How Rice extract benefits your skincare routine

While it may be the current trending beauty ingredient, rice used in skincare has had a place in traditional Korean beauty routines for centuries. Rice water was used for softening skin and brightening lacklustre complexions – just as it still is today. Its current increase in popularity is likely because it’s well-known for combatting all sorts of skin concerns and is a beloved ingredient by those in the know for delivering a clear, glass-like skin finish. Here’s everything you need to know about rice and the best way to incorporate it into your skincare routine…

Rice contains a whole host of antioxidants, minerals, and amino acids that work to protect the skin and reduce inflammation. It’s also an amazing brightening ingredient which is what it is most well-known for. You’ll find it in skincare products typically as either rice extract or rice water but either form delivers the same benefits. 

This is one all-round amazing ingredient as it delivers real benefits for many different skin types and concerns. To start, rice extract or rice water helps to soothe skin so it’s gentle enough to use if you have sensitive or reactive skin. At the same time, rice is ideal for oily or breakout-prone skin. It helps to clear out and tighten pores and also works to balance the skin’s production of oil and sebum. What’s more, since rice is high in antioxidants it helps to reverse the signs of aging, by rejuvenating skin from the inside out and smoothing lines and wrinkles on the surface. For dull or dry skin types, rice delivers hydrating benefits. But, perhaps what everybody loves the most about this K-beauty ingredient, is its ability to visibly brighten and revive a dull, lacklustre complexion.

You really can’t go wrong with this skincare ingredient. It’s extremely gentle on skin and helps to soothe any irritation at the same time.  So, whether you love it for its brightening effects, calming abilities or pore-tightening and sebum-balancing benefits, all skin types can use this ingredient and reap the good skin rewards. 

There are different ways rice is included in skincare products. Many formulas bank on rice water because it’s a relatively simple and efficient way to add the ingredient to a skincare product. You’ll also find rice as rice bran oil, rice extract and rice peptides. The most common products that use rice are toners, essences and serums, but you’ll also find rice-based creams. So, which format is best? It’s up to you – if you love layering on a toner then opt for a lightweight formula. If you don’t use a toner and prefer a serum, go for it. You can also use an entire skincare routine that’s based on rice as the ingredient is gentle enough to be included in your toner, serum, cream and even a powder-based exfoliator. I’m From Rice is our bestselling rice-based range on Tonic15 and a cult classic in Korea too. Here, the brand’s three hero formulas to incorporate into your own skincare routine:

I’m From - Rice Serum