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Rice Daily Brightening Cleansing Foam

Rice Daily Brightening Cleansing Foam

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

A gentle, brightening foam cleanser infused with Cheorwon Odae rice bran water that lifts away impurities without stripping moisture. Creates a dense, bouncy lather enriched with panthenol, hyaluronic acid, and fermented rice extract for a clean, luminous complexion after every wash.

Paraben-Free Sulfate-Free Alcohol-Free Silicone-Free All Skin Types Brightening Hydrating Formula
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
Caution
Comedogenic
1/5
Size
150ml / 5.07 fl oz
Type
Foam Cleanser
pH Level
~8-9 (Alkaline)
Key Ingredient
Rice Bran Water
Price Range
$8 – $12
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Cheorwon Odae Rice Bran Water

Sourced from the pristine Gangwon Province in Korea, this rice bran water is rich in proteins, vitamin B, and minerals for natural brightening.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Creamy foam
Scent
Light floral-rice
Absorption
Rinse-off
Finish
Clean, soft

Cheorwon Odae Rice Bran Water

Sourced from the pristine Gangwon Province in Korea, this rice bran water is rich in proteins, vitamin B, and minerals for natural brightening.

Dense Bouncy Foam

Creates a rich, cushiony lather that thoroughly lifts away sebum, dirt, and impurities without tugging or stripping the skin.

Hydrating Cleanse

Infused with sodium hyaluronate, panthenol, and glycerin to replenish moisture during the cleansing step and prevent post-wash tightness.

Fermented Rice Brightening

Aspergillus ferment and rice extract work together to promote a brighter, more even-toned complexion over time.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

No retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Contains fragrance (hydroxycitronellal, linalool) — those preferring fragrance-free may want to consult their doctor.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia) — Use with Caution

Contains fatty acids (myristic, stearic, lauric acid), olive-derived esters (cetearyl olivate, sorbitan olivate), and Aspergillus ferment. As a rinse-off product the risk is reduced, but those with active fungal acne should patch test first.

Low Comedogenic Risk (1/5)

While some individual ingredients have higher comedogenic ratings, this is a wash-off product — ingredients are not left on skin long enough to clog pores in most cases.

Free From Harsh Ingredients

No parabens, sulfates (SLS/SLES), drying alcohol, or silicones. Uses gentle surfactants like lauryl betaine and sodium cocoyl apple amino acids.

Contains Fragrance

Includes fragrance with identified allergens hydroxycitronellal and linalool. Those with fragrance sensitivities should patch test before full use.

Higher pH Cleanser

This is a soap-based (saponified) cleanser with a higher pH (~8-9). If you have a compromised skin barrier or very sensitive skin, a low-pH cleanser may be gentler.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran WaterProven

The hero ingredient sourced from Cheorwon Odae rice in Gangwon Province. Rice bran water is packed with proteins, vitamin B complex, and minerals that help brighten dull skin, improve uneven tone, and nourish the complexion.

  • Research: Rice bran contains gamma-oryzanol and ferulic acid, both shown to have antioxidant and skin-brightening properties.
  • Tradition: Rice water has been used in East Asian beauty rituals for centuries to maintain luminous, youthful-looking skin.
Listed high in the ingredient list (6th position), indicating a meaningful concentration in the formula.

Glycerin ~5-10%Proven

A powerful humectant that draws water into the skin. Listed 3rd in the INCI, suggesting a substantial concentration. Helps prevent the tight, dry feeling common with foam cleansers.

  • Study: Effective from as low as 3% with additional benefits at higher concentrations up to 20-40% for dry skin.
  • Function: Maintains the skin's lipid barrier in a healthy liquid crystal state and protects against irritation.

Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)Proven

A well-researched moisturizing and soothing ingredient that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces inflammation, and promotes wound healing. Helps counterbalance any potential drying from the cleansing surfactants.

  • Benefit: Anti-inflammatory, skin-protecting, and wound-healing properties confirmed in multiple clinical studies.
  • Hydration: Acts as both a humectant and emollient, attracting and sealing moisture.

Sodium HyaluronateProven

The sodium salt form of hyaluronic acid with a smaller molecular weight for better penetration. Holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, helping skin stay hydrated even after rinsing.

