Rice water the starchy liquid left over after rinsing or boiling rice has long been considered a valuable by-product in many cultures around the world. Instead of being discarded, this simple ingredient has a wide range of practical uses for beauty, health, and even gardening. Its popularity on social media and among DIY beauty fans has grown rapidly, but the reasons for its appeal stretch back centuries.
Rice water traces its roots back at least to ancient Asian beauty traditions, where women in China and Japan relied on it for hair care and skin benefits for generations. Historical accounts record that Japanese women as far back as the Heian period (794–1185 CE) used rice water treatments to maintain strong, shiny hair.
What Exactly Is Rice Water?
Rice water is exactly what it sounds like — the cloudy, slightly milky water that remains after rice is washed or boiled. It contains a mix of starch, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and amino acids, all of which come out of the rice grains during soaking or cooking. These compounds are what give rice water many of its purported benefits.
You can make rice water at home in a few different ways:
- Soaking: Rinse uncooked rice, then soak it in clean water for 30 minutes before straining.
- Boiling: Use extra water when cooking rice and collect the leftover liquid once the rice is done.
- Fermenting: Let soaked rice water sit at room temperature for 1–2 days to ferment before use — fermentation may increase antioxidant levels.
Beauty Uses: Hair and Skin
Hair Health and Conditioning
One of the most well-known uses of rice water is as a hair rinse or conditioner. Many users claim it helps:
- Make hair smoother and easier to detangle
- Increase shine and strength
- Encourage longer, healthier growth
The starch and nutrients in rice water are thought to reduce surface friction and improve elasticity, which can smooth hair cuticles and help prevent breakage. Although scientific research is limited, some studies suggest compounds in rice water can improve hair texture and manageability.
Skin Care and Complexion
Rice water isn’t just for hair — it has also been used as a simple skin treatment for centuries. Many people use it as a toner or cleanser to:
- Brighten the complexion
- Improve hydration
- Calm irritated skin
- Some small studies and cosmetic research indicate that rice water preparations can improve skin hydration and exhibit mild antioxidant activity when applied topically. These effects may help the skin appear smoother and more radiant over time.
To use rice water on your skin, simply soak a cotton pad and wipe it over your face, or apply it as a mask. You can also add it to DIY skincare recipes, like toners or masks, depending on your skin type.
Beyond Beauty: Other Surprising Uses
Rice water’s usefulness doesn’t stop at beauty. Because it contains nutrients and starch, it can also be used as a natural fertilizer for plants. Many gardeners use diluted rice water to help soil and plants thrive, as the nutrients can encourage the growth of beneficial microbes and improve root health. In some cultures, rice water is also consumed or given to people recovering from digestive issues, as its gentle composition can be easier on the stomach. Historical studies have examined rice water as a natural treatment in watery diarrhea or dehydration cases, though it should always be used cautiously and not as a replacement for medical care.
Tips for Safe Use
While rice water is generally safe, here are a few tips:
- Use fresh rice water (store in the fridge and use within a few days).
- Patch test on skin first if you have sensitive skin.
- Avoid rice water with additives (salt, oil, seasoning) for beauty or plant use.
- If you have a skin condition or medical concerns, consult a healthcare provider before using new home remedies.
A Simple, Affordable DIY Remedy
From ancient beauty regimens to modern DIY routines, rice water remains a versatile and affordable tool that many people keep on hand. Whether you’re looking for a natural hair conditioner, a gentle skin booster, or an eco-friendly plant fertilizer, rice water offers a way to repurpose something you already have in your kitchen — practically “like having gold at home.”
