Rice and ginseng, explained
Two of Korea’s oldest beauty ingredients, at the heart of brands like Beauty of Joseon. Tradition is strong; the science is still catching up.
Early evidence
What it is
Rice appears as rice water, rice bran water and rice extract. In the Joseon dynasty, the cloudy water left after washing rice was used as a face wash. Rice contains starches, amino acids and antioxidants that soften and hydrate the skin.
Ginseng is a root central to hanbang, traditional Korean herbal medicine. It contains compounds called ginsenosides, which brands use for radiance and firmness.
What the research shows
A review of the research found that ginseng and its ginsenosides affect melanin production in lab studies, suggesting possible brightening effects, though human trials are limited.
Kim, Journal of Ginseng Research, 2015 [1]
Rice extracts show antioxidant and moisturising effects in lab and small studies, but there are few independent human trials.
Seoul River summary of published research
These are gentle, pleasant ingredients that help skin feel soft and hydrated. The big anti-ageing claims aren’t well proven yet.
Who it suits
Almost everyone, especially dull or dry skin and anyone who wants gentle, simple products. Rice and ginseng products are rarely irritating.
How to use it after 40
- Use rice or ginseng toners and essences as your first hydrating layer.
- Pair them with a proven active, such as retinal or niacinamide, if fine lines or dark spots are your focus.
Sources
This page is general information, not medical advice. Last updated 4 November 2026.
Products with rice or ginseng
The cheapest price we found at trusted UK shops. Tap a product to compare every shop.
- Compare prices for Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gelfrom £11.00
- Compare prices for Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum Rice + Alpha Arbutinfrom £15.00
- Compare prices for Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum Ginseng + Retinalfrom £15.00
- Compare prices for Beauty of Joseon Revive Serum Ginseng + Snail Mucinfrom £15.00
- Compare prices for Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Waterfrom £15.50
- Compare prices for Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Rice Milkfrom £15.50
- Compare prices for Beauty of Joseon Ground Rice and Honey Glow Maskfrom £15.50
- Compare prices for Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5 SPF50+from £15.50