  • Research: Extensively proven to improve skin hydration, reduce transepidermal water loss, and improve skin elasticity.
  • In cleansers: Helps offset moisture loss during the cleansing process, leaving skin feeling plump rather than tight.

AllantoinProven

A soothing and skin-conditioning agent that softens and protects the skin. Promotes cell turnover and wound healing while calming any irritation from the cleansing process.

  • Source: Can be derived from comfrey plant roots but is typically produced synthetically in cosmetics for purity.
  • Benefit: Skin-softening, anti-irritant, and promotes healthy cell regeneration.

Aspergillus FermentPromising

A fermented ingredient derived from the Aspergillus fungus (commonly used in sake production). Contains amino acids, organic acids, and enzymes that help brighten and smooth the skin.

  • Tradition: Sake brewers in Japan are famous for their remarkably soft, youthful hands — attributed to fermented rice byproducts.
  • Function: Fermentation breaks down rice components into smaller, more bioavailable molecules for better skin absorption.
Fermented ingredients may not be suitable for those prone to fungal acne (malassezia), though the risk is reduced in rinse-off formulas.

Sodium Cocoyl Apple Amino AcidsPromising

A gentle, amino acid-based surfactant derived from coconut and apple. Provides mild cleansing without stripping natural oils, making this formula suitable for sensitive skin.

  • Benefit: Amino acid surfactants are among the gentlest cleansing agents, maintaining the skin's natural pH better than traditional soap.
  • Texture: Contributes to the rich, creamy foam texture without harsh detergent action.

28 ingredients

Water, Myristic Acid, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Lauric Acid, Lauryl Betaine, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Polyquaternium-7, Sodium Chloride, Cetearyl Olivate, Panthenol, Sodium Cocoyl Apple Amino Acids, Sorbitan Olivate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Allantoin, Hexylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Citric Acid, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Water, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Butylene Glycol, Aspergillus Ferment, Sodium Benzoate, Fragrance, Hydroxycitronellal, Linalool

FREE FROM: Parabens, Sulfates (SLS/SLES), Drying Alcohol (Denatured Alcohol), Silicones, Mineral Oil, Artificial Colorants, Formaldehyde, Phthalates, Triclosan
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Oil Cleanser
2
This Product
3
Toner
4
Serum
5
Moisturizer
6
Sunscreen

Use as the second step in a double-cleanse routine (after oil cleanser) in the evening, or as a standalone cleanser in the morning. Works for both AM and PM routines.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Wet Your Hands & Face

Splash lukewarm water on your face and hands. Lukewarm water opens pores and helps the cleanser work more effectively.

2

Dispense a Pea-Sized Amount

Squeeze a small amount (pea to nail-sized) onto wet palms. A little goes a long way with this formula.

3

Lather Into a Foam

Rub your palms together to build a dense, bouncy foam. For even richer lather, use a foaming net.

4

Massage Gently

Apply the foam to your face and massage in gentle circular motions for 30–60 seconds, focusing on the T-zone and areas prone to oiliness.

5

Rinse Thoroughly

Wash off completely with lukewarm water. Pat dry with a clean towel and follow with your toner immediately.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You want a brightening cleanser that doesn't strip moisture
  • You have dull, uneven skin tone or dark spots
  • You prefer a rich, bouncy foam texture
  • You want a budget-friendly K-beauty cleanser under $12
  • You need a gentle second-step cleanser for double cleansing
  • You enjoy rice-based skincare products

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have active fungal acne — contains fatty acids and ferments
  • You are very sensitive to fragrance or known allergens (linalool)
  • You strictly need a low-pH cleanser (pH 5.5 or below)
  • You have extremely dry skin that needs a non-foaming cream cleanser
  • You want a deep pore-clearing cleanser with active exfoliants (BHA/AHA)
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Effectively removes excess sebum and surface oil. The foaming action thoroughly cleanses without over-drying. Leaves a clean, matte finish.

Dry Skin
Moderate

Glycerin and hyaluronic acid help, but some users with very dry skin report slight tightness. Follow immediately with hydrating toner and moisturizer.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Ideal match — cleanses oily T-zone effectively while the hydrating ingredients keep drier cheeks comfortable. Top pick for combo skin.

