Rice Water Bright Rice Bran Facial Foaming Cleanser
Rice Water Bright Rice Bran Facial Foaming Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A brightening and gently exfoliating foaming cleanser enriched with real rice bran particles, rice extract, and rice bran oil. This K-beauty bestseller removes dead skin cells, makeup residue, and excess oil while leaving skin soft, smooth, and visibly more radiant. Part of The Face Shop's iconic Rice Water Bright collection with over 35 million units sold worldwide.
Rice Bran Physical Exfoliation
Contains real rice bran particles that gently buff away dead skin cells and embedded impurities for a smoother, brighter complexion.
Texture & feel
SENSORYRice Bran Physical Exfoliation
Contains real rice bran particles that gently buff away dead skin cells and embedded impurities for a smoother, brighter complexion.
Brightening Rice Extract
Infused with Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract rich in vitamins A, B, and E to help even out skin tone and restore radiance.
Nourishing Rice Bran Oil
Rice bran oil delivers essential fatty acids and antioxidants that help prevent moisture loss during cleansing.
Rich, Dense Foam
Lathers into a luxurious whipped cream-like foam that effectively removes makeup residue, sunscreen, and daily grime.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As a rinse-off product, ingredient exposure is minimal.
Contains Myristic Acid, Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, and PEG-100 Stearate — fatty acids and esters that can feed malassezia yeast. However, as a wash-off product, the risk is lower than leave-on treatments.
SLS is a known skin irritant, especially for those with sensitive or dry skin. It is mitigated by milder co-surfactants like Cocamidopropyl Betaine in this formula, but may still cause dryness or irritation.
Includes Parfum/Fragrance, which is a common allergen. Not ideal for very sensitive or reactive skin. Patch test recommended if you have fragrance sensitivities.
This formula does not contain parabens. Preservatives used include Phenoxyethanol and Sodium Benzoate, which are widely considered safe.
Includes Blue 1 (CI 42090), Yellow 5 (CI 19140), and Red 4 (CI 14700). These are cosmetic-grade dyes and are generally considered safe but may be a concern for some users.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSOryza Sativa (Rice) BranKey Ingredient
Physical rice bran particles act as a natural, gentle exfoliant. They buff away dead skin cells and help unclog pores without the harshness of synthetic microbeads, revealing smoother and brighter skin underneath.
- Function: Physical exfoliant and skin conditioner
- Benefits: Rich in vitamins B and E, ferulic acid, and gamma-oryzanol — potent antioxidants
- Research: Rice bran has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in dermatological studies
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract 1000ppmProven
Rice water extract has been used in Asian beauty rituals for centuries. It contains vitamins A, B, and E, minerals, and amino acids that help brighten the complexion and support the skin barrier.
- Source: Traditional Korean and Japanese skincare ingredient used for centuries by court ladies
- Benefits: Brightening, antioxidant protection, mild hydration
- Research: Studies show rice extract can inhibit tyrosinase activity, helping reduce melanin production
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil 10ppmProven
An emollient oil pressed from the outer husk of rice grains, rich in vitamin E (tocotrienols), squalene, and oryzanol. Helps condition the skin and prevent excessive moisture stripping during cleansing.
- Source: Cold-pressed from rice bran (outer layer of rice kernel)
- Benefits: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, skin barrier support
- Composition: Contains gamma-oryzanol, tocotrienols, phytosterols, and squalene
GlycerinProven
A powerful humectant and skin-identical ingredient that draws moisture into the skin. Helps counteract the drying effects of surfactants in this foaming cleanser.
- Function: Humectant, skin-identical ingredient, barrier support
- Benefits: Effective from as low as 3% concentration; keeps skin lipids in a healthy state
- Comedogenicity: 0 — will not clog pores
Saponaria Officinalis (Soapwort) Leaf ExtractTraditional
A natural botanical extract from the soapwort plant, used for centuries as a gentle natural cleanser. Contains saponins that create a mild lather and have soothing, anti-inflammatory properties.
- Source: Soapwort plant (Saponaria officinalis), native to Europe and Asia
- Benefits: Natural cleansing, anti-inflammatory, soothing
- Traditional use: Used since ancient Rome as a natural soap alternative for delicate fabrics and skin
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) ExtractPromising
Cocoa extract is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, powerful antioxidants that help protect the skin against environmental stressors and free radical damage.
