- Table of Contents
- Summary
- Context
- Quick Comparison Table
- Reason (Expertise & Ingredient Analysis)
- Example (Specific Examples & User Experience)
- How to Choose
- Things to Consider
- FAQ
Table of Contents
Summary
I’ve compared three beauty products utilizing Rice Power ingredients born from traditional Japanese fermentation technology. KOSE’s “ONE BY KOSE Serum Shield” offers Japan’s first dual effect of wrinkle improvement + moisture retention enhancement, Estée Lauder’s “Aqua Charge Medicated Milky Cream” represents the fusion of international brands with Japanese technology, and Rice Force’s “Rice Bright Cream” provides combined whitening + moisturizing care. While using the same Rice Power technology, each brand’s research enables different approaches to various skin concerns.
Context
Living in Tokyo with an interest in beauty, I became fascinated by an ingredient called “Rice Power.” This technology, which fuses Japan’s ancient fermentation techniques with modern dermatological science, holds the potential to improve the skin’s own functions rather than providing temporary moisturization.
Particularly when experiencing seasonal changes and age-related skin transformations, I was drawn to the approach of “enhancing the skin’s inherent power.” However, with numerous Rice Power-containing products available, choosing the right one often becomes overwhelming.
This time, I’ve compared three products that utilize Rice Power technology through different approaches, examining their respective characteristics and suitable usage scenarios.
Quick Comparison Table
| Product | Type | Price Range | Rice Power Features | Primary Benefits | Target Concerns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ONE BY KOSE Serum Shield | Balm Serum | High-end | Rice Power® No.11+ (Plus) | Wrinkle improvement + moisture retention | Anti-aging + dryness care |
| Estée Lauder Aqua Charge Milky Cream | Medicated Milky Cream | Premium | Rice Power™ No.11α | Moisture retention + inflammation prevention | Sensitive skin + dryness + skin fluctuation |
| Rice Force Rice Bright Cream | Medicated Spot Cream | High-end | Rice Power® No.11α | Whitening + moisture retention | Spot care + dryness improvement |
Reason (Expertise & Ingredient Analysis)
Fundamental Knowledge of Rice Power Technology
Rice Power is an ingredient developed by Yushin Brewery, founded in 1854, applying over 170 years of Japanese sake brewing fermentation technology. By fermenting white rice with multiple microorganisms including lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and koji fungi, they create functional ingredients that differ fundamentally from simple rice extracts.
Notably, Rice Power No.11 was approved by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in 2001 as a quasi-drug active ingredient with “skin moisture retention improvement” effects. This achievement, considered groundbreaking since the establishment of current pharmaceutical laws, enables a “skin function improvement” approach fundamentally different from conventional temporary moisturization.
Detailed Analysis of Rice Power Variants
Rice Power No.11 (Basic Form)
Penetrates to the skin’s basal layer and promotes ceramide production to improve intercellular lipids in the stratum corneum. Scientific verification confirms significant increases in stratum corneum moisture content after 4 weeks of continuous use, with verified barrier function repair effects.
Rice Power No.11α (Concentrated Version)
An evolved version concentrating the conventional No.11 by three times. Achieves higher moisture retention improvement effects and was newly approved as a quasi-drug active ingredient in March 2022. Adopted by Estée Lauder and Rice Force.
Rice Power No.11+ Plus (Latest Version)
The latest ingredient approved by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in April 2022. Japan’s first dual improvement active ingredient recognized for both conventional moisture retention improvement and “wrinkle improvement” effects. Realizes innovative anti-aging care through a three-layer approach targeting epidermis, basement membrane, and dermis.
