There are a few essentials to keeping your skin in good shape—a good face cleanser, moisturizer, and daily SPF. But even if you use those items religiously, sometimes your complexion needs extra help. Using a face mask every once in a while that is targeted to your concern can be a good way to give your skin a little extra love.
You can find face masks with all beneficial ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, squalene and retinol. Another face mask ingredient that has become particularly popular of late? Rice. “It contains a high concentration of nutrients and minerals, which can be beneficial for skin health,” says Dr. Brendan Camp, a board-certified dermatologist of MDCS Dermatology.
To help you find the right rice face mask for your skin, we asked dermatologists what to remember when shopping. Based on their guidance, we rounded up expert recommendations and some highly rated options worth your consideration — plus, we dove deeper into the benefits of using rice on your complexion.
SKIP AHEAD How I picked the best rice face masks | The best rice face masks | What does rice do for your skin? | Why trust NBC Select?
How I picked the best rice face masks
Hit the store or search online for rice masks and you’ll find many options. I spoke to dermatologists about what to prioritize while shopping to help you narrow your search. Here’s what they suggested focusing on:
- Ingredients: “Look for masks that list rice water or rice extract as one of the primary ingredients,” says Dr. Tasneem Poonawalla, a board-certified dermatologist at Expert Dermatologist. “This will ensure you’re getting a product that really leverages the full benefits of rice.”
- Benefits: Speaking of benefits, rice masks are often formulated with other ingredients to help address concerns like dryness, texture, blemishes, and more, says Camp. Often, the benefits are listed as part of the mask’s name or somewhere on the packaging. Some ingredients to look for are hyaluronic acid for hydration, witch hazel to soothe or clay to purify.
- Cost and quality: Camp suggests considering how often you want to use the mask. If you plan on using it frequently, you may want to prioritize a more affordable option. Looking to pamper yourself every once in a while? Camp says then you may be more open to splurging. “You should also opt for products from reputable brands with positive reviews and transparency about their ingredient sourcing and manufacturing processes,” says Poonawalla.
The best rice face masks
I asked experts to share their favorite rice face masks. I also included highly rated options that meet our dermatologists’ suggested criteria.
CosRx Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask
CosRx makes one of our favorite hyaluronic acid products and Camp also recommends this rice face mask from the brand. In addition to rice extract, the mask contains niacinamide, which hydrates and can improve overall texture, according to the brand. It’s meant to be worn overnight and washed off in the morning and the rice extract brightens and moisturizes dry, tired skin, says Camp.
Seoul Ceuticals Snail Mucin & Turmeric Mask
“In addition to rice bran extract, this face mask contains snail mucin for improved hydration and turmeric for antioxidant protection against free radicals,” says Camp. The mask is also free of parabens and fragrance, something that Poonawalla says can be helpful to those with sensitive skin. To use, apply an even layer to dry skin, let sit for 20 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water.
Facetory Everyday Rice Bran Soothing Mask
These sheet masks come in a pack of ten and are ideal for soothing redness, according to the brand. The serum the masks are soaked in is free of harsh chemicals and safe for sensitive skin, according to the brand. The sheet mask should be applied to dry, clean skin for 20 minutes. These masks have a 4.5-star average rating from over 870 reviews on Amazon.
SkinFood Rice Mask
This face mask, which has a 4.4-star average rating from over 2,650 reviews on Amazon, has a bouncy, marshmallow-like texture and there are fine rice particles whipped into it. The rice bran helps clarify and brighten your skin, according to the brand. The mask should be applied to damp skin for up to 20 minutes. As you wash it away with lukewarm water, use your fingers to gently swirl off the mask. As you do this, the fine rice particles will gently exfoliate your skin, according to SkinFood.
Celavi Essence Facial Face Mask Set
This set of 12 sheet masks comes with two rice sheet masks, which help hydrate and brighten your skin, according to the brand. The set also comes with two types of sheet masks: chamomile to calm, cucumber to soothe, avocado to regenerate, witch hazel to tighten and honey to cleanse, according to Celavi. This set has a 4.6-star average rating from over 16,580 reviews on Amazon.
TonyMoly I’m Rice Mask Sheet
This sheet mask is made from three layers of pulp and soaked in a rice extract serum, which can have a brightening effect on your skin, according to TonyMoly. To use it, apply the mask to clean, dry skin and gently tap your fingers over the surface of the mask to help the serum permeate. Allow it to sit for 20 minutes before removing the mask and gently rubbing the remaining serum into your skin. One thing to note: The mask should not be used on scars or eczema, as it could irritate those things, according to the brand. This sheet mask has a 4.3-star average rating from over 2,150 reviews at Ulta.
What does rice do for your skin?
According to both Camp and Poonawalla, one of the biggest perks of rice as a skin care ingredient is its variety of benefits for your skin. “Rice contains ferulic acid and allantoin, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties,” says Poonawalla. “These components help reduce redness, protect against UV damage, and promote skin regeneration, making rice an excellent choice for achieving a healthy, radiant complexion.”
Another benefit of the antioxidant properties of rice? “They can help address features of aging skin,” says Camp. “Specifically dark spots and blemishes.” The key is to ensure a face mask you purchase contains rice water or extract as one of the primary ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
"While rice is generally safe for most skin types, individuals with rice allergies or very sensitive skin should exercise caution," says Poonawalla. "It's always best to perform a patch test before incorporating any new ingredient into your skin care routine. If you experience any irritation or allergic reactions, discontinue use immediately and consult a dermatologist."
One of the unique benefits of rice in face masks is that they can provide immediate and noticeable improvements. "Rice masks are especially beneficial for hydrating and brightening effects," says Poonawalla. "The starchy component of rice helps to lock in moisture, while the natural enzymes work to exfoliate dead skin cells, leaving the skin feeling smooth, hydrated, and glowing."
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. Tasneem Poonawalla is a board-certified dermatologist at Expert Dermatologist in West Hills, California.
Why trust NBC Select?
I'm a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, I interviewed two dermatologists.
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