When it comes to skin care, it's the ingredient to do the actual work - the rest is packaging and commitment. Want to hydrate? Hyaluronic acid is your loyal partner. break out? Salicylic acid has you. But now and then, you stumble upon an ingredient that is more than just one thing-it's multitasking. Rice is one of them.
"Rice is highly concentrated on nutrients and minerals that benefit the skin," said Dr. Brendan Camp, a MDCS Dermatology Board Certified Dermatologist. "That's why rice serums have a moment - they're not fashionable, they're timeless. To separate shelf candy from goodies, we asked the dermatologist to break down what makes rice work and then comprehensively recommended expert-recommended picks (plus some crowd favorites Actually Delivery).
As mentioned earlier, rice has many benefits for your skin. “Rice and its derivatives (i.e., rice bran, rice water and rice fermentation filtrate) are rich in antioxidants such as ferulic acid, oryzanol and vitamin E,” said Dr. Anetta Reszko, a board-certified dermatologist in New York. “Rice also helps neutralize free radicals and protect the skin from luster.” In addition, both CAMP and RESZKO point out that rice can help support skin barrier function and enhance hydration due to the essential amino acids and starch.
Those who deal with pigmentation or black spots can also benefit from this ingredient. "Clinical and in vitro studies have shown that rice-derived biological activities can reduce melanin synthesis by inhibiting tyrosinase activity, making rice particularly useful for brightening and nocturnal skin tone," Reszko said.
It is also helpful: In most skin types, including those with sensitive or prone to acne. The only type of person who may be cautious when using rice serum is someone with severe fungal acne, Reszko said. “This may exacerbate the situation for those who are susceptible.”
Search rice masks in the store or online and you will find a lot of options. We talked with dermatologists about the priorities when shopping to help you narrow your search. What they suggest is:
Below you will find our expert recommended rice noodles and some highly rated options, with hundreds of reviews having an average rating of at least 4 stars.
What We Like
"The serum contains 73% rice fungus fermented extract, providing strong hydration and brightening in a minimalist formula without common irritants," Reszko said. "If patients target mild brightness, hydration and soothing, especially for dry or sensitive skin, I usually recommend it." The formula is also lightweight, so it sinks quickly and costs under $20, which is relatively cheap.
What We Like
Deal with black spots? Reszko loves this serum, which combines 68% rice bran water with 2% arbutin to make pigmented and dull. The fragrance-free formula absorbs quickly and your entire face only needs two to three drops, so it can last for a long time. It works for all skin types and can also help relieve acne scars, the brand says.
What We Like
Another suggestion from Reszko is that the essence is not technically marked as serum, but it works in a similar way. "It has a styling filter filtrate derived from sake fermentation (rice yeast), and has been studied to improve texture, clarity and radiation over time," she said. "I recommend it to patients seeking anti-aging, dull, and overall skin clarity." It also contains vitamin C for further brightening and hyaluronic acid for moisturizing.
Although it is a facial oil, it has a surprisingly lightweight feel that sinks quickly without leaving the skin greasy, the reviewer said. The main ingredient is rice bran, which helps to lose skin tone and hydrate. It also contains avocado oil to soothe chopped skin and jojoba oil to make the skin glow, the brand says. This face oil has an average rating of 4.8 stars in Sephora's 200 reviews.
The brand says this affordable rice serum combines rice bran with nicotinamide and ceramide to nourish a healthy skin barrier and add a shiny to your complexion. The brand says it is free of perfumes, alcohol and parabens, making it a good choice for sensitive skin, and also contains zinc, which helps control sebum and excess oil production.
In NBC Select, we work with experts with expertise and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure that all expert advice and suggestions are independent and without undisclosed financial conflicts.
Bethany Heitman is a contributor to NBC Select and a journalist who often covers beauty, family and lifestyle. In this story, she interviews two dermatologists.
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