Athiya Shetty’s Rice Water Skin Hack for Pigmentation: Does It Really Work?

Athiya Shetty has revealed a surprisingly simple addition to her skincare routine for dealing with pigmentation — and it is something many Indian households already have in the kitchen.

During a conversation with Mira Kapoor on the podcast Skin & Within, the actor spoke about experiencing pigmentation and uneven skin tone. Her solution? Saving the water left after cooking rice, refrigerating it and using it as a spray or toner.

“I do have pigmentation, so I feel rice water — they have toners now — after they make rice at home, saving that water and putting that in the fridge and then spraying it,” Shetty said during the conversation.

The idea sounds easy and inexpensive, but does rice water actually help with pigmentation? Dermatology and medical experts offer a more measured perspective.

What Is Rice Water?

Rice water is the liquid obtained from soaking, rinsing or cooking rice. It contains starch along with various compounds that have made it popular in traditional beauty routines and modern DIY skincare.

According to dermatologist and cosmetologist Dr Asmita Dhekne Chebbi, rice water contains components including vitamins, amino acids, minerals and antioxidants.

It can be used fresh, while some skincare practices also involve fermenting it for several days. However, preparation and storage can affect how safe a homemade product is for use on the skin.

Can Rice Water Improve Pigmentation?

Rice water is often promoted online as a natural solution for brighter or more even-looking skin. However, that does not mean it should be considered a clinically established treatment for pigmentation.

Dr Chebbi noted that some of the compounds associated with rice water, including antioxidants, may offer benefits for the skin. Its soothing properties may also be useful for some people experiencing irritation.

However, pigmentation can have many causes, including sun exposure, acne-related inflammation, hormonal changes and other skin conditions. A homemade rice-water preparation should therefore not be viewed as a substitute for appropriate dermatological treatment.

In other words, Athiya Shetty’s personal skincare practice does not establish that rice water will remove dark spots or pigmentation in everyone.

Athiya Shetty’s Rice Water Method

According to Shetty’s account, her approach involves saving the water after making rice at home, placing it in the refrigerator and then spraying it onto her skin.

The simplicity of the method is part of its appeal. It uses a household ingredient rather than an expensive cosmetic product.

However, homemade skincare requires particular attention to hygiene because products prepared without preservatives can become contaminated.

How Should Rice Water Be Used on the Skin?

Dr Palleti Siva Karthik Reddy, consultant physician at Elite Care Clinic, recommended a more cautious approach to using rice water.

Rather than leaving it on the skin overnight, he advised using it as a short-contact treatment. Rice water can be applied as a toner or rinse, left on the skin for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, and then washed off with plain water.

Using it only a few times a week can also help reduce the possibility of overuse.

The most important consideration is hygiene. Homemade rice water should be prepared and stored carefully, as contaminated preparations can potentially cause skin problems.

Is Rice Water Safe for Everyone?

Not necessarily.

Dr Chebbi cautioned that people with sensitive skin may experience irritation or allergic reactions. A small patch test can help identify whether the skin reacts negatively before applying the preparation more widely.

People should also stop using it if they develop redness, burning, itching or other signs of irritation.

The fact that an ingredient is natural does not automatically mean it is suitable for every skin type.

Rice Water Is Not a Replacement for Sunscreen

Anyone dealing with pigmentation should also remember that sun protection remains an important part of managing uneven skin tone.

A homemade skincare remedy cannot replace a properly formulated sunscreen or medical treatment where one is required.

If pigmentation is persistent, worsening or associated with other skin changes, consulting a dermatologist can help identify the underlying cause and determine an appropriate treatment.

The Bottom Line on Athiya Shetty’s Kitchen-Skincare Hack

Athiya Shetty’s rice-water routine is inexpensive and easy to try, but her personal experience should not be confused with clinical evidence that rice water can treat pigmentation.

Rice water contains compounds that may have skin-soothing or antioxidant properties, but the strength of evidence for treating pigmentation specifically is limited. Anyone considering the DIY approach should prioritise hygienic preparation, patch testing and moderate use.

For stubborn pigmentation, professional dermatological advice remains a more reliable route than relying solely on a kitchen remedy.