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The Rice Polish

The Rice Polish

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

Tatcha The Rice Polish is a luxurious water-activated enzyme exfoliating powder inspired by a centuries-old Japanese geisha ritual. Finely ground Japanese rice bran and papaya enzymes (papain) transform into a creamy, cloud-like foam upon contact with water, gently lifting away dead skin cells, excess oil, and impurities without disrupting the skin barrier. The pH-neutral, amino-acid based formula is fragrance-free, gentle enough for daily use, and leaves skin instantly polished, soft, and glowing.

Fragrance-Free Cruelty-Free Dermatologist-Tested Daily Exfoliator Pregnancy Safe Fungal Acne Safe Non-Comedogenic Sulfate-Free Paraben-Free Mineral Oil-Free
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
Yes
Comedogenic
1/5
Size
60 g / 2.1 oz
Retail Price
$68 USD
Format
Enzyme Powder
PAO
12 Months
Type
Daily Exfoliant
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Japanese Rice Bran

Finely milled rice bran provides ultra-gentle physical exfoliation while delivering vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants for a brighter complexion.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Fine Powder → Foam
Scent
Fragrance-Free
Absorption
Rinse-Off (15 sec)
Finish
Soft & Smooth

Japanese Rice Bran

Finely milled rice bran provides ultra-gentle physical exfoliation while delivering vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants for a brighter complexion.

Papain Enzyme

Naturally derived from papaya, papain dissolves dull surface cells through enzymatic action — no harsh acids or scrubbing required.

Hadasei-3™ Complex

Tatcha's proprietary triple-fermented blend of Akita rice, Uji green tea, and Okinawa algae nourishes and revitalizes skin with amino acids and natural AHAs.

pH-Neutral Formula

Cleanses without stripping the acid mantle. Skin feels clean and balanced, never tight or squeaky after rinsing.

Licorice Root Soothing

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (from licorice root) calms redness and soothes sensitive skin, making the formula gentle enough for daily use.

Cloud-Like Foam

Activates with water into a creamy, lightweight lather that glides effortlessly across skin without grit, scratching, or microtears.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

No retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters. Free of essential oils and fragrance — generally considered safe during pregnancy.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

No problematic fatty acids, esters, or polysorbates. The amino-acid based surfactants and rice powder do not feed malassezia yeast.

Non-Comedogenic (1/5)

Rice powder, kaolin, and microcrystalline cellulose are non-pore-clogging. Rinse-off format minimizes any risk of residue buildup.

Layers Well with Actives

Compatible with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs, niacinamide, and peptides. Use in the AM and apply actives later in your routine.

Sensitive Skin Friendly

Fragrance-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, and dermatologist-tested. Soothing licorice root extract calms reactive skin.

Eczema & Active Acne

Avoid on broken or actively inflamed skin. While gentle, physical exfoliation can irritate open eczema patches or pustular breakouts.

Keep Powder Dry

Water in the jar will start activating the powder. Always use dry hands to dispense, then wet hands and face afterward.

Cruelty-Free, Not Vegan

Tatcha is certified cruelty-free. This variant is fully vegan (no silk protein), making it suitable for plant-based routines.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Oryza Sativa (Rice) Powder & Bran Extract ~30%Proven

The hero ingredient. Finely milled Japanese rice bran provides ultra-gentle, non-abrasive physical exfoliation while delivering ferulic acid, gamma-oryzanol, vitamins B and E, and inositol to brighten and condition skin.

  • Source: A 2018 study in theInternational Journal of Cosmetic Science showed rice bran extract significantly increased skin hydration and reduced TEWL (transepidermal water loss).
  • Source: Rice bran contains gamma-oryzanol, a potent antioxidant shown to inhibit tyrosinase activity, helping fade hyperpigmentation.
Safe for sensitive skin, pregnancy, and fungal acne. Particles are too fine to cause microtears when used as directed.

Papain (Papaya Enzyme) ~1-2%Proven

A proteolytic enzyme extracted from green papaya that gently breaks down keratin bonds holding dead skin cells together. Unlike acids, papain works selectively on dull surface cells without disrupting the live skin barrier.

  • Source: A 2020 review inMolecules confirmed papain's ability to digest dead keratinocytes through hydrolysis of peptide bonds, offering exfoliation without irritation.
  • Source: Papain is rated as a low-irritation enzymatic exfoliant suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin.

Hadasei-3™ (Rice + Green Tea + Algae Ferment) ~3-5%Promising

Tatcha's proprietary fermented complex combining Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate, Camellia Sinensis (Uji green tea) leaf extract, and Cladosiphon Okamuranus (Okinawa algae) extract. Delivers amino acids, polysaccharides, and natural AHAs for plumping and antioxidant benefits.

