Rice Powder: The Story of an Iconic Product

A century-old rice powder!

Of Asian origin, the rice powder is obtained from ground rice grains. In Asia, it is found on the face of geisha but it is also found in kitchens. In Europe, rice powder is very popular since the 17th century. At the time, women and men used flour to whiten skin and hair. Famine 1740 leads to the ban on the use of flour for cosmetics. We turn to rice powder! After the Revolution, it falls into disuse with the fashion of short hair , because it is then mainly used to whiten wigs.

Nevertheless, in 1879, Bourjois launched his first best-seller: java rice powder. In its round case, the powder is a great success. However, it is the brand T. LeClerc that will, most, be associated with rice powder. In 1881, Théophile LeClerc perfected in his pharmacy a new formula of rice powder. Natural and hypoallergenic, the mythical "LeClerc powder" was born. Very fashionable at the Belle Époque, where the white skin is wreaking havoc in the streets of Paris, rice powder is gradually abandoned in favor of mineral powders, cheaper to produce. The era of tanning is the reason for rice powder, before it returns to the front of the catwalk, acclaimed for its virtues and respect for sensitive skin.

The virtues of rice powder

This powder, derived from ground rice grains, is 100% vegetable. It is more respectful of the skin than mineral powders. These, thinner, penetrate the layers of the epidermis deeper and are more likely to cause allergies. Rice powder has many properties and has many advantages for combination and oily skin. It softens the skin in lightness, its power of absorption of sebum makes it possible to matify, it unifies the complexion and hides the imperfections. For those who make their homemade cosmetics, rice powder is an excellent thickener for creams with creamy texture! For the driest skin, rice powder only applies after a good dose of moisturizer .

How is rice powder used?

For makeup, apply the rice powder after the foundation or tinted cream. She will fix the product. It is found in loose powder or compact powder, like all mineral powders. The "initial" recipe is a loose powder. In its case sieve, it is taken with a puff, that comes to tap on the median line of the face (the zone T) then to stretch outwards. We tap, we do not smooth. It is only then that one comes, with a big brush, to remove the excess of powder on the face. You can also use rice powder to soften your skin when you take a bath: you pour two tablespoons and a little vegetable oil into the water, we relax for about twenty minutes and rinse.

How to choose your rice powder?

Like all powders, one chooses its rice powder according to its complexion, because it exists in tinted version. It can also be tinted with natural dyes such as ochres or micas, to turn it into blush or sun powders , or to get closer to the black complexions and mestizos. The natural powder is white, it is transparent and fixes your foundation. The slightly pinkish light skins will go to the pink or yellow hues to camouflage dark circles , the black skins will choose red or orange powder of rice while the skin with redness will opt for green powders to balance the complexion. Rice powders are found in organic stores, pharmacies and some cosmetic brands.

Our rice powder shopping

Micronized rice powder, AromaZone, € 3.90 per 100 g

T. LeClerc banana powder, 40,30 €

Bourjois java rice powder, 12,45 €