Last updated on: November 14, 2025

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably scrolled through TikTok late at night and wondered if some of these “miracle” beauty hacks actually work. Every few weeks, something new goes viral — slugging, ice rolling, skin cycling — and lately, rice water has been getting all the attention.

People claim it brightens your skin, shrinks your pores, fades marks, and basically gives you that soft, glowing, “clean girl” look without spending a lot of money. Sounds perfect, right?

Well, I wanted the truth. So, I did what any curious woman would do — I used rice water as a toner for four full weeks. And let me tell you… the experience was surprising in more ways than one.

Here’s the honest breakdown, from how I made it to what my skin looked like by week 4.

What Even Is Rice Water (and Why Is Everyone Using It)?

Rice water is simply the starchy water left after soaking or boiling rice. It looks cloudy, feels slippery, and has been used in Asian beauty routines for centuries. Women in Japan and Korea have used it for soft, smooth skin and long hair.

People love it because it contains:

light natural antioxidants
amino acids
minerals
and a tiny bit of natural starch that helps soften your skin

It sounds fancy, but honestly? It’s just rice and water. And I loved that simplicity.

Why I Decided to Try It

Like many women in my 20s and 30s, my skin can be… moody. Some days it’s glowing, other days it’s dull, uneven, and a little too oily around my T-zone. I don’t love using too many harsh products, but I do love a natural hack that doesn’t cost a fortune.

Rice water felt safe, gentle, and beginner-friendly. Plus, I figured: if something this cheap actually works, why not try it?

So yes — curiosity won.

How I Made My Rice Water Toner (Super Simple)

There are many ways to prepare rice water, but I kept it basic:

Rinsed ½ cup of rice to remove dirt.
Added 1 cup of clean water.
Let it soak for 30 minutes.
Strained it into a glass jar.
Kept it in the fridge.

It stays good for about 5 days. After that, it starts to smell… let’s just say not cute.

I did NOT ferment it the first two weeks because fermented rice water smells strong. I eased into it.

My Skin Before Starting (Week 0)

Here’s what I was dealing with:

uneven tone
a few acne marks on my cheeks
oily T-zone
dry around the mouth
light redness after washing

Basically, skin that needed a little love — nothing too dramatic, but not flawless either.

My Week-by-Week Experience

Week 1: “Okay… this feels nice.”

The first week, I applied the rice water every night using a cotton pad. It felt cool, refreshing, and honestly very calming after washing my face.

What I noticed:

skin felt soft
slight glow in the morning
no burning, but a little tightness around my mouth

No huge changes yet, but it felt gentle and clean — like my skin was drinking a glass of water.

Week 2: “Hmm… something is definitely happening.”

By week 2, I started using rice water in the morning too. I also tried fermented rice water (you leave it out for 24 hours, then refrigerate it). It smelled like sour bread dough — not great — but I used it anyway.

Changes this week:

my skin looked brighter, especially in natural light
texture felt smoother
foundation sat better on my skin
T-zone oil was more controlled

I actually got two compliments:
“You look well-rested today.”
“Your skin looks really soft.”

Trust me… as women, we remember those.

Week 3: “Okay, this is the glow everyone talks about.”

This was the week something clicked.

My skin looked more even, especially on my cheeks. I didn’t change anything in my routine other than adding rice water, so I knew this wasn’t just coincidence.

What stood out:

pores looked slightly smaller
less redness
dark marks looked a bit lighter
overall glow improved

I still didn’t see “glass skin” like TikTok promises, but honestly? It was better than some expensive toners I’ve bought.

Week 4: “Here’s the truth.”

By the end of 4 weeks, I had enough evidence to be brutally honest.

The good:

Yes, rice water made my skin brighter.
Yes, it improved my texture.
Yes, it softened my skin and made it feel smoother.
And yes, it helped with oil control.

The not-so-good:

It did not magically erase dark spots.
It did not shrink pores dramatically.
Fermented rice water smelled funky (like really funky).
You must make fresh batches often.

My final skin results?
My face looked healthier, cleaner, and more even — but it wasn’t a miracle makeover.

The Science Behind Why It Works

Here’s the thing: rice water isn’t magic, but the reason it works a little is because it’s naturally rich in:

amino acids → help soften skin
antioxidants → fight dullness
starch → calms and hydrates
vitamins → support your skin barrier

It’s not a strong active like retinol or chemical exfoliants. It’s more like a gentle friend who supports your skin rather than “fixes” it.

Pros & Cons After 4 Weeks

Pros

Super budget-friendly
Gentle even for sensitive skin
Gives a mild brightening effect
Makes skin feel soft
Tightens lightly without drying
100% natural

Cons

Smells weird when fermented
Not long-lasting — you must make fresh batches
Results are slow
Not strong enough for deep acne or scars

Who Should Try Rice Water?

Great for you if:

your skin feels dull
you want something gentle
you like natural remedies
you’re on a budget
you want a simple hydrating toner

Be cautious if:

you have fungal acne
you react easily to new products
you hate strong smells
you prefer fast results

How to Add It to Your Routine Safely

Use it after cleansing and before serum/moisturizer.
Start with:

3–4 times per week, then increase if your skin likes it.
Avoid pairing it with too many acids at first (AHA/BHA), especially if you have dry skin.

If DIY Isn’t Your Thing…

You can get similar benefits from:

niacinamide toners
centella asiatica
green tea toners
rice extract–based Korean toners

These smell nicer and last longer.

Final Verdict: Is Rice Water Worth the Hype?

Honestly? Yes — but with realistic expectations.

If you want a natural, gentle boost for brighter, softer skin, rice water is totally worth trying. You may not get dramatic, overnight results, but you will notice your skin looking smoother and healthier with consistent use.

Will I keep using it?
Yes — at least a few times a week. It just makes my skin feel good, and I love that something so simple can make such a difference.

And that’s the truth.

I Used Rice Water as a Toner for 4 Weeks — Here’s the Truth