Cosmetics: what are the instructions for using rice water?

How to prepare homemade rice water?

Before exploring methods of applying rice water to the skin or hair, it is important to consider its preparation.

The quality and safety of rice water depend on the chosen method and hygiene conditions. It is first recommended to use rice from organic farming to limit exposure to pesticide residues. All types of rice can be suitable—white, brown, basmati or short-grain—because the desired hydrosoluble compounds naturally diffuse into the water. There are three main methods for preparing homemade rice water.

Method No. 1: Recovery of rice cooking water.
The first method involves collecting the cooking water from rice. It is important not to add salt to the water, then to filter it carefully to remove any starch residues or grain particles, and to allow it to cool completely before use. This technique produces a solution that is generally quite concentrated.
Method No. 2: Soaking raw rice.
Another method relies on soaking raw rice. After rinsing the rice once to remove impurities, it is soaked in two to three times its volume of water for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. The water is then filtered to yield a lighter solution.
Method No. 3: Rice fermentation.
Finally, one may choose a fermented version. The rice is left to soak in an airtight container for approximately 48 hours at room temperature, after which the water is filtered. Fermentation alters the composition of the solution by generating additional metabolites, which can influence its pH and properties. A variation involves fermenting the previously cooled, unsalted cooking water according to the same principle.

Whatever method you choose, rice water should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container and used within approximately five days at most, in order to minimise the risk of microbial proliferation. It is therefore preferable to prepare small quantities regularly rather than store a large quantity for too long.

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Rice water on the skin: how to apply it?

If rice water is so highly prized in cosmetics, it is due to its various benefits for the skin. Its richness in polysaccharides and amino acids may help reinforce skin hydration. Some experimental data also point to a preventative role in relation to the skin ageing, which are thought to derive from its antioxidants, capable of combating the oxidative stress involved in collagen degradation. Furthermore, rice water is often described as soothing, particularly for redness-prone skin, and may support the wound healing of the skin. Finally, some studies in vitro report a moderate antimicrobial activity, which may help maintain the balance of the skin microbiota.

How can rice water be used on the skin in practice?

Rice water is applied to clean skin, ideally after cleansing and before a serum or a moisturiser, somewhat like a toner. It can be applied using cotton wool, a reusable pad or directly with clean hands, gently patting to encourage even distribution. It may be left on for around ten minutes before rinsing with clear water, especially if the skin is sensitive, or left unwashed if well tolerated. It can be used once a day, in the morning or evening, as it is not photosensitising. However, as with any treatment, it is best to start with infrequent use (two to three times per week) to assess skin tolerance. Some people also choose to add it to bath water for a more diffuse full-body application.

Advice : You do not need to prepare rice water yourself to enjoy its skin benefits. Many cosmetic products now contain it, notably toning lotions, as well as serums, moisturisers and masks. These formulations are stabilised and microbiologically controlled. Their application method varies according to the formulation and product type; it is therefore important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

How to use rice water for hair care?

The rice water is often presented as a versatile hair treatment. Its richness in starch and amino acids could contribute to temporarily smoothing the cuticle, giving hair a more supple, softer appearance, although no clinical study confirms this effect. It is also sometimes used for dandruff, with some experimental data suggesting moderate antimicrobial activity that could influence the balance of the scalp microbiota. As for the idea that rice water accelerates hair growth, it is mainly hypothetical: the presence of antioxidants could help limit oxidative stress around the hair follicle, thus preserving an environment favourable to growth, without directly stimulating the anagen phase. Finally, its use is frequently associated with a soothing effect on the scalp, particularly in cases of tightness or itching.

Could you provide advice on using rice water as a hair care treatment?

In practice, the application of rice water depends on the desired outcome. If you wish to target dandruff or scalp discomfort, rice water can be applied with a gentle massage to the scalp, left on for 10 to 20 minutes, then rinsed off before shampooing. To focus instead on enhancing the suppleness and shine of the hair lengths, it can be used as a final rinse after shampooing, or as a light mask on towel-dried hair before a thorough rinse. A weekly use is generally sufficient and helps prevent hair from becoming weighed down. Indeed, depending on their porosity and fineness, hair fibres tolerate the build-up of starch accompanying rice water use to varying degrees.

Note : As with skin, it is not essential to prepare rice water yourself to benefit your hair. Many hair care treatments, such as shampoos, conditioners or hair masks, now incorporate rice extracts in stabilised formulations.