I finally caved and tried The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Facial Cleanser after seeing it hyped up so much over the years. I love a good foaming cleanser, and anything with “rice water” in the name instantly makes me think of that bright, hydrated, glass-skin effect. My expectations? Pretty high. The reality? Eh… it’s okay.

First, let’s talk texture. It’s a thick, pearly cream that lathers up really well with just a tiny bit of water. I actually love how luxurious it feels when I’m working it into my skin—it’s soft, smooth, and gives that really rich foam that K-beauty cleansers are known for. But here’s the thing: it feels like it’s doing a lot more than it actually is.

The cleanse itself is decent, but not mind-blowing. It definitely leaves my face feeling clean, but it’s that slightly too clean feeling, you know? Like your skin is on the edge of being tight and dry. I don’t think it’s super stripping, but it’s not particularly hydrating either. If you have oily skin, you might actually like how fresh it makes your face feel, but for me (combo skin), I definitely needed to follow up with a toner ASAP to restore some moisture.

And then there’s the scent. It’s got this strong, floral, almost perfumey fragrance. It’s not unpleasant, but it’s very noticeable. If you’re sensitive to fragrance in skincare, this might not be your favorite. I personally don’t mind a little scent in my products, but this one leans a bit too artificial for my taste.

Performance-wise, it does an okay job at removing sunscreen and light makeup, but if you’re wearing anything heavier, you’ll need a cleansing oil or balm first. I was hoping for more of that soft, brightening effect that rice extract products can give, but honestly? I didn’t notice much of a difference in my skin after using it regularly. It’s just… a cleanser. It cleans, but it doesn’t do much else.

It’s not a bad product, but there are just so many other cleansers that feel gentler, more nourishing, and have a more refined formula. If you’re curious and just want to try it, go for it! But if you’re looking for a game-changer? This isn’t it.