This homemade rice mask can cure acne, according to TikTok – but is it too good to be true? An expert weighs in

Another day, another TikTok beauty hack – and this time, it’s an all-natural face mask that claims to cure acne. What, you say?

That’s right – one TikToker has gone viral with her videos showing off incredible results from using a homemade rice mask on her skin every night, which is made using just cooked rice.

In one clip, viewed 3.7 million times, content creator Allyson writes: “‘Rice can’t clear your face, go to a dermatologist. Oh?'” before sharing a number of pictures of her acne clearing up while using the rice masks.

In another video, she goes into detail about exactly how to try it at home. She explains that she makes the mask using half a cup of rice and four and a half cups of water, which she cooks in a saucepan on a medium heat for 40 minutes, stirring the whole time. Phew.

The rice is ready when it’s completely melted into the water and formed a gooey texture, according to Allyson. Then, it should be left to cool completely before storing in the fridge overnight (she specifies not to use any metal containers).

Application time! Don’t double dip and don’t apply using anything metal, Allyson says – and as for usage, she applied it every night for two weeks and washed it off each morning to get her clear-complexion results. She does note that the mask is very drying though, and recommends moisturising afterwards, or only spot treating certain areas.

So is rice masking the ultimate acne cure? GLAMOUR spoke to Dr Ross Perry, Medical Director of Cosmedics skin clinics, to find out his thoughts on the DIY skincare solution.

“Rice water has been a staple in Japanese and Korean beauty for centuries to help with skin conditions including acne,” he says. It can be a great at-home remedy as a mask, cleanser or toner to minimise the pores and tighten the skin. It’s great for acne prone skin as it can help to heal the skin because of the anti-inflammatory properties which can help to control outbreaks.”

“Rice masks for acne are becoming super popular and are already an active ingredient in many skincare and hair products. Rice is rich in amino acids, vitamin E and ferulic acid.”

He warns, however, that it’s unlikely that completely clear results can be achieved from just using a homemade rice mask. “The likelihood is that, along with lifestyle changes, hormones, diet, plenty of water and skin products, the combination will have helped to clear the acne, not necessarily the rice mask on its own,” he says.

“This is an affordable way of helping those with acne prone skin, but is not something that is a miracle cure or will work overnight. There’s been no real studies on the benefits across a large proportion of users – but if you’re an acne sufferer then it is worth giving it a go.”