Side Effects of Rice Water On the Face

In a quest to achieve healthy glowing skin, we Indians turn to various home remedies and products that have been revered for generations. There are many great products from the pantry, and rice water has recently gained popularity for its beneficial properties for the skin. It provides multiple benefits to the skin, such as improving the texture, brightening the complexion, repairing the skin, and much more. While we all may love to try our hands on ingredients that could give us glowing skin, not every ingredient suits every skin type. This is where we need to be aware of the side effects of rice water on face. Depending on the skin type and prevailing skin conditions, rice water may have side effects on the skin, which one must be well aware of. If you are swayed by the innumerable rice water benefits for skin, take a step back to find out about the possible side effects of rice water on face and assess your skin for the same before you begin using it.

Our Top Picks

Best Face mask - COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask

You can use the CORSX Ultimate Rice Mask to give your skin the maximum benefits of rice. It consists of 68% rice with 2% niacinamide. It is a cream-form product that you can apply evenly on the face and leave overnight for the best results. 

Rice extract in the mask contains antioxidants, amino acids, and proteins that help to slow the skin’s ageing process. It also helps with collagen synthesis in the skin, leading to even skin tone, scar reduction, etc.

Niacinamide in this product has hydrating and protective properties, which protect the skin from environmental damage, tighten the pores, and reduce the signs of ageing.

Best Skin Supplement - Stronger Me Glowing Skin Supplement

The Stronger Me is a plant-based supplement for glowing skin enriched with vitamins. It is vegan, nut-free, and soy-free, so you need not worry about any side effects. It contains vitamin E, which has umpteen antioxidant properties. 

It strengthens the skin barrier, allowing it to retain more moisture. Vitamin E also helps in cell regeneration in the skin, reduces acne scars, and protects from UV rays.

Vitamin C in the supplement benefits the skin by reducing pigmentation, boosting collagen, improving skin elasticity, and so on. Therefore, including this supplement in your daily routine will give you youthful, healthy, and glowing skin.

Table of Contents

1. What is Rice Water, and How Does it Help?
2. What Are the Potential Side Effects of Rice Water?
3. Disadvantages of Rice Water on Face
4. What to Know Before Trying Rice Water on the Face?
5. How to Make Rice Water Face Pack?
6. Conclusion
7. Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rice Water, and How Does it Help?

Rice water is the leftover water from soaking or cooking rice. It has gained immense popularity in recent years as a significant ingredient in promoting beautiful hair and skin. The use of rice water dates back to 1000 years ago in Japan.

Today, rice water is also revered as a beneficial ingredient in the skincare routine. It is known to help the skin in various ways and also repair it. Rice water contains vitamin E, vitamin B, ferulic acid, etc., which have a positive effect on the skin.

Here are some ways in which rice water benefits the skin.

• Anti-Ageing Effects: Rice water consists of amino acids, antioxidants, and minerals that reduce the skin's ageing process. It prevents the effects of an enzyme called elastane that results in skin ageing. Therefore, it helps the skin to look youthful and supple.

• Brightens the Skin: Rice water can help with collagen synthesis, which helps those with dull skin and uneven skin tone. It may also help reduce scars and pigmentation on the face, leading to a bright and radiant skin tone.

• Helps With Oiliness: The astringent properties of the rice water control the oiliness in the skin. Once the oil production is controlled, it reduces acne and breakouts, leaving the skin clear. Thus, rice water for acne soothes the skin, reduces inflammation, and eliminates the acne bacteria. 

• Heals the Skin: Rice water contains healing properties that help to soothe sunburn, redness, swelling, and itching. It also tightens and tones the skin.

What Are the Potential Side Effects of Rice Water?

As mentioned above, rice water has become increasingly popular for its potential benefits for the skin. From brightening the skin to tightening the pores, it is lauded for giving you glass skin at a very affordable price.

However, like any other skincare product, using rice water on the face may also have potential side effects. It is essential to understand these side effects so you can make a wise decision whether you should include this ingredient in your skincare routine or not.

Let us have a close look at the potential side effects of rice water on the face.

1. Allergies- Rice water allergies are one of the side effects of using rice water on the face. Some people may be allergic to the enzymes, proteins, and other components of rice water. It may cause rice water irritation, itching, swelling, redness or such other effects on the face in some users. 

Tip: One must always do a small patch test to know if they are allergic to rice water.

2. May Increase Sun Sensitivity- Rice water contains ferulic acid, which is known to increase the sun’s sensitivity. It may cause skin damage due to sun exposure, sunburn, etc.

Tip: Always apply sunscreen after using rice water, as it minimises the effects of UV rays on the skin.

3. May Cause Dryness - One of the potential side effects of using ricer water excessively on the face is that it can make the skin extremely dry and strip it of natural oils. If you already have dry skin, it can worsen the dryness. It can lead to dry and flaky skin. Using rice water too much on the face can disturb the skin’s natural pH balance as the pH level of rice water is more acidic at around 6.

Tip: If you have dry skin, use rice water in limited amounts and follow up with a good moisturiser.

4. Risk of Contamination - Rice water may get contaminated with bacteria and mould if not stored properly. Applying it can cause rice water irritation, skin infections, and also cause the pores to get clogged and develop acne.

Tip: It is advisable to wash the rice thoroughly and store it in a tightly sealed jar in the refrigerator.

5. Can Cause Eye Irritation - One must exercise caution while applying rice water on face. It can lead to eye irritation if it comes into contact with them. In case you have any eye irritation, immediately rinse the eyes with water.

Tip: Avoid applying rice water around the eye area.

