Does Rice Water Have Vitamin B3? The Science Behind Niacinamide in Your DIY Tonic

January 1, 2026 •

4 min read

Historically revered in Asian beauty routines, rice water is celebrated for its skin-enhancing properties. This simple, starchy liquid contains several beneficial compounds, including a form of vitamin B3, which helps with skin tone and texture. This article delves into the science behind rice water and its vitamin B3 content, explaining how this humble kitchen byproduct works as a natural skin tonic.

Quick Summary

Rice water contains small, natural amounts of vitamin B3 (niacinamide), alongside amino acids and antioxidants. These components work together to brighten the skin, soothe inflammation, and improve texture. Fermentation can boost its nutrient profile for enhanced effects.

Key Points

Contains Niacinamide: Rice water has small, naturally occurring amounts of vitamin B3 (niacinamide), which is good for the skin.
Supports Skin Barrier: Niacinamide helps build skin's lipid barrier, locking in moisture and preventing irritation.
Gentle Brightening: The low concentration of niacinamide in rice water, combined with other antioxidants, contributes to a mild and gradual skin-brightening effect.
Fermented is More Potent: Fermentation increases the antioxidant content and potency of rice water, making it more effective but potentially more irritating.
Not a Substitute for Serums: While it has niacinamide, rice water's concentration is much lower than dedicated serums, which are formulated for more targeted, powerful results.
Check for Buildup: Excessive use or improper rinsing can lead to starchy buildup, dryness, or breakouts, especially with fermented rice water.
Full of Nutrients: Beyond niacinamide, rice water contains amino acids, minerals, and other vitamins that nourish and protect the skin.

Yes, Rice Water Contains Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)

Contrary to some beliefs, rice water does indeed contain small amounts of vitamin B3, also known as niacinamide. This water-soluble vitamin is a popular ingredient in modern skincare products for its well-documented ability to improve skin texture, reduce hyperpigmentation, and strengthen the skin barrier. While the concentration of niacinamide in homemade rice water is low and variable, its presence contributes to the overall skin-soothing and brightening effects that have been noted for centuries in various beauty rituals.

The Full Nutrient Profile of Rice Water

Niacinamide is just one of many beneficial compounds found in rice water. This nutrient-rich liquid is a complex mix of ingredients that work synergistically to provide a range of skin benefits.

Amino Acids: These are the building blocks of protein and are essential for skin repair and regeneration.
Antioxidants: Rice water is rich in ferulic acid and allantoin, powerful antioxidants that combat free radical damage and protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Inositol: This carbohydrate is known to promote hair growth and repair damaged hair cells, though it also contributes to skin health.
Minerals: Essential minerals like magnesium and manganese found in rice water aid in skin regeneration and can help soothe inflammation.
Starches: The starchy content creates a protective barrier on the skin, helping to lock in moisture and calm irritated skin.

Fermented Rice Water vs. Regular Rice Water

The method of preparation significantly impacts the nutritional potency of rice water. The two most common types are soaking (regular) and fermenting.

Regular rice water, made by soaking rice for 30-60 minutes, is a gentle way to harness the benefits of rice. It contains a good amount of the nutrients leached from the rice grains.

Fermented rice water, made by letting the soaked water sit at room temperature for 1-2 days, is more potent. The fermentation process lowers the pH and boosts the levels of antioxidants, making it more effective for brightening and anti-aging. However, this version can also be more irritating for sensitive skin and must be properly stored to prevent bacterial growth.

How Vitamin B3 and Other Nutrients Benefit Skin

The presence of niacinamide and other compounds in rice water provides several advantages for the skin, which is why it remains a popular beauty ingredient:

Evens Skin Tone: Niacinamide inhibits the transfer of pigment within the skin, which helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Soothes Redness: The anti-inflammatory properties of rice water help to calm and soothe irritated skin, making it a good option for those with redness or conditions like eczema.
Regulates Oil Production: The vitamin B3 component can help regulate sebum production, minimizing excess oiliness and reducing the appearance of enlarged pores.
Boosts Hydration: Rice water helps strengthen the skin's moisture barrier, preventing moisture loss and keeping the skin hydrated and supple.
Provides Antioxidant Protection: Antioxidants like ferulic acid protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which can accelerate signs of aging.

Rice Water vs. Niacinamide Serum: A Comparison

To understand the difference in the vitamin B3 content and overall efficacy, let's compare homemade rice water with a commercial niacinamide serum.


Feature	Homemade Rice Water	Niacinamide Serum
Source of Niacinamide	Natural, extracted from rice during preparation.	Often a lab-synthesized, standardized ingredient.
Concentration	Low and inconsistent; varies with preparation.	High and standardized (e.g., 5-10%) for maximum effectiveness.
Targeted Action	Broad-spectrum benefits from a mix of nutrients.	Highly targeted for specific concerns like large pores, blemishes, and dark spots.
Potency	Gentle and mild, suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin.	More potent and delivers faster, more dramatic results for specific issues.
Cost	Extremely low, made from basic kitchen ingredients.	Varies depending on the brand, ingredients, and concentration.
DIY vs. Commercial	A traditional, natural, and cost-effective beauty treatment.	A modern, concentrated, and research-backed skincare product.

Potential Side Effects of Using Rice Water

While rice water is generally well-tolerated, improper use can lead to side effects.

Protein Overload: High-porosity hair, or hair that absorbs moisture easily, can experience brittleness and breakage if overexposed to the proteins in rice water.
Product Buildup: The starchy residue can build up on the scalp and hair, leading to dryness or flakiness if not rinsed properly.
Bacterial Growth: Fermented rice water can harbor bacteria if not stored correctly or used past its shelf life, potentially causing skin infections.

Conclusion

Rice water does contain vitamin B3 (niacinamide), but it is just one of many beneficial components, including amino acids, antioxidants, and minerals. While it offers a mild, natural source of niacinamide that contributes to its skin-brightening and soothing effects, its concentration is significantly lower than that found in dedicated serums. For those seeking a gentle, all-in-one tonic, homemade rice water is a valuable and cost-effective option. However, for targeted, high-potency treatment of specific skin concerns, a commercial niacinamide serum is the more effective choice. Whether you opt for a DIY or commercial route, understanding the different forms and potencies will help you achieve the best results for your skin.

For a deeper look into the functions of niacinamide in skincare, consult authoritative dermatological resources. Read more about niacinamide's role in a healthy skin barrier.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, homemade rice water contains a very low and inconsistent concentration of niacinamide (vitamin B3) compared to commercial serums. For targeted results on issues like pore size, oiliness, or pigmentation, a dedicated niacinamide serum is far more effective.

Yes, you can use rice water as a toner or rinse and follow with a niacinamide serum. This approach layers the benefits, with the rice water providing a gentle base and the serum delivering a potent, concentrated dose of the active ingredient.

Fermented rice water is generally considered more potent for skin brightening and anti-aging, primarily due to its higher concentration of antioxidants, including ferulic acid. However, the niacinamide content itself isn't necessarily higher.

Side effects can include dryness, clogged pores, or breakouts, especially if rice water is used too frequently or not rinsed properly, allowing starchy residue to accumulate. It is important to patch test, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Store homemade rice water in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator for no more than one week. Discard it if it develops an unpleasant smell or cloudy texture, as this indicates bacterial growth.

The gentle anti-inflammatory properties of rice water, along with its niacinamide content, can help soothe redness and regulate oil production, which may benefit acne-prone skin. However, it is not a cure and should be used cautiously, as residue could clog pores.

For a simple soaking method, rinse half a cup of rice, then soak it in two cups of water for 30 minutes. Strain the milky water and store it. Apply it to your face as a toner using a cotton pad or by spritzing it on.