Product-Specific Ingredient Characteristics
ONE BY KOSE Serum Shield
| Key Ingredients | Effects & Features |
|---|---|
| Rice Power® No.11+ (Plus) | Japan’s first dual effect of wrinkle + moisture retention improvement (April 2022 approval) |
| Tremella Fuciformis Extract (Moisturizing) | Supports surface moisture retention with high moisturizing power |
| High Water-Content Balm Formula | New texture balancing fresh moisture and sealing effects by encapsulating beauty water in oil |
| Rice Bran Wax (High Sealing) | Natural-derived ingredient preventing moisture evaporation |
Rice Power® No.11+ (Plus), developed through KOSE’s proprietary research, achieves a three-layer approach targeting epidermis, basement membrane, and dermis. In the epidermis, it promotes NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor), ceramide, and hyaluronic acid production; in the basement membrane, it repairs the membrane closely related to wrinkles through collagen increase; and in the dermis, it improves even deep wrinkles through collagen increase via this revolutionary mechanism.
Estée Lauder Aqua Charge Milky Cream
| Technology & Ingredients | Effects & Features |
|---|---|
| Rice Power™ No.11α | Co-developed with Yushin Brewery, high moisture retention improvement through 3x concentration |
| Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate | Active ingredient for inflammation prevention with anti-inflammatory effects |
| Self Hydro Technology | Enhanced self-moisturizing function through ceramide production promotion to basal layer |
| Sensitive Skin Consideration | 9-ingredient free formula: alcohol, parabens, mineral oil, synthetic colorants, etc. |
A Japan-exclusive product fusing Estée Lauder’s 75+ years of dermatological research with Yushin Brewery’s 170+ years of fermentation technology. As a quasi-drug, it has obtained 11 approved effects and conducted usage tests with over 1,000 Japanese women. This high-safety formulation has passed sensitive skin patch tests, allergy tests, and stinging tests.
Rice Force Rice Bright Cream
| Active Ingredients | Effects & Features |
|---|---|
| Rice Power® No.11α | 3x concentration of conventional No.11, skin moisture retention improvement (March 2022 approval) |
| Tranexamic Acid | Whitening active ingredient preventing spots and freckles through melanin production inhibition |
| Licorice Extract | Natural-derived skin conditioning ingredient supporting inflammation prevention |
| Ume Fruit Extract, Saxifraga Extract | Skin environment improvement support ingredients with antioxidant effects |
Achieves Rice Force’s proprietary triple medicinal effects. Provides three benefits in one product: “skin moisture retention improvement” through Rice Power® No.11α, “whitening effects” through tranexamic acid, and “inflammation prevention” through both ingredients. Features flexible usage methods accommodating both spot care (targeted intensive care) and full-face care.
Example (Specific Examples & User Experience)
ONE BY KOSE Serum Shield
Pros
- Japan’s first dual effect of wrinkle improvement + moisture retention
- Non-sticky new texture despite balm form
- Convenient for morning and evening use
- Gentle on skin with 97% natural-origin ingredients
Cons
- High price creating burden for continuous use
- May take time to see effects in some cases
- Balm texture preferences may vary
Reviews
42-year-old, dry skin: “Despite being a balm, it truly doesn’t feel sticky. I’m continuing for 3 months expecting Rice Power No.11+ effects, using it intensively on fine lines around my eyes.”
38-year-old, combination skin: “The fresh texture feels innovative. It doesn’t feel heavy before morning makeup, and I feel makeup doesn’t break down from dryness as much.”
45-year-old, sensitive skin: “I was attracted to the dual wrinkle improvement + moisture improvement effects. It’s expensive, but I’m continuing with high expectations.”
Estée Lauder Aqua Charge Milky Cream
Pros
- Fusion of international brand quality with Japanese technology
- Peace of mind with sensitive skin testing completed
- Light, soufflé-like texture
- Multi-angle care with dual active ingredients
Cons
- Premium price range creating burden for continuation
- Individual differences in effect recognition
- Full line usage recommended
Reviews
32-year-old, sensitive skin: “Surprised that Estée Lauder has such a gentle formulation. I chose it for Rice Power No.11α effects and the reassurance of completed sensitive skin testing.”
29-year-old, dry skin: “Light soufflé-like texture yet provides solid moisturization. Helpful that it works morning and evening without interfering with makeup.”
36-year-old, combination skin: “Attracted to the concept of nurturing skin’s own moisturizing power. After 3 months of continuation, I feel my skin condition has stabilized.”