- Function: Antioxidant, skin conditioning
- Benefits: Rich in polyphenols, supports skin elasticity, and provides anti-aging properties
26 ingredients
Water/Eau, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Myristic Acid, Lauric Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Ceteareth-20, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Silica, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Cocamide MEA, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Hexylene Glycol, Parfum/Fragrance, Sodium Chloride, Polyquaternium-7, Disodium EDTA, Saponaria Officinalis Leaf Extract, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as the second step in a double-cleansing routine (after an oil cleanser), or as a standalone morning cleanser. Best paired with The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil for a complete double-cleanse.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash lukewarm water onto your face to prepare the skin. Tie hair back to keep it away from your face.
Lather the Cleanser
Squeeze a small, pea-sized amount onto wet palms and work into a rich foam. The rice bran granules should feel gently textured in your hands.
Massage Gently
Apply the foam to your face and massage in soft circular motions for 30–60 seconds. Focus on the T-zone, chin, and areas with visible dullness. Avoid the eye area.
Rinse and Pat Dry
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, then finish with a splash of cold water to tighten pores. Gently pat dry with a clean towel — never rub.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You want a brightening cleanser that also gently exfoliates
- You have oily or combination skin and enjoy a thorough clean
- You love a rich, creamy foam with dense lather
- You want an affordable K-beauty cleanser for daily use
- You double-cleanse and need a great second step
- Your skin looks dull and you want to reveal a more radiant complexion
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry or dehydrated skin (this can feel stripping)
- You have active eczema, rosacea, or severely compromised skin barrier
- You are sensitive to SLS or fragrance ingredients
- You need a fungal acne (malassezia) safe cleanser
- You prefer low-pH, ultra-gentle cleansers (pH ~5.5)
- You have extremely sensitive skin that reacts to physical exfoliants
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESThoroughly removes excess sebum and leaves skin feeling clean without residue. The rice bran exfoliation helps manage oily buildup effectively.
May feel too stripping for dry skin types due to SLS and high pH. If you use this, always follow with a hydrating toner and rich moisturizer immediately.
Works well on the oily T-zone and helps brighten overall complexion. May cause slight dryness on cheeks — adjust usage frequency as needed.
Contains SLS, fragrance, and artificial dyes which can irritate sensitive skin. The high pH (~8) may also disrupt the skin barrier. Patch test strongly recommended.
The thorough cleansing and gentle exfoliation can help prevent breakouts. However, this is not fungal acne safe due to fatty acid content. Standard acne-prone skin should do well.
Results timeline
MONTH 2+Immediate Brightness Boost
Skin feels noticeably cleaner and softer right after the first wash. Many users report an immediate visible glow and more even skin tone due to the physical exfoliation removing dead skin cells.
85% noticed improvementSmoother, Clearer Complexion
With regular use, skin texture becomes smoother and more refined. The rice bran exfoliation helps clear surface buildup, and the complexion starts to look more luminous and even-toned.
72% noticed improvementVisible Tone Evening
Consistent brightening effects become more apparent. Dullness is visibly reduced, pores appear cleaner, and overall skin clarity improves. Some users report reduced frequency of minor breakouts.
65% noticed improvementSustained Radiance
Long-term users report consistently bright, clear skin with improved texture. Best results are seen when paired with a complete skincare routine including hydrating and protecting steps.
60% noticed improvementRatings by platform
18K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Excellent brightening effect visible from first use
- Rich, luxurious foam creates a satisfying cleansing experience
- Affordable price point for a K-beauty cleanser (~$10–$12)
- Rice bran provides gentle physical exfoliation
- Removes makeup, sunscreen, and daily impurities effectively
- Leaves skin feeling soft and smooth after rinsing
- Iconic product with over 35 million units sold globally
- Pleasant, subtle scent that is not overpowering
Criticized
- Contains SLS which can be irritating for sensitive skin
- High pH (~8) can disrupt the skin's acid mantle
- May feel too stripping or drying for dry skin types
- Not fungal acne (malassezia) safe
- Contains fragrance and artificial dyes
- Rice bran oil present at very low concentration (10ppm)
- Physical exfoliation may be too harsh if used daily on delicate skin
- Some users report "squeaky clean" feeling, which signals over-cleansing
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESAlso rice-based with brightening properties. Uses rice bran water instead of rice extract. Has a gentler surfactant system with amino acid-based cleansers. Better for sensitive skin but similar brightening results.
Gel-type cleanser (not foaming) with green plum and niacinamide for brightening. Lower pH (~5.5), no SLS, no physical exfoliation. Better suited for sensitive skin but lacks the exfoliating component.
Fragrance-free, no physical exfoliants. Contains ceramides and niacinamide for barrier support. More gentle formula but no brightening or exfoliating benefits. Better for sensitive and dry skin types.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the cap tightly closed after each use to prevent the formula from drying out.
Squeeze tube with flip-cap nozzle. Easy to dispense and hygienic — no contamination from fingers dipping into a jar.
Yes — 150ml exceeds carry-on limits (100ml), but the tube format is durable and leak-resistant. Decant into a smaller container for air travel.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. This cleanser does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens — the key ingredients typically flagged during pregnancy. It is also a rinse-off product, so skin exposure time is very short. The fragrance ingredient is the only minor consideration, but at the low concentration in a wash-off product, it is generally considered safe. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
No, this cleanser is not considered fungal acne safe. It contains several ingredients that can feed malassezia yeast, including Myristic Acid, Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, and PEG-100 Stearate. However, since this is a rinse-off product with short skin contact time, some people with fungal acne may tolerate it. If you are actively battling fungal acne, consider a fungal acne-safe alternative like the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser.
Yes, you can use this cleanser alongside active ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. Since it is a rinse-off product, it does not interact directly with your leave-on actives. However, be mindful that the physical exfoliation from the rice bran combined with chemical exfoliants (AHA/BHA) may cause over-exfoliation. On days when you use strong actives, consider using the cleanser without vigorous massaging, or alternate between exfoliating days.
This cleanser is best suited for oily, normal, and combination skin types. It excels at removing excess oil, makeup residue, and dead skin cells. People with dry or sensitive skin may find it too stripping due to the SLS content and high pH (~8). If you have dry skin, use it only as a second step in double cleansing and follow immediately with hydrating products.
Most users notice an immediate brightness boost after the very first wash — the rice bran physically removes the dull layer of dead skin cells, revealing fresher skin underneath. For more sustained brightening and texture improvement, expect to see noticeable results within 1–2 weeks of consistent use. Full complexion evening typically takes 3–4 weeks of regular use.
This cleanser is used as the second step in a double-cleansing routine (after an oil-based cleanser) or as a standalone cleanser in the morning. Apply it to damp skin after removing makeup with an oil cleanser like The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil. Follow with toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (in the AM).
The comedogenic rating is approximately 2 out of 5. While some individual ingredients like Myristic Acid (rated 3) and Lauric Acid (rated 4) have moderate comedogenic potential, this is a rinse-off product so these ingredients spend very little time on the skin. For most users, this cleanser will not clog pores and may actually help keep them cleaner through the exfoliation action. However, those who are extremely acne-prone should patch test first.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. One 150ml tube typically lasts about 2–3 months with twice-daily use (using a pea-sized amount each time). Store it in a cool, dry place with the cap securely closed. Discard if you notice any change in color, texture, or scent.
Verdict: The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Rice Bran Facial Foaming Cleanser is an excellent value K-beauty cleanser that delivers visible brightening and gentle exfoliation at an unbeatable price point. The real rice bran particles provide satisfying physical exfoliation, and the iconic rich foam effectively removes makeup, sunscreen, and daily impurities. It is a standout choice for oily and normal skin types seeking a brighter, more radiant complexion. However, the inclusion of SLS, fragrance, and a high pH (~8) means it is not ideal for sensitive, dry, or barrier-compromised skin. For those skin types, gentler alternatives like the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser or ROUND LAB Birch Juice Cleanser may be more suitable. Overall, a cult-classic cleanser that has earned its reputation — with some caveats for specific skin concerns.
Product Overview
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.
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.
Quick Product Notes
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.
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
Notable Effects & Ingredients
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.
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!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
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.
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.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Stearic Acid
Masking, Fragrance, Emulsion Stabilising, Emulsifying, Sufactant, Refatting, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 1 |
Myristic Acid
Perfuming, Fragrance, Emulsifying, Opacifying, Sufactant
|
|
|
| 1 |
Lauric Acid
Fragrance, Emulsifying
|
|








