Rice extract, sometimes sold as fermented rice water, is made from rice grains or the water rice is soaked or fermented in, and has a long history in East Asian beauty traditions.
Rice naturally contains B vitamins, antioxidant compounds called ferulic acid derivatives, and amino acids, and the fermentation process used to make some rice extracts can increase the concentration of certain beneficial compounds.
A review of the research on fermented rice products found supportive evidence for antioxidant activity and some brightening effects on skin tone, though the review also noted that study quality varies widely and many claims outpace the strength of the evidence behind fermented skincare generally.
Rice Extract (Rice Water) References
Biologically Active Components and Skincare Benefits of Rice Fermentation Products: A Review, Cosmetics, 2025
Evaluating the Efficacy of Lotion Containing Black Rice Bran (Oryza sativa L. indica) Extract as a Skin Brightening Agent: A Clinical Trial, Jundishapur Journal of Natural Pharmaceutical Products, 2021
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