Korean Rice Water: From Joseon Queens to Your Skincare Routine

Hey there, skin-care enthusiasts! 🌾 Let’s dive into a story as smooth as your skin will feel after using rice water (trust us). This magical elixir isn’t just a TikTok trend or an accidental kitchen discovery—it’s a secret that’s been bubbling in Korean culture for centuries, straight from the golden days of the Joseon Dynasty.

Once Upon a Time in the Rice Fields...

Picture this: ancient Korea, where agriculture thrived, and rice was as much a way of life as K-dramas are today. Back then, farmers noticed their hands became soft and supple after rinsing rice. Was it sorcery? Nope—just good old-fashioned science. The starchy water left behind after washing rice is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
This humble kitchen leftover quickly rose to become the superstar of beauty rituals. No expensive serums, no 10-step skincare routines—just pure rice water magic.

Joseon Queens Knew What’s Up

Fast forward to the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897), where beauty was a serious affair. Women of noble families, known as yangban, would pamper their faces with rice water to achieve that porcelain glow we still rave about.
Imagine sipping tea while your lady-in-waiting prepares a rice water bath for your skin. Life was tough, wasn’t it? The goal: radiant, youthful skin that could rival the moon. These noblewomen used rice water religiously, becoming the OG skincare influencers of their time.

A Modern-Day Glow-Up

Rice water didn’t vanish with the advent of modernization. Even when Western influences swept through Korea in the 20th century, some wise souls clung to this ancient beauty hack like it was their family’s kimchi recipe.
And today? It’s made a comeback like a K-pop star dropping a surprise album. Korean skincare brands (yep, including Island 😉) have harnessed rice water’s magical properties for modern routines. But why is it still a big deal?

What’s in This Miracle Water?

Let’s nerd out for a second (don’t worry, it’s fun). Rice water is packed with:

• Amino acids: These are like tiny cheerleaders for your skin, repairing and regenerating cells.
• Vitamins B & E: Brightening, hydrating, and giving you that lit-from-within glow.
• Ferulic acid: A natural antioxidant that protects against skin-aging nasties like pollution and UV rays.

How to Use Rice Water in Your Daily Routine

Now for the fun part—how do you get your Joseon glow? Here’s a cheat sheet:

1. DIY at Home: Rinse a cup of rice, soak it in water for 30 minutes, and voilà! Your very own essence. Use it as a toner or face splash.
2. Power-Packed Products: Don’t have time to DIY? We’ve got you covered with our Korean rice water-infused skincare range!

• Purity in a Drop Essence: This toner and essence combo is your skin’s hydration hero, featuring rice water blended with niacinamide, turmeric, and salicylic acid to purify, brighten, and tone
• Dewdrop Evenness Boost Serum: With a whopping 55% rice water, this serum is like a skin-smoothing fairy godmother. It primes your skin naturally, evens out pores, and leaves you with a dewy, glass-skin finish
• Morning Dew Moisturiser: Say hello to your all-in-one morning skincare essential! Infused with rice water, turmeric, and niacinamide, it delivers hydration, a touch of natural dewiness, and SPF 15 protection for a glowing, sun-ready look

Why Rice Water Still Reigns Supreme

So, why does rice water still make us swoon centuries later? Simple—it’s effective, versatile, and oh-so-affordable. Whether you’re a beauty queen or just trying to get through Monday with a glow, this age-old secret fits every lifestyle.

Glow Like Joseon Royalty

So, channel your inner Joseon royalty and give rice water a go. Your skin will thank you, your selfie game will level up, and you’ll feel like a part of skincare history.
Ready to glow? 🌟 Head over to our store to grab Purity in a Drop Essence, Dewdrop Evenness Boost Serum, and Morning Dew Moisturiser—your rice water dream team. Your glow-up is waiting!