When it comes to building an effective skincare routine, one factor that’s often overlooked is the skin’s pH. While we tend to focus on ingredients, textures and formulas, the foundation of healthy skin actually lies in maintaining its delicate balance. The skin naturally has a slightly acidic pH, typically around 4.5 to 5.5, which supports what’s known as the acid mantle. This thin protective film acts as the body’s first line of defense, helping to lock in essential moisture while keeping out bacteria, irritants and pollutants from the environment.
Why is the skin’s pH important?
When the skin’s pH becomes disrupted, (which can be from harsh cleansers, over-exfoliation, or even environmental stressors) the acid mantle weakens, which can lead to dryness, sensitivity and breakouts. This is why pH-friendly skincare products are essential for maintaining strong, healthy skin and avoiding a damaged skin barrier.
How can I keep my skin’s pH in check?
Choosing products that are pH-balanced means that you’re not only supporting the effectiveness of your routine, but also strengthening your skin’s resilience over time. A healthy pH level allows active ingredients to work better, improves hydration, and enhances your skin’s ability to repair itself.
Your skincare routine for a balanced pH
Discover your pH-balanced skincare routine, designed to support a healthy skin barrier and reveal a more resilient and radiant complexion.
Powered by a Triple AHA Complex (citric acid, mandelic acid and tartaric acid) this acid mantle cleanser provides a mild exfoliation to unclog pores, remove build-up and refine skin texture, all without irritation or stripping. Its pH-balanced formula is clinically tested for sensitive skin, and ensures the skin stays hydrated while effectively removing makeup, pollutants and excess oil. The addition of fermented black rice delivers a rich boost of antioxidants that not only brighten and even out the complexion, but also help improve elasticity for healthier, more resilient skin.
The gel’s transparent, lightweight texture creates a refreshing cleanse that rinses away cleanly without leaving any residue. Alongside its hero ingredients, the formula includes soothing shoot bark extract to calm and brighten, coco-betaine for added hydration and oil-water balance and mandelic acid for improved skin clarity.
The Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner (Free of Alcohol & Fragrance) offers the same deep hydration and brightening effects as the original formula, but is now made even gentler for sensitive skin. Instead of standard rice extract commonly found in K-beauty toners, this pH balancing toner is powered by fermented black rice extract, delivering enhanced antioxidant and skin-rejuvenating benefits.
Its ultra-light texture means that it absorbs in seconds, leaving a soft, radiant, and comfortably hydrated finish without any stickiness. Clinically tested for sensitive skin, the formula combines a blend of naturally powerful ingredients, including fermented oryza sativa extract for brightening and antioxidant defense, shoot bark extract to calm irritation, hyaluronic acid for plumping and hydration, and betaine to balance oil and moisture. Beta-glucan promotes skin renewal, while red ginseng extract provides added anti-aging protection.
After cleansing, pour the product directly into your hand and lightly pat it into the skin until fully absorbed. For an intensive moisture boost, layer two to three times to lock in lasting hydration.
Clinical trial results: Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner (Free of Alcohol and Fragrance)
We discovered a 57.65% improvement in the skin’s moisture levels after 2 weeks use, and a 11.16% improvement in skin texture after 2 weeks use.
Featuring 0.08% retinol, this best retinol serum is clinically proven to accelerate cell turnover and improve skin firmness whilst keeping your skin pH in check. It's blended with patented bakuchiol, a plant-derived retinol alternative that helps smooth wrinkles and support collagen levels without causing irritation, making it especially suitable for sensitive skin. The formula is further enriched with ceramides to lock in moisture, calm sensitivity, and reinforce the skin barrier, along with fermented black rice, a powerful source of vitamin E that delivers antioxidant protection and lasting hydration.
