WINTER has come and, if you’re like me at this time of year, so has an uncomfortable bout of dryness that has left your skin barrier pleading for moisture. Thankfully, however, a simple skincare ingredient – one that has become a mainstay in my routine – is the solution to all of your cold-weather woes.
Rice. That’s right. This seemingly unassuming seed boasts powerful anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening properties that will instantly balance uneven skin tone and alleviate the itchiness that comes as a result of the unforgiving seasonal weather.
A popular staple of Asian beauty, the use of rice derivatives in skincare dates back centuries, with the earliest known usage being in Japan over 1,000 years ago. Ideal for all skin types – particularly acne-prone thanks to its unrivalled moisture-retention abilities – rice provides nourishing essential vitamins that help keep dark spots and pesky wrinkles at bay.
To ensure you’re getting the best results from this hero ingredient, we’ve put together a carefully curated selection of the best rice-infused products that will provide immediate translucent clarity to your winter ravaged skin.
Dr Ceuracle Ganghwa Rice Granule Pack
£29 for 115g at Kōsame Beauty
This product has become my first port of call for when I’m looking for gentle but effective exfoliation. Boasting thirty per cent Ganghwa rice extract, a vitamin-rich ingredient that has fermented over 100 hours for a potent anti-ageing effect, this wash-off mask from Korean cosmeceutical brand Dr Ceuracle leaves my face feeling re-energised and visibly hydrated. I use it once a week in the evening to lightly remove impurities and prep my skin for further pampering.
Vitruvian Man Supreme Eye Cream
£63 for 30ml at Vitruvian Man
Eye creams are widely becoming seen as a skippable product. And while there’s certainly no miracle cure for hereditary dark circles, this supercharged antioxidant Supreme Eye Cream from Vitruvian Man gives me a noticeable and immediate awakening effect that’s hard to ignore. Infused with nourishing Rice Bran Wax, it’s a beautifully-formulated product that’s perfect for fighting back fatigue.
Cosrx Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask
£23 for 60ml at Beauty and Seoul
This multifunctional product has quickly become my go-to for when my skin is lacking in lustre. A cult-favourite from Korean beauty giant Cosrx, this sleeping mask is made with sixty-five per cent rice extract that works to visibly brighten skin overnight. I slather this on as the last step of my evening routine and wake up the next day to gloriously glowy skin.
I’m From Rice Serum and Cream
I’m From Rice Serum (30ml) £25, I’m From Rice Cream (50g) £31, available at Tonic15
K-beauty brand I’m From has long been a favourite of mine for their refreshingly transparent approach to skincare ingredients. This duo of recent releases – an expansion on their cult Rice line – has become my go-to pair for tackling post-breakout hyperpigmentation and balancing oil production. I use them layered one over the other, leaving me with a delightfully dewy finish that lasts all day.
TonyMoly I’m Rice Sheet Mask
£4.50 for 1 sheet at TonyMoly
When I’ve gone a tad overboard with my chemical exfoliation, I always reach for a soothing sheet mask from TonyMoly. Out of all of them, this one has to be my favourite. Infused with rice extract, the triple-layer sheet comes drenched in hydrating essence that leaves skin clear and irritation-free. If you’re like me, it’s always good to have a few of these on hand.
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Essence and Anti-Wrinkle Serum
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Essence (50ml) £23 and Anti-Wrinkle Serum (50ml) £26, available at Melon & Starfish
While it’s most certainly the formula that matters most, I’ll start by saying that this pair from Haruharu Wonder is beautifully-packaged. When it comes to the actual products, they’re equally as impactful. Harnessing the power of fermented rice extract, this anti-ageing duo leaves my skin wonderfully glowy with zero sticky residue. If you’re oily and acne-prone, you’re certain to adore them.
by Joshua Hendren