Have you ever heard about rice water toner? Like, a literal toner you use on your face … I knew you could use rice water for your hair, but yes, rice water can be used as a toner. It has been traditionally used in various cultures, particularly in Asian cultures, for its potential benefits for the skin. Find here 2 different ways to make a rice water toner, how to use it, and the benefits your DIY toner can have on your skin!

Rice Water Toner Benefits

Before we delve into the rice water toner recipe, let´s see what benefits it has for our skin.

It´s Rich in Nutrients

Rice water contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that are just essential for beautiful skin. These include vitamin B, vitamin E, antioxidants, and traces of pitera, a substance known for its skin-healing and rejuvenating properties.

It has Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Rice water has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritated skin and reduce redness, which can help with the overall health of your skin.

It Helps with Hydration

Rice water can help hydrate the skin, keeping it soft and supple due to its rich content of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. The starches in rice water act as natural humectants, drawing moisture into the skin and aiding in its retention.

Additionally, inositol, a carbohydrate found in rice water, promotes cell growth and improves skin elasticity, while the amino acids support the skin’s natural moisturizing factors. This combination of nutrients helps to replenish lost moisture, enhance the skin’s texture, and maintain a healthy, hydrated complexion.

It can have a Brightening Effect

Regular use of rice water can help brighten the skin and improve its complexion due to its rich content of vitamins B1, C, and E, as well as antioxidants like ferulic acid. These components enhance circulation, provide antioxidant protection, and aid skin cell regeneration, resulting in a healthier, more radiant glow.

It Minimizes Pores

Due to its natural astringent properties and high concentration of nutrients like starches and niacin (vitamin B3), rice water toner can help tighten the skin and minimize the appearance of pores. These components constrict skin tissues, improve elasticity, and reduce inflammation, leading to a smoother, more refined complexion.

Additionally, rice water helps regulate sebum production, preventing excess oil that can cause enlarged pores, thus contributing to a more even and tightened skin texture.

How to make Rice Water Toner

Okay, now that we know that rice water toner has some really impressive benefits for our skin, let´s see what we need and how to make it ourselves:

Rice Water Toner Recipe

• Rinse 1 cup of organic white rice thoroughly to remove any impurities.

Use organic white rice! This is generally the best option. Organic rice is free from pesticides and other chemicals that could potentially irritate the skin. White rice is often preferred because it is typically more processed than brown rice, meaning it has fewer impurities and is less likely to cause adverse reactions on sensitive skin.

However, other types of rice can also be beneficial:

• Brown Rice: Contains more nutrients, including higher levels of vitamins and minerals, as it is less processed and retains its bran layer.

• Black or Red Rice: Rich in antioxidants, providing additional skin benefits such as protection against free radicals and anti-aging properties.

Regardless of the type of rice you choose, it is crucial to ensure it is ORGANIC and thoroughly rinsed before you use it to avoid introducing unwanted chemicals or impurities to your skin!

• Place the rinsed rice in a bowl and add 2-3 cups of water.
• Let the rice soak for 30 minutes to an hour. Stir occasionally.
• Strain the rice and collect the water in a toner bottle.

Fermented Rice Water Toner

Another option for your DIY rice water toner is to use fermented rice water. The fermentation process additionally enriches it with antioxidants, vitamins, and amino acids, enhancing its ability to rejuvenate skin.

This process also lowers the pH, making it more compatible with our skin’s natural acidity, which promotes a balanced, hydrated, and radiant complexion. Plus, fermentation breaks down molecules for better absorption, ensuring that your skin reaps maximum benefits from every drop.

• Rinse 1 cup of organic rice thoroughly to remove any impurities.
• Place the rinsed rice in a bowl and add 2-3 cups of water.
• Let the rice soak for 30 minutes to an hour. Stir occasionally.
• Strain the rice and collect the water in a toner bottle.
• To ferment rice water, leave the strained rice water at room temperature for 24-48 hours. It will start to ferment and might have a slight sour smell.
• Once the rice water has reached a mildly fermented state after 24-48 hours, stop the fermentation process by refrigerating it. This will slow down further fermentation and prevent spoilage.
• After fermenting, store the rice water in the refrigerator to stop the fermentation process.

How to use Rice Water Toner

Now that we know why a rice water toner can benefit our skin and how to make it let´s see how and how often we can/should use it to enjoy those benefits!

• After cleansing your face, soak a cotton pad or a reusable pad for sustainability in the rice water toner and gently apply it to your face and neck.
• Allow it to air dry, then follow with your regular moisturizer.

But how often can you use it? You can use rice water toner once or twice daily, depending on your skin type and how it responds. Here’s a general guideline:

• Normal to Oily Skin: Using rice water toner twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, can help regulate oil production and maintain a smooth complexion.

• Dry or Sensitive Skin: Start with using the toner once a day, preferably at night. If your skin responds well without any irritation or dryness, you can gradually increase it to twice daily.

• Combination Skin: You can use the toner twice a day, focusing on the oilier areas (like the T-zone) and less on the drier parts of your face.

Always perform a patch test before incorporating any new product into your routine to ensure it doesn’t cause any adverse reactions. If you experience any irritation or dryness, reduce the frequency of use or discontinue if necessary.

Find here the ultimate guide for your daily skincare routine!

How to Store Rice Water Toner

Store your rice water toner in the refrigerator. It can last up to a week, but for optimal benefits, it’s best to prepare a fresh batch every few days.

Precautions when using the DIY toner

Patch Test

Even when you use organic rice, you can still have an allergic reaction. Always perform a patch test before applying rice water to your face, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Avoid Contamination

Use clean containers and utensils to prevent contamination and bacterial growth. Find here some suitable containers!

Fermentation

• If you choose to ferment rice water, monitor it closely to ensure it doesn’t over-ferment or spoil.
• Check the rice water daily for any changes in smell or appearance. It should develop a slightly sour, fermented smell but should not smell foul or unpleasant.
• If the rice water develops a very strong, unpleasant odor or visible mold, discard it immediately, as it has spoiled.
• If you notice bubbles forming, it indicates active fermentation, which is normal. However, excessive bubbling could indicate over-fermentation.
• Once the rice water has reached a mildly fermented state (usually after 24-48 hours), stop the fermentation process by refrigerating it. This will slow down further fermentation and prevent spoilage.

Conclusion Rice Water Toner

Incorporating rice water into your skincare routine may offer a range of benefits, including improved hydration, reduced inflammation, and a brighter complexion. Besides, it can be a fun and rewarding experience to literally make your own cosmetics at home!