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Originating from Asian traditions, rice water is a natural cleansing option for facial care. It works as a gentle toner and mild cleanser, though it may not be strong enough to remove makeup or brighten oily skin. With only water and rice as its components, you can achieve smoother, firmer skin without relying on harsh chemicals. To wash your face with rice water, you need to prepare rice, mix the rice water, and cleanse your face.
Steps
Prepare the Rice
Choose the rice. You can make rice water with any type of rice, though white rice, brown rice, and fragrant rice are popular choices. If you already have rice on hand, any variety will work perfectly.
Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin, a licensed cosmetologist, explains: "Rice water is beneficial for all skin types. It soothes your skin and reduces inflammation, making it ideal for acne-prone skin."
Add 1/2 cup (100 g) of rice to a bowl. If you want to make more rice water, increase the amount of rice and adjust the water proportionally. Remember, rice water can be used for up to one week.
Rinse the rice. Pour water over the rice and stir thoroughly to remove impurities. Strain the rice and transfer it to an empty bowl. Repeat the process for a second rinse.
Prepare Rice Water
Decide how to prepare rice water. You can make rice water by boiling rice, soaking rice, or fermenting rice water. Your choice depends on the time you have and how you plan to use the rice water.
- Boiling rice produces a concentrated batch with stronger cleansing properties. You’ll need to dilute boiled rice water before use.
- Soaking rice is the simplest method, requiring fewer steps and no supervision. It’s also quicker to use since it’s less concentrated.
- Fermenting rice water takes the longest, but the fermentation process enhances its vitamin and nutrient content.
Add 3 cups (700 ml) of water. You’ll need more water than usual for cooking rice to ensure leftover water after preparation.
- Ignore the instructions on the rice package. Following them won’t leave you with excess rice water.
Boil the rice until the water thickens. Boiling rice for rice water requires more effort but is more effective, and you’ll need to use less.
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Add the rice, cover the pot, and simmer on low-medium heat for 15-20 minutes.
- Let the rice water cool before use.
Soak the rice for 15-30 minutes to create diluted rice water. Soaking requires less effort but is less potent. You don’t need to dilute soaked rice water. Remember to cover the container while soaking.
- If you plan to ferment rice water, soaking is the best way to prepare it beforehand.
Strain the rice after boiling or soaking. Pour the rice water into a separate container. Strain multiple times to ensure no rice particles remain. The rice water will appear cloudy white.
Decide whether to ferment the soaked rice water. To ferment, transfer the soaked rice water into a container. Leave it uncovered for 1-2 days. Once it develops a sour smell, refrigerate it to halt the fermentation process.
- Dilute fermented rice water with 1–2 cups (240–470 ml) of clean water, as it is highly concentrated.
Pour the rice water into a storage container. Keep the rice water in an airtight container, such as a jar, food storage box, or bottle with a lid.
Store the rice water in the refrigerator. When stored properly, rice water can last up to 1 week.
Wash Your Face with Rice Water
Dilute the rice water if it’s boiled or fermented. For boiled or fermented rice water, measure 2–3 tablespoons (30–44 ml) and mix it with 1–2 cups (240–470 ml) of water. Skip this step if you’re using soaked rice water.
Splash the rice water or apply it with a cotton pad. Use both hands to wash your face with rice water at the sink or in the shower. Repeat this 4-6 times. Alternatively, soak a cotton pad in rice water and gently wipe it across your face.
Rinse your face with clean water if desired. You can rinse off the rice water with plain water. The nutrients from the rice water will remain on your skin. Alternatively, let the rice water air dry on your face.
Pat your face dry with a towel if you rinse. Ensure the towel is clean to avoid transferring bacteria to your skin.
Tips
- Always store rice water properly in the refrigerator to prevent unintended fermentation.
- Rice water works as a natural toner, helping to tighten pores.
- You can also use rice water on your hair once a week.
- Try using rice water as a hair mask for added benefits.
Warnings
- Ensure all rice particles are removed from the rice water, as even a small piece can cause eye irritation or discomfort.
- If boiling rice, be cautious to avoid burns.
- Always dilute concentrated boiled or fermented rice water before use.
- If you have sensitive skin, test rice water on a small area first to avoid potential irritation.
What You’ll Need
- Rice
- Water
- Bowl
- Container
- Pot with lid (optional)
