What Is Korean Rice Water And Why Is The Internet Obsessed

India is replete with home remedies for every type of bodily concern or ailment. As the birthplace of Ayurveda, kitchen cures mixed up with spices and herbs are standard among most Indian homes. Whether it’s a potent kadha that appears every time you have a cough or a vibrant mixture of turmeric to make your skin glow, there’s a natural solution to almost every problem. This approach to health and beauty is a common mindset across other East Asian countries as well, although in the West it’s a more novel concept to depend solely on organic or plant-based treatments. However, one Eastern beauty secret is currently making waves across the world with hundreds and thousands of people swearing by the miraculous benefits of rice water

Rice is a staple part of the diet for most Asian countries and in Japan and Korea, it goes beyond the dinner table and becomes an integral part of the beauty regime. It is a traditional remedy that mothers have been sharing with their daughters for generations. In the past, Korean women would use either fermented rice water or cooked rice water to cleanse their hair and apply it to their skin and hair.

The efficacy of rice water for skin stems from its abundant nutrients. Approximately 16% of its content comprises proteins, essential for building skin cells. Additionally, it contains triglycerides, lipids, and starch, contributing to improved skin health. The remaining composition includes carbohydrates, inositol, phytic acid, and inorganic substances, making rice water an ideal safe, non-irritating, and hypoallergenic DIY ingredient for attaining radiant skin.

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How To Make Rice Water For Skincare

Soak it:

  • Rinse uncooked rice until water is clear.
  • Soak clean rice in a bowl of water for about 30 minutes, gently mixing.
  • Strain the water and store it in a tight-lid spray bottle.
  • Refrigerate for up to a week before preparing a new batch.

Ferment it:

  • Rinse rice thoroughly.
  • Place rice in a glass bowl filled with water and soak for two days.
  • Strain the fermented rice water and store it in a glass bottle in the refrigerator.

Boil it:

  • Cook rice as usual.
  • Strain the starchy water into a glass bottle with the lid open.
  • Let it cool completely before refrigerating with the lid on.

How To Use Rice Water 

Using rice water is extremely simple, you can either dab it on your face with a moistened cotton ball, or transfer it to a spray bottle and spritz your face with it 1-2 times a day.

Precautions

Although it is a natural product, there are some precautions to keep in mind. Most commercial rice may have traces or chemicals or impurities so it’s important to wash your rice thoroughly before preparing rice water. Additionally (and especially in the case of fermented rice water) it’s important to store it in the fridge and replace it at least once a week to prevent the buildup of bacteria.

If you’re planning to hop on board the rice water trend, it’s important to take into consideration your skin type and give it a trial period to ensure there are no adverse effects before committing to it as a regular addition to your skincare routine. But if it works for you, this may be the ideal, natural route to clear, healthy skin.