6. Excess Exfoliation - The starchy content of the rice water has exfoliating properties. Over usage of rice water on the face can lead to excess exfoliation. It can result in rice water allergies, dryness, skin sensitivity, etc.

Tip: Limit the usage of rice water based on the skin type.

Disadvantages of Rice Water on Face

Rice water on the face can have some disadvantages as it is acidic. The disadvantages depend on your skin type, the storage method, the amount of rice water applied, and so on. Thus, you must exercise caution while using rice water on the face. If you are planning to include it in your skin routine, you must consider the following disadvantages:.

Some disadvantages of rice water on the face include the following:

• Skin irritation

• Allergic reaction on the face, especially if you have sensitive skin

• Excess exfoliation

• Disturbs the pH balance of the skin

• Mild effects as compared to beauty products

• It may make the skin more prone to sunburn.

It is advisable that you do a small patch test to see if the rice water usage leads to any disadvantages on your skin. If it does, you must immediately stop using it.

What to Know Before Trying Rice Water on the Face?

With all the hype surrounding the potential benefits of rice water for the skin, you may be lured into trying rice water for your face. However, before you actually use it on your face, it is better to be aware of a few things about rice water. It will help you decide if it will suit your skin and give the desired result.

Here are a few essential things that you must know before trying rice water for your face.

• Rice water is the leftover water from soaking or boiling rice.

• It is a starchy liquid which is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

• Rice water also contains ferulic acid, which may have skin-brightening effects. However, it is not a magical solution as the skin tone depends on genetics and cannot be changed by topical products.

• Using contaminated rice water can lead to skin allergies and reactions.

• Applying rice water excessively on the face can cause dryness and flaky skin.

• It is advisable to conduct a patch test before you apply rice water to the skin.

• Rice water is not a substitute for a regular skincare routine that includes sun protection, cleansing, and moisturising.

• Rice water prepared at home can be stored for seven days. After this, the fermentation process can render it useless.

How to Make Rice Water Face Pack?

Rice is one of the most common food items found in Indian kitchens. Using this ingredient, you can make a variety of rice water face masks or packs. All you need to do is assemble a few ingredients, and you're done! Before we tell you the recipes, let us also tell you the ways to prepare rice water.

1. Soaking method: Soak one cup of rice in 2-3 cups of water for 30 minutes. Strain the water and store it in the refrigerator.

2. Fermented rice water: Rinse 100 gm of rice in plain water. Soak the rice in 500-700 ml of water for 2 days and allow it to ferment. Stir the water and collect it in a container. Store the liquid in a glass bottle and refrigerate it.

3. Boiling water: Cook a cup of rice in water. Separate the water and allow it to cool. Once it has cooled down, store it in a glass container and place it in the refrigerator.

Rice Water Face Pack For Bright Skin:

• Take 1-2 teaspoons of rice water

• Squeeze 1-2 teaspoons of lemon juice

• Take one tablespoon of aloe vera gel

• Combine all the three ingredients and mix well

• Make a thin paste and apply to the face

• Keep it on for 10-20 minutes. Wash the face with cold water.

Rice Water and Green Tea Mask

• Take 2 tablespoons of rice water in a container

• Steep the green tea bag into the rice water for 5 minutes.

• Add one teaspoon of aloe vera gel to the container

• Add one teaspoon of honey

• Mix the ingredients well to form a paste

• Apply it to the face and leave it for 10-15 minutes

• Wash off with water

Rice Water Face Mask With Gram Flour

• Take some rice water in a container

• Add 1 tablespoons of gram flour (besan) to it

• Add 2 tablespoons of honey to the mixture and stir well to form a paste

• Apply the face pack for 10 minutes

• Once it has dried, rinse the face with cold water

Conclusion

Rice water for skin has become a very popular trend among millennials. Though it has been revered in some traditions for thousands of years, its popularity has surfaced recently. Rice water may brighten and heal the skin, help control oil, and also have anti-aging effects.

However, one must exercise caution as side effects of rice water on the face may occur. The side effects include, flaky and dry skin, irritation and allergic reaction, contamination risk, and so on. It is highly recommended to do patch test to ensure it is safe for your skin. Also, one must avoid applying rice water excessively.

Hope this article helps you decide if rice water is really suitable for your skin!

We hope this article has answered all your questions. If you have any further queries, please feel free to comment below.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who should avoid using rice water on their skin?

Those who have skin conditions such as Eczema or atopic dermatitis must exert extra caution or avoid using rice water. In such skin conditions, the skin is unable to maintain sufficient moisture, which can get worse with rice water.

2. Does rice water dry your skin out?

If used excessively, rice water can dry out the skin and strip it of its natural oils, making it flaky. Therefore, it must be used in moderate amounts to maintain skin hydration.

3. When should you not use rice water on your face?

If you are allergic to rice or have an open wound on the skin, you should not use rice water as it can lead to allergic reactions or infections.

4. Is rice water safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin?

Rice water is generally considered safe for all skin types. However, different skin types react differently to rice water. Some people with sensitive skin may develop irritation and redness with rice water. Therefore, one must be cautious about it.

To contact the Express Deals team, please drop an email to - expressdeal@newindianexpress.com
We will reach out to you in the next 48 business hours.

Disclaimer: At Express Deals, we work with subject matter experts to bring you the latest in product innovations and Indian eCommerce trends. Express Deals participates in various affiliate programs, which means we may earn revenue on purchases made through the links to retailer sites. Please note that prices mentioned on the pages can vary based on retailer promotions on any given day. Also, do note that we will not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the featured products since they aren't directly sold by us.