Dermalogica just reformulated their cult rice powder exfoliant and the internet is acting like they killed a puppy. I get it — I hoarded two bottles when I heard.
But here’s the thing no one’s saying: the old version wasn’t perfect. It was just familiar. This new one? It actually works better on my skin — and I have the angry hormonal chin to prove it.
It’s still a powder you activate with water. Still $69 for 2.6 oz. The claim that made me raise an eyebrow: “brightens without stripping.” Bold for a physical exfoliant.
New enzyme complex
Replaced the old salicylic acid with a papaya-derived enzyme that’s gentler but somehow more effective on texture.
Rice starch base
Same silky feel — but it now dissolves faster in water. Less clumping, less waste.
No more sulfates
They ditched the sodium laureth sulfate. Your morning rinse won’t foam like a latte anymore. Weird at first. You’ll get over it.
Photo: pmv chamara / Unsplash
They swapped out the old cocktail for four key players. No more salicylic acid — which my dry patches are thrilled about. The new list leans into fruit enzymes and rice-based brightening. Smells faintly like green tea and patience.
- Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract: Gently polishes without micro-tears — yes, the old one could be too aggressive
- Papain (Papaya Enzyme): Dissolves dead skin cells chemically, so you don’t have to scrub like a maniac
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Calms redness and fades dark spots — the unsung hero here
- Allantoin: Soothes irritation before it starts. Smart addition for anyone who over-exfoliates
Texture is identical to the old one — fine powder that turns into a milky, almost creamy slip when you add water. No grit. No drag. Rinses clean in about 15 seconds. First use: my face felt like a freshly steamed dumpling. Smooth but not tight.
Week two surprise: my nose pores looked smaller. Not “shrunk” — just less noticeable. The old formula never did that for me. Also zero stinging around my nostrils, which the salicylic acid version sometimes did.
My skin texture evened out in about 10 days. No new breakouts. No weird purging. My red post-acne marks? Still there — but less angry. What didn’t change: my oil production. It’s not a sebum-control product, don’t treat it like one.
The reformulation is better — but not for everyone. If you loved the old one because it felt aggressive, you’ll hate this. If you wanted it to work without the fight, this is your upgrade.