I'm From Rice Serum Dupes & Cheaper Alternatives
From 4 Reddit threads · Updated October 3, 2026
73% fermented rice serum for hydration and glow; thicker, dewy finish. The catch: can feel too extra for simple routines. Here's what Redditors reach for instead.
The short answer
Best Overall Alternative10% azelaic acid for redness and breakouts · $15.40 · 29.9 ml
Best Cheaper AlternativeWatery, fast-absorbing centella · $6.00 · 30 ml vs $18.90 for the original
#1
Best Overall Alternative
- Size: 29.9 ml
- Price per ml: $0.52/ml (original $0.63/ml)
The why
One minus
Can sting or burn on a compromised barrier
Good forSensitive Skin, Combination Skin, Oily Skin
The original, at a glance
- Why people love it
- 73% fermented rice germ filtrate
- Price
- $18.90 · 30 ml · $0.63/ml
#2
Best Cheaper Alternative
- Size: 30 ml
- Price per ml: $0.20/ml (original $0.63/ml)
The why
A watery centella ampoule that people use before moisturizer or tret. It suits irritated, dehydrated, or barrier-damaged skin. On very reactive faces, it can sting, break out, or do basically nothing.
One minus
Can trigger closed comedones or whiteheads
Good forSensitive Skin, Dry Skin
Other alternatives worth a look
Beta-glucan-heavy hydration without much fuss · 346 mentions
GentleFungal Acne
Absorbs fast, no sticky finish · 265 mentions
Alcohol-FreeFragrance-Free
Centella, panthenol, and ceramide NP do the barrier-support job · 195 mentions
Fragrance-FreeGel Texture
Centella-heavy barrier support · 180 mentions
Cream TextureHeavy/Rich
Dark-spot hunter — TXA plus niacinamide does the heavy lifting · 143 mentions
BrighteningHyperpigmentation
Niacinamide plus propolis — the glow serum crowd favorite · 104 mentions
Under MakeupHyperpigmentation
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