Sensitive Skin
Good

Contains soothing allantoin and panthenol. However, it does contain fragrance — patch test first. Many sensitive-skin users report no irritation.

Acne-Prone Skin
Good

Low comedogenic risk as a rinse-off product. Sulfate-free and non-stripping. Those with fungal acne should be cautious due to fatty acids and ferments.

08

Results timeline

MONTH 2+
Day 1

Immediate Clean & Brightness

Skin feels clean, soft, and visibly brighter right after rinsing. The dense foam effectively removes surface impurities and dullness.

90% noticed immediate soft feel
Week 1–2

Improved Skin Texture

With consistent daily use, skin begins to feel smoother and more refined. The mild brightening effect becomes more noticeable with each wash.

75% reported smoother skin
Week 3–4

Visible Brightening & Even Tone

Cumulative effect of rice bran water and fermented rice extract contributes to a more even, radiant complexion. Dullness is noticeably reduced.

65% noticed brighter complexion
Month 2+

Sustained Radiance

Long-term users report maintained skin clarity, fewer dull days, and an overall healthier-looking complexion when used as part of a complete routine.

70% continued repurchasing
09

Ratings by platform

2K+ REVIEWS
Amazon
4.5
Rating
1,200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Can feel slightly drying for very dry skin types without follow-up moisturizer
iHerb
4.6
Rating
350+
Reviews
Main complaint: May not deep-clean pores sufficiently for evening use as sole cleanser
YesStyle
4.3
Rating
200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Fragrance may not appeal to everyone; some detect a cucumber-aloe note
Hwahae (Korea)
4.2
Rating
500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Finish leans matte — dry-skin users may feel slight tightness after washing
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Excellent value — large 150ml tube for under $12
  • Creates a rich, dense, and satisfying foam with just a small amount
  • Noticeable brightening effect even from first use
  • Gentle enough for daily AM and PM use
  • Free from parabens, sulfates, alcohol, and silicones
  • Hydrating ingredients (hyaluronic acid, panthenol) offset any dryness
  • Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin
  • Pleasant, non-overpowering scent

Criticized

  • Higher pH (alkaline) — not a low-pH cleanser
  • Contains fragrance and identified allergens (linalool, hydroxycitronellal)
  • Can leave dry skin feeling slightly tight without moisturizer
  • Not ideal for heavy makeup removal as sole cleanser
  • Contains fatty acids and ferments — caution for fungal acne
  • Brightening results are gradual, not instant transformation
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
85% Match
Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser
$12.00
Similar Price

Same rice water concept with added soapwort extract. Contains SLS and more surfactants for stronger cleansing power. Bigger foam, slightly more stripping. More widely available at drugstores.

70% Match
Aqua Rice Foam Cleanser
$10.00
Similar Price

Also uses rice extract with a similar foaming format. Slightly different surfactant system. Less widely reviewed but offers comparable brightening and cleansing at a similar price point.

65% Match
Green Tea Amino Hydrating Cleansing Foam
$12.00
Similar Price

Amino acid-based surfactants for gentler cleansing. Uses green tea instead of rice for antioxidant benefits. Sulfate-free, lower pH. Better for sensitive skin but less brightening effect.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser
Key Ingredients Rice Extract, Soapwort, Rice Bran Oil
Size 150ml
Sulfate-Free No (contains SLS)
Fragrance Yes
Best For Normal to oily, makeup removal
Cost Per mL $0.08/mL
Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Key Ingredients BHA, Tea Tree Oil
Size 150ml
Sulfate-Free Yes
Fragrance No (tea tree scent only)
Best For Acne-prone, low pH preference
Cost Per mL $0.08/mL
Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
Key Ingredients Green Plum, BHA, Niacinamide
Size 100ml
Sulfate-Free Yes
Fragrance Yes (plum scent)
Best For Pore care, oily/combo skin
Cost Per mL $0.14/mL
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep cap closed tightly after each use to prevent the product from drying out.

