Where to purchase: Available on Yesstyle HERE (Discount Code CVQFZA to receive % off).
Price: £17.57
Volume: 30ml
Made in: South Korea
What is it?: A Moisturising Serum that aims to brighten the skin.
Description: This serum moisturiser contains 73% Rice Germ Ferment Extract. Rice is supposedly meant to brighten the skin, but I think it’s really the Niacinamide and Tranexamic Acid that are doing a lot of the heavy lifting. The brand also states that the product is rich in vitamin B and antioxidants which help ”boost” collagen production (improving the skin’s elasticity).
Supposedly Good for: All Skin Types
What I think: I’m not sure if those living in hot and humid weathers/very oily skins would like this, unless it’s used more like a moisturiser (more in the final step of one’s routine). I think Dry and Combination skins would enjoy this.
pH: 5-7
Vegan?: Yes
Cruelty Free?: Yes
Packaging: Glass Bottle with a Plastic Cap and Pump.
Directions: After cleansing, prep the skin with toner. Then, dispense a good amount during the essence stage, then apply it on your face evenly. Finish with the Rice cream once this product has fully absorbed (Note: I didn’t want to get the cream as it seems so thick).
How I use it: I used this in the PM. I used this every night right before my moisturiser and after my lighter serums. I used about 2-3 pumps, to be able to cover both the face and neck.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide (Anti-acne, Skin brightening + Skin-barrier reinforcing as well as moisturising). Tranexamic and Liquorice Root Extract are also included (skin brighteners).
Contains some nice skin-barrier reinforcing/calming ingredients like: Panthenol, Allantoin and Squalane.
- Also contains Hyaluronic Acid (Hydrating).
- Also contains other Anti-acne ingredients like Madecassoside (also soothing) and Portula Oleracea Extract.
- Betaine is included which is also a moisturiser.
In terms of rice: From this Systemic Review Published on PubMed, the Review concluded that there was some good CLINICAL evidence (i.e. tested on humans) about benefits of Soy and Liquorice Extract application on the skin for hyperpigmentation. But that Rice Water didn’t have enough. It seems that Rice water is thought to be better for inflammatory skin (to soothe inflamed skin) than to brighten the skin HERE). But that’s still a nice benefit to have here.
Full Ingredients:
Aspergillus/Rice Germ Ferment Extract Filtrate, Propanediol, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Niacinamide, Caprylyl Methicone, Water (Aqua), Cyclohexasiloxane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Squalane, Betaine, C12-14 Pareth-12, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Panthenol, C30-45 Alkyl Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Allantoin, Tranexamic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Pentylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Madecassoside, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Glutathione
NOTE: The Incidecoder have a full ingredient breakdown HERE
Texture: This is described as a product that immediately absorbs into the skin and provides a ”fresh” finish. I would agree! It definitely has some viscosity to it, this is more like a gel than a watery serum. So that’s why I wondered sometimes whether to use this as a cream or not (it’s that moisturising). That’s why I think those living in hot and humid weathers could use this like a moisturiser.
It’s not sticky or tacky once absorbed / rubbed in either. It doesn’t feel heavy, it just reminds me of a water-based moisturiser.
I would say that it’s a bit of an odd texture – it’s almost like a water and a cream that don’t mix when rubbing in. I think that’s why one can waste a lot of product because it becomes so watery, that it’s a bit deceiving when pumping heaps of cream onto the hand.
It looks like a cream at first doesn’t it??
You can see when spreading this out, this gets more watery and looks more like a watery gel.
The skin is left relatively (Not dramatically) Hydrated upon initial application.
Video Swatch:
Fragrance?: No added fragrance or Essential oils. This also doesn’t smell of anything bad (didn’t put me off).
Good Under Makeup?: Yes this seems to be fine.
How long have I been using this?: I used this until completion, but it didn’t take long to get through this, so it lasted me about 2 months with daily use.
The Effect?: Moisturised and hydrated skin. I’m sure this isn’t a high % Niacinamide or Tranexamic Acid product, so I didn’t see a strong brightening effect HOWEVER this definitely didn’t worsen the skin condition and also with continued effect, I noticed a ”glow”. But I was using this in conjunction with the Geek and Gorgeous Cheer Up Exfoliating Liquid (Review HERE) and aPAD Serum (Review HERE). – BUT, this is what I mean about this product being a great supplement. It’s great to use along exfoliators and brightening products as the addition of Niacinamide and Tranexamic Acid just helps the skin tone, it helps reduce darkening and PIH.
Support the Blog!
Giving a donation really helps with the maintenance of the blog! any money made will go towards purchasing products for review!
£2.00
What I like:
- Hydrating + Moisturising
- Didn’t irritate my skin
- Cocktail of brightening, soothing and antioxidant ingredients (good supplement to a routine)
- The packaging is secure +easy to travel
- Fragrance + Essential oil free
- Layerable
What I don’t like:
- Runs out very quickly (especially because it’s got a cream-like texture, doesn’t spread as far as a watery serum. I got through this quite quick).
- Due to the packaging + the fact that this is a cream it’s quite hard to get the last remnants of product out! I had to smack the bottle to try and get as much of the last bits of product out.
Overall Rating and Conclusion: 3.9/5 – Rice doesn’t seem to do much in terms of brightening and pigmentation based on clinical evidence BUT the reason why I don’t think this product is a dud is because 1. Rice seems to be good at soothing inflamed skin (think of how oats help inflamed skin), and that this product included brightening ingredients that have been proven to have some efficacy like Niacinamide and Tranexamic acid (and then other potentially good ingredients like liquorice) are included here.
So, there is definitely some gentle brightening and evening out of pigmentation occurring. This also contains some soothing antioxidants and overall is a very nice supplement to a brightening routine. For instance, I would pair this with the Geek and Gorgeous aPAD Serum or The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid and the Geek and Gorgeous Cheer Up Exfoliating Liquid. I do think oily skins can use this just like a moisturiser as it’s thick for a serum, and that Dry skins could use this just under a moisturiser to add some skin benefits.
I just wish that there was more product in here because 30ml is far too little for a cream (and for the price).
Would I repurchase?: I’m a bit torn because of the size, how fast I got through this, and the price. I liked the cocktail of skin-beneficial ingredients in here and I liked that this was moisturising. But the texture seemed just a little off to me (slightly too water yet it was a cream at the same time) and the effect wasn’t incredible to me (that’s why I say it’s a good supplement). I enjoyed using the product while I had it but I think I would try out some other products that aim to brighten the skin first, before repurchasing.
Dupe?: The Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner (Review HERE) or The Inkey List Tranexamic Acid HERE or the Good Molecules Discolouration Correcting Serum (Review HERE).
My Skin Type: I am acne prone and have slightly dehydrated combo skin. My skin is usually tight where the cheeks and eye area is and the outer parts of my face. My T zone is oily. My skin isn’t a fan of thick/heavy formulas so I opt for lightweight formulas to prevent it from clogging up. My skin doesn’t like essential oils either and I try to avoid fragrance when I can.
Disclaimer: I am a skincare enthusiast and not a skin expert. I am not qualified to give out dermatological advice. This type of advice should only be given by a medical practitioner. Upon trying / using any of the reviewed products on the blog, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings and please seek medical advice if needed.
Note: I earn a small commission when you purchase through affiliate links, which helps me purchase products for review + also help improve the Blog! If you would like to support me, thank you ever so much! and if not, that’s fine – I hope you enjoy my posts!
My Skincare Regime 