Battling Oily Skin and Acne? Try This Gentle Rice Flour Scrub

I’ve got some good news for you. You know those expensive rice flour scrubs you see in department stores and spas? They cost hardly anything to make, and they’re so, so easy to whip up. Even if you have problem skin, all you need are a few simple ingredients to soothe inflammation and fight oil, and you’ll be on your way to clearer skin in no time. 

Rice water has been used for centuries to brighten skin, but this DIY rice flour scrub takes things a step further. It uses super soft rice flour and soothing botanicals like chamomile flowers [source] and essential oils to scrub away dead skin cells and calm acne-prone skin. Plus, it’s one of the few homemade beauty products you can actually make ahead of time and use for months to come.

So if you’re ready, let’s get scrubbing.

Benefits of Rice Flour Scrub for Skin

You may have already heard about the benefits of rice water for skin, but I’m personally convinced that rice flour is one of the best-kept beauty secrets around. It is important to know that the properties discussed here apply to pigmented rice, and thus rice flour made from brown rice and from the whole grain where the bran and husk have been retained [source].

Not only does rice flour contain a ton of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals [source] that soothe skin from the outside in, but it may also naturally brighten and whiten skin discoloration (a must if you suffer from occasional breakouts and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), leaving it soft, smooth, and glowing. And as if that weren’t enough, it has anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and oil-absorbing properties to boot.

But what I love most about rice flour is that the grain is so fine that it’s almost like getting a microdermabrasion treatment at the spa. If used once a week, it will help polish away dead skin cells and lessen the appearance of acne marks (as well as wrinkles, dark spots, and sun damage). And since it’s so fine, you don’t need to worry about it damaging the sensitive skin of your face and neck.

Without a barrier of dead skin or a layer of old makeup, dirt, and sebum, your serums and moisturizers can penetrate more deeply and work their magic more easily. If you experience frequent acne breakouts, gentle exfoliation may help open up clogged pores.

But the benefits of this scrub don’t stop there. In addition to rice flour, this scrub is infused with soothing ingredients like honey, tea tree oil, and yogurt, so it will leave your skin satiny-smooth and soft.

Honey is wonderful for sensitive skin because of its healing and natural antimicrobial properties [source].

Tea tree oil is naturally disinfecting, anti-inflammatory, and soothing [source], but unlike other acne treatments, it won’t cause further damage by stripping your skin of its natural oils.

Yogurt is a natural source of lactic acid, which is ideal for rejuvenating sensitive skin [source], and probiotics to help restore your skin’s microbiome.

Rice Flour Scrub FAQs

Can I use a rice flour scrub daily?

As with any exfoliator, it’s best to only use rice flour scrub 1–2 times a week. Using it too often can strip your skin of moisture and make it more sensitive to the elements.

Does rice flour clog pores?

No, rice flour is non-comedogenic and shouldn’t cause you to break out. That being said, it’s best to test any new products on a small patch of skin to make sure you don’t have any type of adverse reaction.

Once you’ve tested it, feel free to apply it to your face, neck, and anywhere else you’d like.

Is it really safe to use rice on the face?

As long as it’s very finely ground, rice is safe to use as a facial scrub. As always, go easy when applying it, and use a light touch to prevent causing microtears that can damage sensitive skin.

Does rice flour help remove dark circles?

While I couldn’t find any scientific studies on the topic, circumstantial evidence suggests that it might. It couldn’t hurt to try!

Rather than using it as a scrub, try applying a bit of rice flour as a mask to the undereye area and letting it sit for several minutes. Then gently rinse it off, being careful not to get any in your eyes. Over time, it may help to lessen dark circles. 

Can I use another type of flour?

If you don’t have rice or rice flour on hand, try making your own oat or almond flour with a coffee grinder. Just remember when using almonds, they must be ground to a very fine pulp, or they will tear the skin.

Do I have to use dried chamomile flowers, or can I leave them out?

If you’d like to keep things simple, feel free to leave out the dried flowers entirely or replace them with the essential oil of your choice.

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4 from 6 votes

Rice Flour Face Scrub

Exfoliating your skin is essential for keeping breakouts at bay, and this rice flour scrub does the trick—but without irritation.

Prep Time10 mins

Total Time10 mins

Course: Natural Beauty

Cuisine: DIY

Keyword: face wash

Yield: 1 scrub

Author: Stephanie Pollard

Cost: $5

Equipment

• Small bowl or airtight glass container

Materials

• 1 tablespoon raw honey
• 1 tablespoon yogurt
• 1 teaspoon dried chamomile (may also use rose or jasmine blossoms)
• ¼ cup rice flour
• 5 drops tea tree oil
• 1–2 tablespoons water (enough to make a fine paste)

Instructions

• Combine everything except the water in a small bowl and mix well. Dry scrub components can be stored in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
  

Notes

To use, pour a bit of scrub into the palm of your hands and add 1–2 tablespoons of water to make a paste. Apply the paste to freshly cleansed skin, using gentle circular motions to slough away dead skin cells. Rinse with warm water, and follow with moisturizer.

Add water right before using.

This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Rina Mary Allawh, M.D., a dermatologist who performs adult and pediatric medical dermatology, skin cancer treatment and cosmetic dermatology. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.