Rice water beauty hacks “skyrocket” while researchers flag hidden threat of arsenic

15 Sep 2023 --- Over the past six months, beauty and wellness site Fresha has noticed a surging online interest in rice water worldwide, with a dramatic increase in consumer searches on the social media platforms Pinterest and TikTok. Meanwhile, on the supplier side, Innova Market Insights’ data shows a +35% CAGR in personal care launches with rice water mentioned on the packaging from April 2018 to March 2023.

However, researchers at the Wroclaw University of Science and Technology flag that high levels of arsenic can “easily” accumulate in rice grains and is found in greater magnitude than other cereal crops. Although rice can be washed and cooked with excess water (1:6), this may cause the loss of beneficial nutrients sought for cosmetic benefits.

Therefore, the researchers conducted a multi-element analysis on homemade (natural) rice water and commercialized rice-based products to find the optimal way of preparing safe and nutrient-rich rice water.

Social media buzzInnova Market Insights’ data shows a +35% CAGR in personal care launches with rice water mentioned on the packaging from April 2018 to March 2023.
Fresha shares that global searches for “rice water” increased 148% after hair care professionals posted viral results on TikTok. The benefits of weekly soaking hair in rice water for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing include rejuvenating dull and dry strands, reducing dandruff and improving hair shine and feel.

Additionally, there has been a 148% increase in searches for “how to make rice water” over the past five years, with the highest volume occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rising platforms like TikTok enabled hairstylists to share hair care tips.

“The proven benefits of rice water are well and truly taking over the internet, and with the product being so easy to make, at a fraction of the price of some high-end products, there is no wonder why people are hopping on the trend and trying it themselves, in the comfort of their own homes,” says a spokesperson at Fresha.

“The fact that you can make something so healthy for your hair at a meager cost and see results in a matter of time is something you can’t say no to.” 

Essentiality of riceThere has been a 148% increase in searches for “how to make rice water” over the past five years, finds Fresha. 
For skin, rice has various dermatological benefits, such as rice starch recommended to be added in baths for repairing the skin barrier and alleviating atopic dermatitis symptoms, suggest the researchers.

“Rice is a complex matrix composed of carbohydrates, proteins, fibers, vitamins, and numerous essential elements including calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese and zinc,” they share. 

“Components of rice like phenolic compounds, betaine, squalene, tricin and rice bran are recognized to have anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, whitening, photoprotective and moisturizing properties.”

According to Innova Market Insights’ data, most launches with rice water mentioned from April 2022 to March 2023 were mainly in Hair Care 51%, Skin Care 29% and Hand, Bath & Shower 10% categories.

The most significant launch increase was in Hair Care, with 69% growth and Hand, Bath & Shower, with 34% growth in the same period. Other notable rates in subcategory launches are Facial/Neck – Moisturizers with a 68% growth, Shampoo with +46% growth and Hair Treatments with +41% growth.

Optimal rice water preparationThe researchers find that the best results were obtained for homemade rice water prepared by boiling rice grains with no initial washing.
The study’s authors explain: “Five procedures were applied to prepare natural, homemade rice water including washing/rinsing, soaking, boiling and fermentation steps. The three most popular types of rice – i.e., white, brown and jasmine – of two brands were used to produce these homemade rice water.”

They found that all types of homemade rice water were free from cadmium and lead. The levels of other elements depended on the water temperature used when making rice water and the type of rice. 

The scientists also found that brown rice had the best source of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese and zinc (elements) but contained higher levels of arsenic than other rice types.

“The best results (the highest contents of the studied elements) were obtained for homemade rice water prepared by boiling rice grains with no initial washing. Unfortunately, besides the essential elements, all homemade rice water contained arsenic (2-20 ng g-1),” detail the authors.

“The permissible content of arsenic in cosmetics is set to be 3 ng g-1; therefore, all produced homemade rice water can be safely used for skin and hair.”

Moreover, they found no difference in the mineral content of rice water prepared by boiling rice versus fermented rice water prepared from boiling rice.

“Finally, the comparison of prepared homemade rice water with commercial rice-based cosmetics showed that the level of the essential elements in the homemade products was higher. Hence, their use as a raw material also on the skin and hair seems justified,” conclude the authors.

By Venya Patel