Look at any list of Korean best sellers and rice turns up again and again: in toners, cleansers, sunscreens and cleansing oils. It is not one ingredient but a family of them, and each part of the grain is used for a different job.
Three forms of rice, three jobs
Rice water and rice extract: hydration and glow
The water-based parts of rice go into toners, milks and essences. Brands use them for moisture and a brighter, more even look. Anua, for example, says the rice water in its Rice 70 line delivers three times the brightening benefit of regular rice bran water, and pairs it with ceramides and rice seed protein for the skin barrier.
Rice bran oil: gentle cleansing and softness
The oil pressed from the bran, the outer layer of the grain, is rich and soft. It shows up in cleansing oils, where it melts makeup without leaving skin tight, and in moisturizing sunscreens.
Slow-brewed rice: extra richness
Some brands process rice slowly to get more out of it. Haruharu Wonder brews glutinous rice from Jindo in rice bran oil at low temperature for 100 hours before it goes into its Black Rice line.
A simple rice routine
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Cleanse: start with an oil, then a gentle foam.
- Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil 150ml: rice bran, olive, jojoba and other plant oils; rinses off without an oily film.
- I'm From Rice Whip Facial Cleanser 150ml: a low pH, creamy lather made with Yeoju rice.
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Tone: a milky rice toner adds moisture right after cleansing.
- Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner 250ml: micro oil drops seal in moisture; tested on sensitive, acne-prone skin.
- Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Rice Milk 150ml: a dual-layer toner for oily and combination skin.
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Protect: finish the morning with a rice-based sunscreen.
- Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ 50ml: 30% rice extract, no white cast.
- Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airy Fit Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ 50ml: a moisturizing SPF50+ PA++++ film for dry skin.
Who it suits
Rice-based formulas tend to be mild, which is why they are popular with people who find strong actives irritating. As with any new product, patch test first, and add one product at a time so you can tell what works for you.
Ingredient details are taken from each brand's official product information.