  • Source: Saccharomyces ferment filtrate is documented to improve skin texture and stimulate cell renewal in clinical studies on Japanese fermented cosmetics.
  • Source: EGCG from green tea is a well-established antioxidant shown inJournal of Investigative Dermatology to reduce UV-induced damage.

Kaolin Clay ~5-8%Proven

A gentle white clay that absorbs excess sebum and lifts impurities from pores without over-drying. Helps clarify the complexion while remaining gentle enough for normal-to-dry skin.

  • Source: Kaolin has the lowest absorbency of cosmetic clays, making it suitable for daily use without compromising skin moisture.
  • Source: Non-comedogenic (rated 0) and considered safe for fungal acne-prone skin.

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (Licorice Root) ~0.5-1%Proven

The water-soluble salt form of glycyrrhizic acid extracted from licorice root. A gold-standard soothing ingredient that calms redness, reduces inflammation, and helps brighten uneven tone.

  • Source: Clinical studies show glycyrrhizate inhibits 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, reducing inflammatory pathways in skin.
  • Source: Demonstrated tyrosinase-inhibiting effects help fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Amino-Acid Surfactants (Sodium Lauroyl/Cocoyl Glutamate) ~10-15%Proven

A blend of mild, plant-derived amino-acid surfactants creates the signature creamy foam without the harsh stripping action of sulfates. These cleansers respect the skin's natural pH (around 5.5) and acid mantle.

  • Source: A 2019 study inCosmetics found amino-acid based surfactants cause significantly less protein denaturation and barrier disruption than SLS or SLES.
  • Source: Glutamate-derived surfactants are rated low irritation by the EWG Skin Deep database.

Tocopherol (Vitamin E) ~0.1-0.5%Proven

A potent lipid-soluble antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and protects skin lipids from oxidative damage during cleansing. Also stabilizes the formula.

  • Source: Vitamin E is one of the most studied antioxidants in dermatology, shown to reduce UV-induced damage and lipid peroxidation.

23 ingredients

Microcrystalline Cellulose, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Powder, Sodium Lauryl Phosphate, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Aqua/Water/Eau, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Lauryl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Methylaminopropionate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Papain, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Propanediol, Dextrin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Kaolin, Tocopherol, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Silica, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77492 (Iron Oxides), CI 77007 (Ultramarines).

FREE FROM: Sulfates (SLS/SLES), parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, synthetic fragrance, urea, DEA, TEA, formaldehyde donors, silicones, essential oils, gluten, retinoids, salicylic acid, AHA acids, hydroquinone, drying alcohols.
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Oil Cleanser
2
Rice Polish
3
Toner / Essence
4
Serum
5
Moisturizer
6
Sunscreen (AM)

The Rice Polish replaces (or follows) your regular cleanser as the second step in a Japanese double-cleanse ritual. Use AM, PM, or both — it's gentle enough for daily exfoliation.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Wet Hands & Face

Splash your face with lukewarm water. Make sure both hands and face are damp — water is what activates the enzyme powder.

2

Dispense ½ Teaspoon

Tap about half a teaspoon (a small mound) of powder into your dry palm. Avoid getting water in the jar to keep the powder fresh.

3

Lather into Foam

Rub palms together with a few drops of water until the powder transforms into a creamy, cloud-like foam.

4

Massage Gently

Apply to face in small upward circular motions for 15-30 seconds. Avoid the eye area. No scrubbing required — let the enzymes work.

5

Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse with lukewarm water. Pat dry and follow with toner, serum, moisturizer, and SPF (in the AM).

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have dull, congested, or uneven skin texture
  • You want gentle daily exfoliation without harsh acids
  • You have sensitive skin that reacts to AHA/BHA products
  • You're pregnant or breastfeeding and avoiding active ingredients
  • You're fungal acne-prone and need a malassezia-safe cleanser
  • You love J-Beauty rituals and luxurious skincare textures
  • You want a fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested formula

Consider alternatives if:

  • You need strong chemical exfoliation (AHA/BHA) for stubborn acne
  • You prefer a traditional cream or gel cleanser format
  • You're on a tight budget — there are excellent dupes under $20
  • You have severely cystic acne (consult a dermatologist first)
  • You have active eczema or rosacea flares with broken skin
  • You dislike the powder-to-foam ritual or extra steps
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Kaolin clay absorbs excess sebum while rice bran clears dull buildup — leaves skin balanced without stripping.

Dry Skin
Good

pH-neutral and amino-acid based — won't strip skin. Follow with a rich moisturizer to lock in hydration.

Combination
Excellent

Balances oil in the T-zone while remaining gentle on drier cheeks — ideal for everyday combination skin.