Rice Force Rice Bright Cream
Pros
- Triple medicinal effect: whitening + moisture improvement
- Accommodates both spot care and full-face care
- Contains 3x concentrated Rice Power No.11α
- Rich in natural-derived support ingredients
Cons
- High price relative to content volume
- Whitening effects require continued use
- Some may find texture heavy
Reviews
43-year-old, combination skin: “Using intensively on spots on my cheeks for 3 months. Getting dual benefits with tranexamic acid’s whitening effects and Rice Power’s moisturizing effects.”
39-year-old, dry skin: “Purchased expecting 3x concentrated Rice Power No.11α effects. The gel cream texture doesn’t feel sticky even before morning makeup.”
46-year-old, sensitive skin: “Wanted whitening care but worried about irritation, but feel safe using it with Rice Power base. Want to continue to evaluate long-term effects.”
How to Choose
Choose by Skin Concern
Anti-aging Focus (Wrinkles + Dryness)
ONE BY KOSE Serum Shield is suitable. Japan’s first dual effect of wrinkle improvement + moisture retention improvement addresses comprehensive aging concerns.
Sensitive Skin + Fluctuating Skin Care
Estée Lauder Aqua Charge Milky Cream is recommended. Gentle formulation with completed sensitive skin testing improves moisturizing function while preventing skin irritation.
Simultaneous Whitening + Moisturizing Care
Rice Force Rice Bright Cream is optimal. Achieves both whitening effects through tranexamic acid and moisture improvement through concentrated Rice Power simultaneously.
Choose by Usage Scene
Morning and Evening Regular Care
Estée Lauder and KOSE products work for morning and evening use. Estée Lauder particularly suits pre-makeup application with its light texture.
Intensive Spot Care
Rice Force features targeted-use design. Effective for intensive care on areas of concern like spots.
All-in-One Usage
KOSE’s Serum Shield enables standalone use after cleansing. Suitable for those preferring simple care routines.
Things to Consider
About Rice Power Products
Rice Power aims for skin quality improvement through continued use rather than immediate effects. At least 2-3 months of continuous use is recommended to experience benefits.
Balance of Price and Continuity
All are high-priced products, making sustainable budget selection important. Trial sizes are recommended for testing.
Combination with Other Products
Rice Power products generally work well with other skincare, but using the same brand’s line is worth considering for maximum effect.
FAQ
How long until Rice Power effects are noticeable?
Many people notice moisturizing effects within 1-2 weeks, but fundamental skin moisture retention improvement effects are scientifically confirmed to appear after 2-3 months of continued use. Wrinkle improvement effects are recognized after 8 weeks of use for deep wrinkles.
What are the specific differences between No.11, No.11α, and No.11+?
No.11 is the basic form approved in 2001, No.11α is the 3x concentrated version (March 2022 approval), and No.11+ is the dual improvement version with added wrinkle improvement effects (April 2022 approval). Concentration and efficacy progress stepwise, with prices increasing accordingly for advanced versions.
Is it safe for sensitive skin?
Rice Power itself is confirmed as a low-irritation ingredient with clinical trials showing “no” skin irritation or sensitization. However, since other ingredients vary by product, patch testing is recommended for sensitive skin individuals.
Can it be combined with other anti-aging ingredients?
Combination with retinol, niacinamide, etc. is generally possible, but gradual introduction while monitoring skin condition is recommended. Rice Power’s barrier function improvement effects may potentially reduce irritation from other ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Rice Power technology represents a groundbreaking ingredient where Japan’s traditional fermentation techniques merge with modern beauty science. It’s fascinating that while using the same Rice Power, each manufacturer’s research enables different approaches.
When selecting, it’s important to comprehensively consider three factors: your primary skin concerns, texture preferences, and budget. All are high-quality products, but since continued use is prerequisite, choosing within a sustainable range is recommended.
About This Review
Reference Sources
- KOSE Official Site
- Estée Lauder Japan Official Site
- Rice Force Official Site
- @cosme user reviews (respective product pages)
Last Updated: September 2025 | Product information based on manufacturer official sites and user reviews
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