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Rice, fermented: the story behind our essence
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Reading time: 4 minutes
Rice water has been used on skin across East Asia for a very long time. Fermenting it with yeast breaks the rice down into smaller sugars, amino acids and organic acids that skin can use more easily. That process is the starting point of Rice Water Essence, and this is how it works.
What fermentation changes
Fermentation turns one large, complex ingredient into several smaller ones. Each does a different job on the skin.
| Before fermentation | After fermentation | What it does for skin |
|---|---|---|
| Larger starches | Smaller sugars | Hold water in the skin |
| Proteins | Amino acids | Part of the skin's natural moisturizing factor |
| Rice and yeast | Mild organic acids | Help smooth the surface of the skin |
Why it matters: smaller ingredients are easier for skin to use, so the same rice delivers more once it has been fermented.
Why 70%
At 70%, the ferment is the base of Rice Water Essence and makes up most of the bottle. It sits at the top of the formula, where it does most of the work.
We tested lower levels and found the texture and softness came through most clearly from about two thirds of the formula upward. That is where we set it.
How to use it
- Cleanse. Start on clean skin, morning or evening.
- Pat it in. Pour a few drops into your palms and press them onto your face right after cleansing.
- Layer on dry days. Apply a second layer when skin feels tight.
- Continue your routine. Follow with serum, moisturizer and, in the morning, sunscreen.
To finish the week
At night, you can finish the week with Overnight Rice Mask, which uses rice extract in a jelly texture. Apply it as the last step of your evening routine.
A note on scent
Fermented rice has a faint, slightly sweet smell. We leave it as it is, since covering it would mean adding fragrance, and every Sera formula is fragrance-free.
Frequently asked questions
Where does it go in my routine?
Right after cleansing, before any serum. It is one of the thinnest textures in a routine, so it goes on first.
Can I use it with retinal or vitamin C?
Yes. Apply the essence first, then your serum. With retinal, wait a few minutes until skin is completely dry before applying it.
Why does it smell faintly of rice?
That is the ferment itself. There is no added fragrance to cover it.
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Why fermented rice, why 70%, and what the fermentation actually changes.
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