With its silky, milky texture, this Korean retinol serum absorbs quickly and leaves a soft, weightless finish with no dryness or irritation. For best results, apply a pea-sized amount to cleansed, toned skin in your evening routine, avoiding the eye and mouth areas. Begin with 1–2 uses per week, gradually increasing to nightly application as your skin adjusts. Always follow with SPF during the day, and please note that this product is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Clinical trial results: Black Rice Night Knight Retinol Serum
After 2 weeks use, we discovered that there was a 12.109% improvement in the appearance of wrinkles, plus:
- An 8.955% improvement in skin elasticity
- And an immediate, temporary pore improvement:
- Area (after one use - 39.679% improvement)
- Volume (after one use - 40.032% improvement)
- Count (after one use - 24.001% improvement)
- Depth (after one use - 19.094% improvement)
The Black Rice Moisture Airy Fit Sunscreen is a Korean sunscreen for the face that provides powerful daily protection. With SPF50+ PA++++, it defends against both UVA and UVB rays by converting them into harmless heat energy, while forming a thin, hydrating veil over the skin. The silky cream texture blends in seamlessly, leaving a breathable, semi-matte finish that’s non-greasy, non-sticky, and completely free of a white cast. Fragrance-free and reef-safe certified, it’s a gentle yet reliable choice for all skin types.
More than just sun defense, this best Korean SPF is enriched with nourishing ingredients to keep skin healthy and radiant. Antioxidant-rich black rice oil protects against environmental stressors, while ceramides strengthen the skin barrier and seal in hydration. Niacinamide helps brighten and even tone, and adenosine works to smooth fine lines and boost elasticity.
For best results, apply as the last step in your morning routine, using two finger lengths for face and neck. Allow it to fully set for 30–40 seconds before applying makeup. Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. Thanks to its fast-absorbing, non-pilling texture, touch-ups are effortless, even over makeup.
Clinical trial results: Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++
We tested how well the product blocks UVA rays, and saw a result of λc = 371nm. This means the product provides broad-spectrum protection, covering a wide range of UVA rays.
Domestic results found that:
- SPF: 57.4 ± 0.0 → Very high protection against UVB rays (which cause sunburn)
- UVA Protection (UVAPF / PFA / PPD): 18.7 ± 2.3 → Strong protection against UVA rays (which cause aging)
And overseas results found that:
- SPF: 63.2 ± 8.9 → Very high UVB protection
- UVA Protection (UVAPF / PFA / PPD): 26.6 ± 4.5 → Very high UVA protection
We also discovered that after 2 weeks use, there was a 19.373% improvement in skin hydration after exposure to UV rays.
Final thoughts
A balanced pH is key to keeping the acid mantle strong and ensuring your skin stays hydrated, protected, and resilient against everyday stressors. By making pH an intentional part of your routine, you’re creating the conditions for your skin to be its best self. It’s a simple but powerful step that can mean the difference between skin that’s struggling and skin that’s thriving.
Discover what skin pH is, why balance matters, and how to keep it healthy for glowing, clear, and resilient skin every day.
When it comes to building an effective skincare routine, one factor that’s often overlooked is the skin’s pH. While we tend to focus on ingredients, textures and formulas, the foundation of healthy skin actually lies in maintaining its delicate balance. The skin naturally has a slightly acidic pH, typically around 4.5 to 5.5, which supports what’s known as the acid mantle. This thin protective film acts as the body’s first line of defense, helping to lock in essential moisture while keeping out bacteria, irritants and pollutants from the environment.
Why is the skin’s pH important?
When the skin’s pH becomes disrupted, (which can be from harsh cleansers, over-exfoliation, or even environmental stressors) the acid mantle weakens, which can lead to dryness, sensitivity and breakouts. This is why pH-friendly skincare products are essential for maintaining strong, healthy skin and avoiding a damaged skin barrier.
How can I keep my skin’s pH in check?
Choosing products that are pH-balanced means that you’re not only supporting the effectiveness of your routine, but also strengthening your skin’s resilience over time. A healthy pH level allows active ingredients to work better, improves hydration, and enhances your skin’s ability to repair itself.
Your skincare routine for a balanced pH
Discover your pH-balanced skincare routine, designed to support a healthy skin barrier and reveal a more resilient and radiant complexion.
Black Rice Triple AHA Gentle Cleansing Gel
Powered by a Triple AHA Complex (citric acid, mandelic acid and tartaric acid) this acid mantle cleanser provides a mild exfoliation to unclog pores, remove build-up and refine skin texture, all without irritation or stripping. Its pH-balanced formula is clinically tested for sensitive skin, and ensures the skin stays hydrated while effectively removing makeup, pollutants and excess oil. The addition of fermented black rice delivers a rich boost of antioxidants that not only brighten and even out the complexion, but also help improve elasticity for healthier, more resilient skin.
The gel’s transparent, lightweight texture creates a refreshing cleanse that rinses away cleanly without leaving any residue. Alongside its hero ingredients, the formula includes soothing shoot bark extract to calm and brighten, coco-betaine for added hydration and oil-water balance and mandelic acid for improved skin clarity.
Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner (Free of Alcohol & Fragrance)
The Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner (Free of Alcohol & Fragrance) offers the same deep hydration and brightening effects as the original formula, but is now made even gentler for sensitive skin. Instead of standard rice extract commonly found in K-beauty toners, this pH balancing toner is powered by fermented black rice extract, delivering enhanced antioxidant and skin-rejuvenating benefits.
Its ultra-light texture means that it absorbs in seconds, leaving a soft, radiant, and comfortably hydrated finish without any stickiness. Clinically tested for sensitive skin, the formula combines a blend of naturally powerful ingredients, including fermented oryza sativa extract for brightening and antioxidant defense, shoot bark extract to calm irritation, hyaluronic acid for plumping and hydration, and betaine to balance oil and moisture. Beta-glucan promotes skin renewal, while red ginseng extract provides added anti-aging protection.
After cleansing, pour the product directly into your hand and lightly pat it into the skin until fully absorbed. For an intensive moisture boost, layer two to three times to lock in lasting hydration.
Clinical trial results: Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner (Free of Alcohol and Fragrance)
We discovered a 57.65% improvement in the skin’s moisture levels after 2 weeks use, and a 11.16% improvement in skin texture after 2 weeks use.
Black Rice Night Knight Retinol Serum
Featuring 0.08% retinol, this best retinol serum is clinically proven to accelerate cell turnover and improve skin firmness whilst keeping your skin pH in check. It's blended with patented bakuchiol, a plant-derived retinol alternative that helps smooth wrinkles and support collagen levels without causing irritation, making it especially suitable for sensitive skin. The formula is further enriched with ceramides to lock in moisture, calm sensitivity, and reinforce the skin barrier, along with fermented black rice, a powerful source of vitamin E that delivers antioxidant protection and lasting hydration.
With its silky, milky texture, this Korean retinol serum absorbs quickly and leaves a soft, weightless finish with no dryness or irritation. For best results, apply a pea-sized amount to cleansed, toned skin in your evening routine, avoiding the eye and mouth areas. Begin with 1–2 uses per week, gradually increasing to nightly application as your skin adjusts. Always follow with SPF during the day, and please note that this product is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Clinical trial results: Black Rice Night Knight Retinol Serum
After 2 weeks use, we discovered that there was a 12.109% improvement in the appearance of wrinkles, plus:
Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++
The Black Rice Moisture Airy Fit Sunscreen is a Korean sunscreen for the face that provides powerful daily protection. With SPF50+ PA++++, it defends against both UVA and UVB rays by converting them into harmless heat energy, while forming a thin, hydrating veil over the skin. The silky cream texture blends in seamlessly, leaving a breathable, semi-matte finish that’s non-greasy, non-sticky, and completely free of a white cast. Fragrance-free and reef-safe certified, it’s a gentle yet reliable choice for all skin types.
More than just sun defense, this best Korean SPF is enriched with nourishing ingredients to keep skin healthy and radiant. Antioxidant-rich black rice oil protects against environmental stressors, while ceramides strengthen the skin barrier and seal in hydration. Niacinamide helps brighten and even tone, and adenosine works to smooth fine lines and boost elasticity.
For best results, apply as the last step in your morning routine, using two finger lengths for face and neck. Allow it to fully set for 30–40 seconds before applying makeup. Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. Thanks to its fast-absorbing, non-pilling texture, touch-ups are effortless, even over makeup.
Clinical trial results: Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++
We tested how well the product blocks UVA rays, and saw a result of λc = 371nm. This means the product provides broad-spectrum protection, covering a wide range of UVA rays.
Domestic results found that:
And overseas results found that:
We also discovered that after 2 weeks use, there was a 19.373% improvement in skin hydration after exposure to UV rays.
Final thoughts
A balanced pH is key to keeping the acid mantle strong and ensuring your skin stays hydrated, protected, and resilient against everyday stressors. By making pH an intentional part of your routine, you’re creating the conditions for your skin to be its best self. It’s a simple but powerful step that can mean the difference between skin that’s struggling and skin that’s thriving.