Sensitive
Excellent

Fragrance-free, sulfate-free, with soothing licorice root. Most reactive skins tolerate it well — patch test recommended.

Acne-Prone
Good

Non-comedogenic and fungal acne-safe. Helps prevent congestion but won't treat active inflammatory acne — pair with a BHA.

Mature Skin
Excellent

Gentle exfoliation reveals brighter skin, while antioxidants from green tea, rice, and vitamin E support healthy aging.

08

Results timeline

8-12 WEEKS
After 1st Use

Instant Smoothness & Glow

Skin feels noticeably softer and looks brighter immediately. Texture appears more refined and makeup applies more smoothly.

100% noticed (Tatcha clinical, n=40)
1 Week

Refined Pores & Even Tone

Daily users report visibly smaller-looking pores, less dullness, and a more even surface texture. Skin feels cleaner without tightness.

~85% report visible improvement
2-4 Weeks

Clearer, More Radiant Complexion

Continued use accelerates cell turnover, fading post-inflammatory marks and revealing a softer, more luminous complexion.

~78% see brighter skin tone
8-12 Weeks

Long-Term Texture & Tone Improvement

Hyperpigmentation and rough patches continue to soften. Skin feels healthier, more resilient, and visibly younger-looking.

~70% report sustained results
09

Ratings by platform

17K+ REVIEWS
Sephora
★★★★½ 4.5
Rating
5,000+
Reviews
Main complaint: Premium price point and small jar size — users wish it lasted longer.
Amazon
★★★★½ 4.5
Rating
3,500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Some users find it doesn't deeply cleanse heavy makeup or sunscreen on its own.
Tatcha.com
4.7
Rating
8,000+
Reviews
Main complaint: Powder format takes practice — keeping water out of the jar is essential.
Ulta
★★★★½ 4.6
Rating
1,200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Several reviewers feel results are subtle compared to acid-based exfoliants.
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Gentle enough for daily exfoliation, even on sensitive skin
  • Instant smoothness and glow after a single use
  • Pregnancy and fungal acne safe — rare in luxury exfoliants
  • Fragrance-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free formula
  • Luxurious cloud-like foam texture and authentic J-Beauty ritual
  • Doesn't strip skin or cause post-cleanse tightness
  • Long-lasting jar — a little powder goes a long way
  • Layers safely with retinol, vitamin C, and other actives

Criticized

  • Premium price point ($68 USD) — significant investment
  • Powder format requires getting used to and dry hands
  • Subtle results compared to chemical AHA/BHA exfoliants
  • Not strong enough as a sole cleanser for heavy makeup
  • Risk of clumping if water gets into the jar
  • Travel-friendly but powder can spill if not closed properly
  • Brand owned by Unilever since 2019 — not indie anymore
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
85% Match
Daily Microfoliant Exfoliator
$69.00
Similar Price

The closest functional dupe — same rice powder + papain enzyme format. Adds salicylic acid for stronger pore-clearing action. Slightly less luxurious texture but cult-favorite for over 25 years.

72% Match
Mandelic Topical Acid 12%
$19.99
Budget Pick

Different format (liquid AHA), but delivers similar exfoliation results gently. Better for stubborn texture but less suitable for sensitive or pregnancy-safe routines.

68% Match
Rice Daily Brightening Cleansing Foam
$14.00
Budget Pick

K-Beauty alternative with rice bran water and rice powder in a gel-cream format. Provides similar gentle exfoliation at a fraction of the cost, but lacks the fermented Hadasei-3 complex.

65% Match
Boscia Probiotic Exfoliating Powder
$32.00
Mid-Range

Same activating-powder format with upcycled rice and probiotics. Adds salicylic acid and niacinamide. Suitable for face and scalp — versatile multi-use option at half the price.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Daily Microfoliant Exfoliator
Origin Made in USA
Hero Ingredient Rice Bran + Papain + Salicylic Acid
Size 74 g / 2.6 oz
Price per Gram $0.93/g
Pregnancy Safe Caution (BHA)
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Fragrance Contains EOs
Format Enzyme Powder

SKINFOOD Rice Brightening Scrub

Origin Made in Korea
Hero Ingredient Rice Bran Water + Rice Powder
Size 150 ml / 5.07 oz
Price per Gram $0.09/g
Pregnancy Safe Yes
Fungal Acne Safe Mostly
Fragrance Contains Fragrance
Format Foam Cleanser

Boscia Probiotic Exfoliating Powder

Origin Made in USA
Hero Ingredient Upcycled Rice + Charcoal + BHA
Size 75 g / 2.6 oz
Price per Gram $0.43/g
Pregnancy Safe Caution (BHA)
Fungal Acne Safe Check ingredients
Fragrance Contains EOs
Format Enzyme Powder
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 and humidity. Keep the lid tightly closed and avoid bathroom storage.

