Skip to content

Rice Water Bright Rice Bran Facial Foaming Cleanser

Rice Water Bright Rice Bran Facial Foaming Cleanser

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

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.

Dermatologist Tested Vegan Formula Rice Bran Exfoliant Brightening 35M+ Units Sold Paraben-Free
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
No
Comedogenic
2/5
Size
150ml / 5 fl oz
Type
Foaming Cleanser
Key Ingredient
Rice Bran
pH Level
~8 (Alkaline)
Brand
The Face Shop
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Rice Bran Physical Exfoliation

Contains real rice bran particles that gently buff away dead skin cells and embedded impurities for a smoother, brighter complexion.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Creamy foam with rice bran granules
Scent
Subtle floral-rice
Absorption
Rinse-off
Finish
Clean, fresh, matte

Rice 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.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As a rinse-off product, ingredient exposure is minimal.

Not Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

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.

Contains SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate)

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.

Contains Fragrance

Includes Parfum/Fragrance, which is a common allergen. Not ideal for very sensitive or reactive skin. Patch test recommended if you have fragrance sensitivities.

Paraben-Free

This formula does not contain parabens. Preservatives used include Phenoxyethanol and Sodium Benzoate, which are widely considered safe.

Contains Artificial Colorants

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.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Oryza 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
Provides gentle mechanical exfoliation without harsh scrubbing — suitable for most skin types when used 2–3 times per week.

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
Present at a very low concentration (10ppm), so moisturizing benefits may be minimal in this rinse-off formula.

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

FREE FROM: Parabens, Alcohol/Ethanol, Mineral Oil, Sulfates (SLES), Silicones, Retinoids, Hydroquinone, Salicylic Acid, 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 (AM)

Use 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.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Wet Your Face

Splash lukewarm water onto your face to prepare the skin. Tie hair back to keep it away from your face.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect 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
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Thoroughly removes excess sebum and leaves skin feeling clean without residue. The rice bran exfoliation helps manage oily buildup effectively.

Dry Skin
Moderate

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.

Combination Skin
Good

Works well on the oily T-zone and helps brighten overall complexion. May cause slight dryness on cheeks — adjust usage frequency as needed.

Sensitive Skin
Poor

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.

Acne-Prone Skin
Good

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.

08

Results timeline

MONTH 2+
Day 1

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 improvement
Week 1–2

Smoother, 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 improvement
Week 3–4

Visible 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 improvement
Month 2+

Sustained 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 improvement
09

Ratings by platform

18K+ REVIEWS
Amazon
4.5
Rating
15,000+
Reviews
Main complaint: Can feel drying on dry/sensitive skin types; some note it strips moisture
YesStyle
4.3
Rating
800+
Reviews
Main complaint: Contains SLS which some users feel is too harsh for daily use
Olive Young
4.4
Rating
500+
Reviews
Main complaint: High pH level (~8) may not suit those who prefer acid-balanced cleansers
Brand Website
4.5
Rating
2,000+
Reviews
Main complaint: Rice bran particles may be too abrasive for very sensitive or inflamed skin
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • 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
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
85% Match
Rice Daily Brightening Cleansing Foam
$12.00
Similar Price

Also 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.

70% Match
Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
$12.00
Similar Price

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.

65% Match
Foaming Facial Cleanser
$16.00
Similar Price

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.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Key Ingredient Tea Tree Oil + BHA
Size 150ml
Exfoliation Chemical (mild BHA)
pH Level ~5.0–5.5 (Balanced)
SLS-Free Yes
Fragrance-Free Yes
Best For All skin types / Sensitive
Green Tea Amino Hydrating Cleansing Foam
Key Ingredient Green Tea + Amino Acids
Size 150ml
Exfoliation None
pH Level ~5.5 (Balanced)
SLS-Free Yes (Sulfate-Free)
Fragrance-Free No
Best For Dry / Sensitive / Normal
Birch Juice Moisturizing Cream
Key Ingredient Birch Sap + Panthenol
Size 150ml
Exfoliation None
pH Level ~5.5 (Balanced)
SLS-Free Yes
Fragrance-Free Yes
Best For Dry / Sensitive / All Types
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 the cap tightly closed after each use to prevent the formula from drying out.

Packaging

Squeeze tube with flip-cap nozzle. Easy to dispense and hygienic — no contamination from fingers dipping into a jar.

Travel Friendly

Yes — 150ml exceeds carry-on limits (100ml), but the tube format is durable and leak-resistant. Decant into a smaller container for air travel.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes. 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.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.0 / 5 ★★★★☆

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

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.

Awesome, I Understand!

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

Awesome, I Understand!

Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Oryza Sativa Extract
brightening Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Glycerin
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Oryza Sativa Extract
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!

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
1
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
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.

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
42% 3% 53%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 26 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
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
1 A
Myristic Acid
Perfuming, Fragrance, Emulsifying, Opacifying, Sufactant
1 A
Lauric Acid
Fragrance, Emulsifying
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS