Is Jasmine Rice Water Good for You?

December 24, 2025 •

4 min read

An ancient beauty secret, rice water has been used in Asian cultures for centuries to promote strong, healthy hair and radiant skin. But beyond the topical benefits, the question remains: is jasmine rice water good for you when ingested or applied topically?

Quick Summary

This guide examines the uses, benefits, and potential risks of jasmine rice water for internal consumption, skin, and hair, explaining how to make and apply it safely.

Key Points

Topical Use is Safe and Beneficial: Applying jasmine rice water externally for hair and skin care is generally considered safe and effective, with benefits supported by centuries of traditional use.
Ingestion Carries Arsenic Risk: Due to the potential for arsenic accumulation in rice, consuming rice water orally is not recommended by many health experts and can pose long-term health risks.
Fermented Water is Most Potent: Fermenting rice water enhances its nutrient profile and increases the concentration of beneficial compounds like inositol, making it more effective for hair and skin repair.
Supports Skin and Hair Health: Topically, it can improve skin hydration, reduce acne, brighten the complexion, and strengthen hair while increasing shine and elasticity.
DIY Preparation is Easy: Both soaked and fermented rice water can be easily and inexpensively prepared at home, allowing for customization and control over ingredients.
White vs. Brown Rice Water: Brown rice water tends to have higher arsenic levels than white rice water. Selecting white jasmine rice for making the water can slightly reduce potential contamination, although topical use remains the safest approach.

A Traditional Elixir with Modern Appeal

Rice water, the starchy liquid leftover from cooking or soaking rice, has seen a resurgence in popularity thanks to social media trends highlighting its use in beauty regimens. Jasmine rice water, specifically, is often sought after for its pleasant aroma. However, understanding the science behind the benefits and acknowledging the potential downsides is crucial for safe usage.

The Benefits of Jasmine Rice Water for Skin and Hair

The topical application of jasmine rice water, particularly the fermented variety, is where many of its celebrated benefits lie. The liquid is rich in nutrients like amino acids, antioxidants, and minerals that can positively impact hair and skin health.

Hair Benefits:

Enhances Shine and Strength: The inositol in rice water can penetrate the hair shaft, repairing and protecting hair from the inside out, which reduces friction between strands and increases elasticity.
Improves Scalp Health: Its anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe scalp irritation and reduce conditions like dandruff.
Promotes Growth: Amino acids support hair follicle regeneration, potentially aiding in faster hair growth, as famously noted among the Yao women of China.

Skin Benefits:

Hydrates and Firms: Packed with amino acids and antioxidants, it can increase skin hydration and promote collagen production, leading to firmer, more supple skin.
Soothes and Protects: The anti-inflammatory properties can calm irritated skin conditions like eczema and aid in recovery from sun damage, while antioxidants protect against free radicals.
Acts as a Toner: Its astringent qualities help tighten and minimize the appearance of pores and reduce excess oil.

Potential Health Benefits and Serious Risks of Ingestion

While topical use has significant support, the internal consumption of rice water carries considerable risks that should not be overlooked. Some traditional uses tout benefits for digestive issues, but modern concerns overshadow these claims.

Digestive Benefits (with caution):

Some cultures have used rice water to treat mild digestive issues like diarrhea. The starch can have a soothing effect on the gut lining. However, this is largely anecdotal and overshadowed by more pressing health concerns.

Arsenic Contamination Risk:

Arsenic is a toxic heavy metal found in soil and water that rice plants absorb at a higher rate than other crops. The arsenic can leach into the cooking water, and ingesting this water can expose the body to harmful levels of the substance. Long-term exposure has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.

Other Risks of Ingestion:

Constipation: Due to its high starch content, consuming too much rice water can lead to constipation.
Blood Sugar Spikes: The simple carbohydrates in white jasmine rice water can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels, posing a risk for individuals with diabetes.

Jasmine vs. Regular Rice Water: A Comparison

When considering rice water, it's helpful to understand the differences between the common varieties and preparation methods.


Feature	Jasmine Rice Water	Standard White Rice Water	Fermented Rice Water
Aroma	Distinctly fragrant	Neutral, less aromatic	Sour smell, pungent
Nutrients	Contains amino acids, minerals, antioxidants	Similar profile, depends on enrichment	Enhanced levels of vitamins, antioxidants, peptides
Potency	Standard potency, good for daily use	Standard potency	Higher potency due to concentration of beneficial compounds
Preparation Time	30 minutes (soak) or 20 minutes (boil)	30 minutes (soak) or 20 minutes (boil)	1-2 days (fermentation)
Application	Topical for skin/hair	Topical for skin/hair	Most potent for topical skin/hair repair
Flavor	Slightly sweet	Bland	Tangy, acidic

How to Safely Prepare and Use Jasmine Rice Water

For topical use, there are two primary methods for preparing rice water. To minimize the risk of arsenic exposure, especially if planning to ingest, sourcing low-arsenic rice and using the boiling method with excess water is recommended.

Simple Soaked Rice Water

Rinse ½ cup of jasmine rice thoroughly to remove surface dirt.
Combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of clean, filtered water in a bowl.
Let it soak for 30 minutes to an hour.
Strain the rice water into a clean, airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to a week. Shake before each use.

Fermented Rice Water

Follow the steps for soaked rice water.
Instead of refrigerating immediately, leave the strained rice water in a covered jar at room temperature for 1 to 2 days.
It is fermented when it has a slightly sour smell. At this point, refrigerate it to halt the process.
Before use, dilute it with plain water in a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio.

Topical Application Tips

For Hair: Use as a final rinse after shampooing. Apply from roots to ends, let sit for 10-20 minutes, then rinse with plain water.
For Skin: Use a cotton pad to apply as a toner after cleansing. For a mask, soak a compressed sheet mask or cotton pads in the rice water and apply to the face for 10-15 minutes.

Conclusion: Weighing the Evidence

While ancient wisdom praises rice water as a cure-all, modern scientific research offers a more nuanced view. When considering the question "Is jasmine rice water good for you?", the answer depends heavily on the intended use. For external, topical applications on skin and hair, jasmine rice water—especially in its fermented form—offers tangible benefits rooted in its nutrient profile. It can improve hair elasticity and shine, soothe skin irritation, and act as a hydrating toner. However, internal consumption is highly discouraged due to the well-documented risk of arsenic contamination in rice, which can lead to serious long-term health issues. The key is to leverage the traditional beauty secrets while exercising modern caution, using jasmine rice water externally and enjoying the culinary aspects of jasmine rice responsibly.

To ensure maximum safety and benefit, source rice from regions known for low arsenic levels and prioritize the fermented topical application method over oral intake. For more detailed information on arsenic in rice, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) provides useful consumer guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

While traditional beliefs suggest drinking rice water can soothe digestive issues, modern research highlights the risk of arsenic contamination, a toxic heavy metal found in rice. For this reason, consuming jasmine rice water is not recommended for health purposes.

The easiest method involves soaking ½ cup of rinsed jasmine rice in 2 cups of water for 30-60 minutes. Strain the liquid into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week. For fermented rice water, leave it at room temperature for 1-2 days before chilling.

Yes, fermented rice water is generally considered more potent for topical use. The fermentation process increases the concentration of antioxidants and beneficial compounds like inositol, which enhances its ability to repair and strengthen hair and skin.

Applying jasmine rice water topically can hydrate the skin, tighten pores, reduce redness and irritation, and even out skin tone. It also contains antioxidants that help protect against premature aging caused by free radicals.

Anecdotal evidence and some studies suggest rice water may aid in hair growth by strengthening the hair shaft and reducing breakage. The nutrients and amino acids nourish hair follicles, leading to healthier hair, but genetics are the primary determinant of growth speed.

Start by using it once or twice a week as a rinse. Monitor how your hair responds, as excessive use can lead to protein build-up, especially for low-porosity hair, potentially causing dryness and damage.

While generally safe for external use, some individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation or dryness, particularly from over-fermented rice water. Always perform a patch test before applying it extensively to your skin or hair.