Skin Lightening Myth: Rice Water

If you ever searched an Asian beauty forum, chances are you have read or heard about the use of rice water as a skin care treatment. People all over the world use rice water on their skin for different reasons. Apparently the 'myth' is that rice water is supposed to whiten the skin, as well as soften and treat various ailments like acne and eczema.

I actually knew about these claims that rice water can be a skin lightener for a long time. I first learned about it from examining the SK-II skin whitening line which has rice water essence. I didn't know that the connection between skin lightening and rice water was so popular though. Much like the other skin lightening myth I wrote about (jojoba oil), I found a spectrum of commentary regarding the issue. Some people said it made their skin go from really tan to a pale complexion, or that it is their favorite skin lightening treatment. Others stated that it softened their skin, but no real visible change in skin tone or luminousity was seen. And ofcourse, there are people who claim it did nothing at all for them.

So sifting through the various information I decided to look at the properties of rice water to make a sound judgement. Rice (or rice water) has a lot of vitamins and nutrients within it. A lot of these vitamins/minerals are leaked out into the water, and therefore can be useful to the skin. There is no denying that. Rice water has some trace elements of Ferulic Acid (antioxidant) and allantoin (anti-inflammatory). Rice is also a natural starch that can exfoliate the skin if used in a paste or mask.

I'm not exactly sure where the skin lightening element is in rice water. I am assuming it is from the mild antioxidant and soothing properties? I'm sure that can create a brighter look overtime if used consistently. Also people cleanse with rice water, so they are using a facial sponge or just massaging their face with it which can stimulate micro-circulation which gives a glow. Also if people are cleansing or exfoliating with rice water, (and also the fact that is a starch which can mop up sebum) their skin can appear 'lighter' or 'brighter' since cleansing oxidized sebum can give that look. I wrote about Oxidation & Skin Lightening awhile ago. It's a very true concept that sometimes gives the 'illusion' that something is lightening your skin when technically it is not.

A lot of people use rice water just by splashing it on their face. They pour water into a small bowl of rice, wait 30 minutes to and hour, pour the water out and apply it like a toner directly to their face. I also found other people really like to use it as a mask; they grind up rice and apply like it paste, with some rice water added in the mix for easier application. Apparently this helps to lighten their skin and even out the skin tone.

I was searching for some studies done on rice water, and whether or not it can be a valid skin lightening treatment and I couldn't find any concrete evidence proving that it can affect melanin production or tyrosinase. Yes, there is the bit about having some antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties but there is no direct connection between melanin content and rice water.

So in the case of rice water being a skin lightener? It's a no. Not true.

I will say though however I found some research found in the Archives of Dermatology and Venereology, that rice starch can topically help with eczema and various inflammatory issues.

;)