For many generations dating as far back as 749 AD, rice has been a best-kept Asian beauty secret with women from history using rice water to nourish hair and as bath water for soft smooth skin. This is also one of the reasons why the rice-based SK-II is one of the most renowned skincare brands among Asian women (and maybe why Asians don’t raisin).
For those who aren’t familiar with its history, SK-II came to be when a group of scientists came across elderly women working in a sake (fermented rice wine) brewery and noticed that their hands were much more youthful than their faces (as they had been mixing the sake with their hands).
While we might not be keen to splurge on SK-II products, there are many affordable rice skincare products available that are just as good (especially in K-beauty).
To help you achieve the most nourished, youthful, and glowing skin, here are 8 best Korean rice-based skincare products that are taking the skincare community by storm!
1. goodal Vegan Rice Milk series
goodal’s Vegan Rice Milk series melds together rice extracts and organic soymilk to create the ultimate recipe for keeping your skin glowing and youthful.
The toner, moisturiser as well as sunscreen from this series are all formulated with Jeju Island’s native sandui rice — which are grown in the volcanic fields of the island.
This means they have adapted to have maximised moisture retaining properties that will do wonders for your skin as well.
Available on yesstyle from S$24.98.
2. Abib Rice Probiotics Overnight Mask Barrier Jelly
Many rice products have a milky and creamy texture, which is why I was pleasantly surprised to see that Abib’s Rice Probiotics Overnight Mask Barrier Jelly has a clear gel texture.
It feels really cooling to slather onto the skin, which is great for Singapore’s hot and humid weather.
The lactobacillus content (a good bacteria that also exists in your gut to help keep it balanced and comfortable) helps to strengthen and repair the skin just like how it does for your stomach while the rice bran extract works its magic to nourish your skin with vital nutrients.
Available on Shopee from S$41.
3. Haruharu Wonder Black Rice series
I’m not gonna lie, the packaging for Haruharu Wonder’s Black Rice series caught my eye first. Am I the only one seeing Chanel’s hand cream in the Black Rice Hyaluronic Cream’s packaging?
Other than its stellar packaging, the series is also formulated with fermented black rice, which adds a huge boost of antioxidants (anti-aging’s best friend!) to your skin. I also like that it uses mostly naturally-derived ingredients (that are also properly tested by dermatologists!) which is always something good to hear.
Available on Shopee from S$16.40.
4. Dr.Ceuracle Ganghwa Rice Granule Pack
Chemical exfoliation may be all the rage right now, but it can be harsh on the skin sometimes. If you want to opt for good ol’ physical exfoliants without putting your skin through distress, Dr. Ceuracle’s Ganghwa Rice Granule Pack is one you should really check out.
Instead of using harsh exfoliants like walnut shells, the product uses a mild recipe consisting of rice extract and natural grain powders to gently exfoliate your skin while brightening it.
The product also has a creamy, glutinous texture which is really addictive to slap on.
Available on Shopee from S$21.25.
5. Thank You Farmer Rice Pure Essential Toner
Rice and farmer—what an apt combination. Thank You Farmer’s Rice Pure Essential Toner uses natural and botanical ingredients like rice extract from Gyodong Islands (lauded as being pollution-free and uber clean), lotus flower extract and centella asiatica extract to rejuvenate, soothe and moisturise the skin all at the same time.
It’s also free from any harsh chemicals like parabens, artificial fragrances or alcohol so if you’re looking for something that’s milder or if you have sensitive skin, this will be a great product to check out.
Available on Shopee from S$28.98.
6. COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask
This is one of my favourites and regular skincare empties — COSRX’s Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask.
Formulated with a high level of rice extract, this product brightens, moisturises and leaves your skin taut and glowing the next day. It might be labelled as a sleeping mask, but it works really well as a moisturiser (day and night) as well.
The ingredient list is also really clean and coupled with the hygienic tube packaging, it’s really something you should check out if you’re looking for a no-frill skincare holy grail.
Available on Shopee from S$18.79.
7. Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum Rice + Alpha Arbutin
Beauty of Joseon has been trending on TikTok recently thanks to their amazing sunscreen and various serums — and if you haven’t already checked out their products, this is a sign for you to do so.
The Glow Deep Serum with Rice and Alpha Arbutin brightens and fades dark spots (thanks to the arbutin content) on your skin all while moisturising it at the same time.
The light and watery texture of the serum also makes it absorb very readily into the skin so it sits very well under make-up (and it’s really a plus when you’re rushing to get ready for work or school in the morning!).
Available on Shopee from S$13.90.
8. I’m from Rice series
Have you heard of ‘taeng taeng’ skin? It’s basically a Korean slang for bouncy and elastic skin—and I’m from’s Rice series products can help you achieve that with their rich vitamin B content (helps to boost the production of collagen!).
They also include a whopping 73% of rice germ fermented extract which helps your skin do some heavy-duty nourishing without the formula being too heavy or tacky.
It’s recommended that you use the toner and moisturiser from the series together for maximised effects.
Available on Shopee from S$74.40 for whole set.
There’s a reason why rice has always been an age-old beauty secret for women in Japan, Korea, China, and more for many generations.
Luckily for us, we no longer have to make our own toners/moisturisers with discarded rice water – and can easily purchase these gorgeous rice-formulated products to keep our skin at its glowy, well-moisturised best!
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