Packaging

Frosted glass jar with sifter cap and twist-lock closure. Recyclable materials.

Travel Friendly

Yes, under 100ml. Mini size (15g) also available — TSA-compliant for carry-on.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes — The Rice Polish is generally considered safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreen filters, or essential oils that are typically restricted during pregnancy. The active ingredients are rice bran, papain (papaya enzyme), and a fermented complex of rice, green tea, and algae — all of which are commonly considered low-risk topical ingredients. As always, consult your OB-GYN if you have specific concerns.

Yes — this product is fungal acne safe. It contains no problematic fatty acids (C11–C24), no esters known to feed malassezia yeast, and no polysorbates. The amino-acid based surfactants (Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate) and the rice powder base are widely considered FA-safe. Because it's a rinse-off product with very short skin contact, the risk of feeding malassezia is further minimized.

Yes — The Rice Polish layers safely with all major actives because it's a gentle rinse-off cleanser, not a leave-on treatment. The mild enzymatic exfoliation won't compound with retinoids, vitamin C, AHAs, or BHAs. A common approach is to use The Rice Polish in the morning and apply your active treatments (retinol, vitamin C serum, etc.) at night. If your skin is very reactive, alternate days with chemical exfoliants to avoid over-exfoliation.

The Rice Polish is suitable for virtually every skin type — normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive, mature, and acne-prone. It performs best on combination, oily, and sensitive skin thanks to the kaolin clay (oil absorption) and licorice root (soothing). The pH-neutral, fragrance-free formula makes it a strong choice for reactive skin that struggles with acid-based exfoliants. People with active eczema or severely inflamed skin should avoid it during flares.

Results are remarkably fast. According to Tatcha's clinical study on 40 panelists, 100% showed improvement in skin texture, softness, and radiance after just one use. Most users report noticeably smoother, brighter skin within 1-3 days. Visible improvements in pore appearance, even tone, and overall clarity typically appear within 2-4 weeks of consistent daily use. Long-term benefits like fading post-inflammatory marks build over 8-12 weeks.

The Rice Polish is used as the second cleansing step in a Japanese double-cleanse routine. First, remove makeup and sunscreen with an oil cleanser or makeup remover. Then activate The Rice Polish with water, massage gently for 15-30 seconds, and rinse. Follow with toner, essence, serum, moisturizer, and SPF (in the AM). It can be used once or twice daily — both morning and evening — as it's gentle enough for daily exfoliation.

No — The Rice Polish has a comedogenic rating of 1/5 (very low). The hero ingredients (rice bran, kaolin clay, microcrystalline cellulose, papain) are all rated non-comedogenic (0). Because it's a rinse-off cleanser with no occlusive oils, butters, or pore-clogging silicones, the risk of breakouts is minimal. In fact, the gentle exfoliation can help prevent congestion by clearing dead skin cells from pore openings.

The Rice Polish has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. Because it's a low-water powder formula, it's more shelf-stable than traditional liquid cleansers — but the preservation system (phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin) is still calibrated for one year of safe use post-opening. To maximize shelf life, always use dry hands, keep the jar tightly closed, store away from steam and humidity, and avoid bathroom counters. A full 60g jar typically lasts 3-5 months with daily use.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.5 / 5 ★★★★★

Verdict: Tatcha The Rice Polish is the gold standard of luxury Japanese enzyme exfoliation. Its rare combination of pregnancy-safe, fungal acne-safe, fragrance-free, and dermatologist-tested credentials makes it one of the few high-end exfoliators that genuinely suits every skin type — including the most sensitive and reactive. The pH-neutral, amino-acid based formula respects the skin barrier, while finely milled rice bran and papain deliver instant, visible smoothness without irritation. The price ($68 USD) is undeniably premium, and budget-conscious shoppers can find effective alternatives like Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant or SKINFOOD's rice scrubs. But for those seeking a luxurious, ritualistic addition to a J-Beauty routine — and a daily exfoliator that's safe through pregnancy, breastfeeding, and barrier-repair phases — The Rice Polish remains an exceptional, hard-to-replicate experience.

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 2 ingredient(s):
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Tocopherol
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
Tocopherol
ache Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
Kaolin
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
2
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
1
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.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
58% 4% 37%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 24 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 A
Microcrystalline Cellulose
Abrasive, Absorbent, Anticaking Agent, Bulking Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Slip Modifier, Viscosity Increasing Agent
0 Unknown
Oryza Sativa Powder
0 Unknown
Sodium Lauryl Phosphate
Emulsifying
1 B
Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate
Surfactant, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning
1 B
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
Skin Conditioning, Surfactant, Emulsifying, Hair Conditioning
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS