to use plant-based and gentle ingredients. Rice is both effective and gentle, making it suitable for many with sensitive skin. It’s a great choice for brightening, evening out skin tone, moisturizing, and boosting skin vitality. 

So choose rice as part of your skincare if:

• you want to brighten and even out your skin tone
• you have sensitive skin and cannot use all active ingredients
• your skin needs hydration
• you want to start using anti-aging products 

Rice is a gentle start to a well-aging routine if you don’t want to use strong ingredients like retinol yet. Rice has been shown to have many properties that reduce signs of aging, but it's gentler and softer than, for example, retinol. You can also use rice in your skincare morning and night, and it pairs well with other ingredients. 

The best rice-containing skincare products

There is a wide selection of rice-containing products in K-Beauty, that use rice in many forms: rice water, rice extract, rice oil, fermented rice... Rice has something to offer everyone! 

🌟Top 3 most popular products containing rice

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

[About Me] Rice Makgeolli Skin Softener toner is a timeless favorite among our customers and Yeppo staff! This toner containing fermented rice leaves the skin velvety soft and is easy to layer to achieve just the perfect amount of hydration for the skin

[hwarang'] Extreme Glow Ogok Latte Creamy Toner The toner that quickly went viral delights with its uniquely rich texture. It delivers an intense glow to the face and is a perfect multitasker for a simple skincare routine.

The best rice-containing products from every category

Here are the most popular rice-containing products from different categories, so you can easily find the right option for your routine!

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

Eqqualberry's deep-cleansing cleansing oil contains black rice and fermented rice, providing a brightening and purifying effect on the skin. The best choice for oily and acne-prone skin.

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

This favorite is among our top 3 most popular rice products, but we still mention it in the toner category! The absolute number one choice among rice-containing toners.

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

Essence containing snail mucin and three different types of rice that brightens and hydrates the skin. Thanks to its lightweight texture, this product suits all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. 

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

The viral hit product, Anua's serum containing rice and ceramides, brings radiance, hydration, and brightness to the skin while strengthening the skin's protective 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 fully dedicated to fermented rice. This rich moisturizer is especially favored during winter and for dry and sensitive skin. 

What is makgeolli? 

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

Makgeolli contains yeast, vitamins, and amino acids that help moisturize and nourish the skin. It helps maintain the skin's moisture balance, leaving the skin soft and elastic. Makgeolli also offers benefits characteristic 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.

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

This luxurious exfoliating product brightens the skin and provides gentle mechanical exfoliation. The convenient packaging also makes it easy to carry with you!

Face masks: [Anua] Rice 70 Glow Collagen Mask

Indulgent hydrogel masks brighten your day, and if you especially want to even out skin tone and hydrate, choose this Anua mask containing rice water and collagen!

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

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

Want to learn more about Korean cosmetics ingredients? 

Read our other articles about Korean hanbang ingredients and other trending ingredients! They provide valuable information about the benefits of ingredients and product recommendations suitable for your skin type. 

Article reviewed 15.4.2026, Tabell, S.

Sources:

Biologically Active Components and Skincare Benefits of Rice Fermentation Products: A Review. 

Dermatological uses of rice products: Trend or reality?

Rice water: A Natural Remedy For Hair Health.