Packaging

Squeezable plastic tube with flip-top cap and nozzle for controlled dispensing

Travel Friendly

Yes — 150ml exceeds 100ml carry-on limit, but can be placed in checked luggage. Tube packaging is leak-resistant and durable.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes, this cleanser is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens — the main ingredients to avoid during pregnancy. It does contain fragrance with identified allergens (hydroxycitronellal, linalool), so if you prefer to avoid all fragrance during pregnancy, consult your healthcare provider. The active ingredients (rice bran water, panthenol, allantoin, hyaluronic acid) are all pregnancy-safe.

Use with caution. This cleanser contains several ingredients that can potentially feed malassezia yeast: myristic acid, stearic acid, lauric acid (fatty acids), cetearyl olivate and sorbitan olivate (olive-derived esters), and aspergillus ferment (a fermented ingredient). However, because this is a rinse-off product that stays on skin for less than a minute, many people with fungal acne use it without issues. If you have active fungal acne, patch test first or opt for a confirmed fungal-acne-safe cleanser like the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser.

Yes, absolutely. As a rinse-off cleanser, this product does not interact with leave-on actives like retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, or BHAs. Simply cleanse your face, rinse thoroughly, and then apply your active serums and treatments as usual. The gentle, hydrating formula actually pairs well with stronger actives since it won't further strip or irritate your skin barrier.

This cleanser works best for combination, normal, and oily skin types. It is excellent for those with dull or uneven skin tone seeking brightening benefits. It can also work well for sensitive skin thanks to soothing allantoin and panthenol, though the fragrance may be a concern for very reactive skin. Those with very dry skin may find it slightly drying and should follow with a rich moisturizer immediately after cleansing.

You will notice immediate results: skin feels cleaner, softer, and visibly brighter right after the first wash. For cumulative brightening and evening of skin tone, most users report noticeable improvements within 2–4 weeks of consistent daily use (AM and PM). The fermented rice extract and rice bran water work gradually to improve overall radiance. For best results, pair with the rest of the SKINFOOD Rice Brightening line or other brightening products in your routine.

This is a water-based foam cleanser, so it belongs as the second step in a double-cleanse routine (after an oil cleanser or cleansing balm), or as a standalone cleanser in the morning. The order is: Oil Cleanser (PM only) → This Foam Cleanser → Toner → Essence → Serum → Moisturizer → Sunscreen (AM only). In the morning, you can use it as your only cleanser before toner.

The overall comedogenic rating is low (1 out of 5). While some individual ingredients like lauric acid (comedogenic rating 4) and myristic acid (comedogenic rating 3) have higher ratings in isolation, this is a rinse-off product — ingredients are washed away within 60 seconds and do not remain on skin long enough to clog pores in most cases. The vast majority of users report no breakouts or pore clogging from this cleanser.

The product has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. After opening, use within one year for optimal freshness and efficacy. Store in a cool, dry place with the cap tightly closed. Since only a pea-sized amount is needed per wash, the 150ml tube typically lasts 2–3 months with twice-daily use, well within the 12-month window.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.3 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: The SKINFOOD Rice Daily Brightening Cleansing Foam is an outstanding budget K-beauty cleanser that punches well above its price point. Its rich, bouncy foam, gentle-yet-effective cleansing, and visible brightening properties make it a go-to for anyone seeking a radiant complexion without breaking the bank. The inclusion of panthenol, hyaluronic acid, and fermented rice extract elevates it beyond a basic cleanser. However, the higher pH, fragrance, and fatty acid content mean it is not the perfect match for everyone — particularly those with active fungal acne, extremely dry skin, or fragrance sensitivities. For normal, combination, and oily skin types looking for affordable brightening, this is one of the best options in the K-beauty cleanser category.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb What are Quick Product Notes?

Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?

Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.

We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.

Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 3 ingredient(s):
Oryza Sativa Extract Citric Acid Ceramide AP
brightening Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Citric Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 6 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Panthenol Allantoin Oryza Sativa Extract Sodium Hyaluronate Citric Acid
question
lightbulb What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?

Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.

We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.

One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
4
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
2
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
1
question
lightbulb What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?

Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
66% 3% 29%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 27 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
1 A
Myristic Acid
Perfuming, Fragrance, Emulsifying, Opacifying, Sufactant
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
1 A
Stearic Acid
Masking, Fragrance, Emulsion Stabilising, Emulsifying, Sufactant, Refatting, Cleansing
0 Unknown
Potassium Hydroxide
Buffering
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS