Modern beauty enthusiasts have no shortage of futuristic ingredients to foist upon their faces. But sometimes, it’s the old-as-time DIYs that provide the best results — like rice water for skin, which dermatologists say has just as much youth-preserving, hyperpigmentation-brightening, skin-protecting power as that super-fancy stem cell serum in your Sephora cart.

It’s perhaps more commonly known for lengthening and strengthening hair, but this ancient ingredient has serious skincare benefits, too.