When it comes to skin care, it’s the ingredients doing the real work — the rest is packaging and promises. Want hydration? Hyaluronic acid is your loyal sidekick. Breaking out? Salicylic acid’s got you. But every now and then, you stumble across an ingredient that doesn’t just do one thing — it multitasks. Rice is one of those.
“Rice is highly concentrated with nutrients and minerals that benefit the skin,” says Dr. Brendan Camp, a board-certified dermatologist with MDCS Dermatology. That’s why rice serums are having a moment — they’re not trendy, they’re timeless. To separate the shelf candy from the good stuff, we asked dermatologists to break down what makes rice so effective, then rounded up expert-recommended picks (plus a few crowd favorites that actually deliver).
The benefits of rice on your skin
As mentioned, rice has numerous benefits for your skin. “Rice and its derivatives (i.e., rice bran extract, rice water, and rice ferment filtrate) are rich in antioxidants like ferulic acid, oryzanol, and vitamin E,” says Dr. Anetta Reszko, a board-certified dermatologist in New York. “Rice also helps neutralize free radicals and protect the skin from photoaging.” Beyond that, Camp and Reszko both note that rice can help support skin barrier function and boost hydration thanks to the fact that it contains essential amino acids and starches.
And those who deal with hyperpigmentation or dark spots can also benefit from this ingredient. “Clinical and in vitro studies have shown that rice-derived bio-actives can reduce melanin synthesis by inhibiting tyrosinase activity, making rice particularly useful for brightening and evening skin tone,” says Reszko.
Also helpful: It’s tolerated across most skin types, including those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. The only kind of people who may want to proceed with caution when using rice serums are individuals with severe fungal acne, says Reszko. “It could exacerbate the condition in susceptible individuals.”
How we picked the best rice serums
Hit the store or search online for rice masks and you’ll find many options. We spoke to dermatologists about what to prioritize while shopping to help you narrow your search. Here’s what they suggested focusing on:
- Type of rice: When looking at ingredient lists, prioritize products that list rice extract as one of the primary ingredients, says Dr. Tasneem Poonawalla, a board-certified dermatologist at Expert Dermatologist. Fermented rice water is also an acceptable form of rice in skin care products, adds Reszko.
- Complementary ingredients: Often, rice serums have complementary or synergistic ingredients in the formula, which serve to boost the benefits of the rice. Look for formulas that also contain niacinamide, ceramides or peptides, which can enhance the brightening, hydrating, and barrier-supporting effects of rice-based serums, says Reszko.
- Ratings: When shopping for a rice serum, Poonawalla recommends prioritizing products from reputable brands that are transparent about the serum’s contents. It’s also smart to make sure the product has plenty of positive reviews, she says.
The best rice serums of 2025
Below, you’ll find rice serums recommended by our experts and a few highly rated options with at least a 4-star average rating from hundreds of reviews.
I’m From Rice Serum
What we like
- Good for sensitive skin
- Affordable
Something to note
- Nothing to note
“This serum contains 73% rice germ ferment extract, offering strong hydration and brightening in a minimalist formulation free from common irritants,” says Reszko. “I generally recommend it if patients are targeting gentle brightening, hydration, and soothing, especially for dry or sensitive skin.” The formula is also lightweight, so it sinks in quickly and, at under $20, it is relatively affordable.
Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum
What we like
- Treats dark spots
- Absorbs quickly
Something to note
- Nothing to note
Dealing with dark spots? Reszko likes this serum, which combines 68% rice bran water with 2% arbutin, for hyperpigmentation and dullness. The fragrance-free formula absorbs quickly and you only need two to three drops for your entire face, so it lasts a long time. It is suitable for all skin types and can also help to lighten acne scars, according to the brand.
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
What we like
- Good for aging skin
- Helps moisturize
Something to note
- On the pricier side
Another recommendation from Reszko is that this essence isn’t technically labeled a serum, but it works similarly. “It features Galactomyces ferment filtrate, derived from sake fermentation (rice yeast), and has been studied for improving texture, clarity and radiance over time,” she says. “I recommend it to patients looking for anti-aging, dullness and overall skin clarity.” It also contains vitamin C to further brighten and hyaluronic acid to hydrate.
Dam Dam Rice Drops
What we like
- Adds glow
- Super hydrating
Something to note
- Nothing to note
Though this is a face oil, it has a surprisingly lightweight feel that sinks in fast and doesn’t leave skin feeling greasy, according to reviewers. The main ingredient is rice bran, which helps to even out skin tone and hydrate. It also contains avocado oil to soothe chapped skin and jojoba oil to give skin a nice glow, according to the brand. This face oil has a 4.8-star average rating from 200 reviews at Sephora.
Anua 7 Rice Ceramide Hydrating Barrier Serum
What we like
- Affordable
- Fragrance-free
Something to note
- Nothing to note
This affordable rice serum combines rice bran with niacinamide and ceramides to nourish a healthy skin barrier and add glow to your complexion, according to the brand. It is free of fragrances, alcohol and parabens, making it a nice option for sensitive skin and it also contains zinc, which helps control sebum and excess oil production, according to the brand.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Brendan Camp is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.
- Dr. Anetta Reszko is a board-certified dermatologist in New York.
- Dr. Tasneem Poonawalla is a board-certified dermatologist at Expert Dermatologist in West Hills, California.
Why trust NBC Select?
Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed two dermatologists.
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