Rice water is the secret to glass skin...but what is it?

We’re all on the hunt for perfect glowing skin.

We’ve tried all the lotions and potions – all of them, trust us!

But we’ve apparently been throwing down the best skincare product down the sink.

TikTok has been abuzz with “rice water”, which is basically what it says on the tin. Water that has been used to cook rice. Social media users have hailed it as the key to “glass skin”.

@drjennyliu I love rice as an ingredient in skincare but haven’t made my own!! #ricewaterforskin #ricewaterskincare #ricewaterforhairgrowth #asianskinsecrets #asianskincare #asianskincaretips #dermreacts #kbeautytrends ♬ original sound – Dr. Jing (Jenny) Liu

What is rice water?

At its core, is water that has been used to soak rice. So you can make it at home. Although it’s advised to use raw, unprocessed rice

While it’s new to social media, it is certainly not a new practice. People in China, Korea and Japan have been using this technique for centuries. The earliest known use of it was over 1,000 years ago in Japan.

It has plenty of benefits for your skin as well as your hair. So it’s safe to say that it’s an all-rounder.

@tamsskyn Replying to @scar26_ 3 ways to apply rice water for maxium skin benefits #skincare #skincaretips #antiaging #koreanskincare #koreanskincaretips #koreanskin #fyp #skincare101 #simpleskincare ♬ original sound – TAMS/ Tammy Weatherhead

What are the benefits of rice water?

There are plenty of claims about the benefits of the skincare product.

Those benefits include:

Brightening
Soothing irrititation
Smoothes pores
Hydrates the skin
Soothes sun damage
Clears blemishes

According to scientific studies, there is some evidence to back up these claims. They say: “Rice-derived ingredients have demonstrated benefits for dermatological conditions. Rice bran ash extract increases melanin synthesis and offers protection from radiation and skin injury.

“Fermented rice bran extract and rice bran broth baths have shown utility in atopic dermatitis treatments. Literature suggests that rice-derived ingredients are also safe, non-irritating, and hypoallergenic.”

@mamalindacooks Like and follow to see my skincare routine! There are many different recipes for fermented rice water and this is how I make it. I’ve been using it as a toner and face mask for many years and love how hydrating and soothing it is. It has also helped me improve skin texture. Some benefits of fermented rice water: 🍚 Super hydrating 💦 Sooth irritation 🍚 Helps reduce wrinkles 💦 May lighten dark spots If this is your first time making fermented rice water, I recommend letting it sit in room temperature for 1 – 2 days then use it or keep in the fridge. ( You might see yeast forming, which is normal.) Enjoy! #rice #ricewater #fermentedricewater #homemadeskincare #asianskincare #beautytips #beautyhacksskincare #momover40 #tiktokmomover40 ♬ Sunshine – WIRA

Can you make rice water?

You can make your own rice water. All you have to do is soak rice in water at home.

As we said, it’s important to use unprocessed rice, think organic brown rice.

You can make rice wine by fermenting the water.

However, there are plenty of factors that mean that you might not be able to get the benefits that you want from making your own at home.

@tamsskyn Replying to @Danijela how to make my grandmothers rice water #koreanskincare #skincare #skincaretip #koreanskincaretips #ricewater #affordableskincare #naturalskincare #fyp ♬ original sound – TAMS/ Tammy Weatherhead