2025 Update: This review was originally written in 2016, but the Keana Rice Face Mask remains one of Japan’s most popular sheet masks. I’ve updated pricing, availability, and added new insights after 8+ years of continued use.
What is Keana Rice Face Mask?
A Japanese sheet face mask infused with a hydrating serum made completely from organic Japanese rice and is one of the best sheet masks from Japan.
The Keana Japanese rice face mask serum is made from a combination of sake, rice bran oil and rice ceramides. The nourishing blend of rice derived ingredients effectively treats dry, rough skin making it soft, plump and hydrated.
Key Ingredients and Their Benefits
Sake (Japanese Rice Wine)
You might be wondering why a face mask contains sake – I was curious about this too when I first tried it! It turns out there’s actually a fascinating reason behind this ingredient choice.
The story goes that Japanese sake brewers were known for having incredibly soft, youthful hands even as they aged, thanks to their constant contact with fermenting rice. This observation led to sake becoming a staple in Japanese skincare, and now I can see why.
Sake is packed with amino acids, enzymes, and natural acids that work together to brighten and hydrate your skin. The fermentation process creates kojic acid, which is brilliant for fading dark spots and evening out your skin tone – something I definitely noticed after using this mask regularly. The natural enzymes also provide gentle exfoliation, which explains why my skin felt so smooth and refined after each use.
What I love most about sake in skincare is how it manages to be both effective and gentle. While it’s working to brighten and refine your skin, it’s also deeply hydrating thanks to those amino acids that act like natural moisture magnets. No wonder my skin felt so plump and soft after each treatment!
The anti-inflammatory properties also mean it’s suitable for sensitive skin (like mine can be sometimes), and the antioxidants provide protection against environmental damage – always a bonus when living in a busy city like Tokyo.
Rice Bran Oil
When I first saw rice bran oil listed as an ingredient, I’ll admit I didn’t know much about it – but it’s actually become one of my favorite skincare ingredients after learning what it does.
Rice bran oil is extracted from the outer layer of rice grains (the part that’s usually polished away when making white rice), and it’s absolutely loaded with vitamin E and antioxidants. This is what gives the Keana mask that lovely, nourishing feel on your skin.
What I noticed most was how deeply moisturising it is without feeling heavy or greasy. The oil has this amazing ability to penetrate into your skin rather than just sitting on the surface, which is why I think my skin felt so soft and supple after using the mask. It’s particularly great for dry skin like mine, especially during those harsh Tokyo winters when your skin can feel tight and parched.
The vitamin E content also means it’s working to protect your skin from free radical damage while you’re getting that hydration boost. I love that I’m treating my skin to something nourishing while also giving it some anti-aging benefits – it feels like getting two treatments in one!
Rice Ceramides
Now, ceramides might sound very scientific and fancy, but they’re actually naturally found in your skin already. Think of them as the “glue” that holds your skin barrier together, keeping moisture in and irritants out.
The rice ceramides in this mask are what I believe give it that amazing plumping effect I mentioned earlier. When your skin barrier is strong and intact, it naturally looks more hydrated and youthful – and that’s exactly what these ceramides help achieve.
What impressed me most was how my skin stayed hydrated for hours after removing the mask. Usually with sheet masks, I feel like the effects wear off pretty quickly, but with this one, my skin maintained that plump, dewy look well into the next day. I’m pretty sure the rice ceramides deserve the credit for that long-lasting hydration.
They’re also incredibly gentle, which is why I think this mask works well for all skin types. Even when my skin is feeling a bit sensitive or irritated, the ceramides seem to have a calming, strengthening effect rather than causing any reaction.
The combination of all three rice-derived ingredients really creates this perfect storm of hydration, brightness, and skin barrier support – no wonder this mask has such a cult following in Japan!
Key Ingredient Snapshot
Sake: Contains amino acids and enzymes that brighten and smooth skin
Rice Bran Oil: Rich in vitamin E, provides deep moisturisation
Rice Ceramides: Strengthen skin barrier and lock in hydration
My Honest Experience Using This Mask
Packaging and First Impressions
I have to admit, the cute light blue and white, packaging did catch my eye in the store.
It’s quite a simple, Japanese print style design with an illustration of a girl face surrounded by a rice plant.
The packaging is all written in Japanese, but the design is easy to recognise and “Keana Rice Mask” and “Made in Japan” are printed clearly on the front in English.
The simple, foil sachet packaging is resealable and contains 10 folded masks.
Application and Texture
The 100% cotton sheet mask contains quite a lot of serum, so be prepared for some drips (enough to massage onto your neck and back of the hands), but it is very easy to apply to the face. Keana Rice Mask has a basic face shape that contains no splits along the jaw line and chin to help fit to your face shape, but the mask sits well and it is easy to fold to fit the contours of the face. My only gripe with the shape of the mask is that the eye holes are a little small for my eyes, so you can easily drip serum in your eyes (which I did on my first try, and it stung quite a lot).
There is a faint smell of sake to the serum, but it is not at all overpowering or off-putting. While wearing the mask, there is a nice cooling sensation on the skin and the mask stays moist for some time, making it easy to wear for up to 20 minutes without drying out.
Results After Regular Use
I really like how my skin looks and feels after using the Keana Rice Mask. It gave my dry skin a great boost of hydration, and left my skin feeling so soft and plump. Larger pores on my nose and chin also became less obvious after using this mask, a benefit I was a little dubious of when I read the packaging.
Who Should Use This Rice Face Mask?
It is gentle, hydrating and I think all skin types could benefit from using this Japanese rice face mask, particularly at this time of year when the skin can easily become dehydrated and rough.
This product also makes a great souvenir or small gift for friends, as the Japanese style packaging and organic rice ingredients are quite unique.
How to Use Keana Rice Face Mask Properly
Follow the instructions on my earlier post here on how to use this Japanese rice face mask.
The Keana Rice Face Mask is recommended to wear for 5 mins, and then massage the remaining serum into the skin before applying cream. This mask is suitable for daily use.
Dry skin: Excellent for deep hydration
Sensitive skin: Gentle, rice-based formula unlikely to irritate unless the skin is in a flare up
Oily/combination: Helps minimize pores without over-drying
Mature skin: Plumping effect reduces fine lines
Where to Buy in 2025 (Updated Pricing)
Japan
- All Drugstores like Mastumoto Kiyoshi
- @cosme
- Ainz & Tulpe
- Loft
- Tokyu Hands
- Don Quixote
Outside Japan
Similar Japanese Rice-Based Face Masks to Consider
1. Ishizawa Lab Nadeshiko Rice Pack (Wash-off Mask)
While the Keana mask is a sheet mask, this is a creamy wash-off mask from the same brand. It’s designed to “cover pores and make your skin smooth” and addresses rough, bumpy skin texture. Perfect if you prefer cream masks over sheet masks but want similar rice-powered results.
2. SK-II Facial Treatment Mask
Though more expensive, this cult-favorite contains Pitera (a sake-derived ingredient) and provides similar fermented rice benefits. It’s the luxury option if you want to splurge on special occasions.
3. Kose Clear Turn Rice Bran Mask
Another drugstore-friendly option that focuses specifically on rice bran extract. Great for sensitive skin and offers similar pore-refining benefits at an affordable price point.
4. DHC CoQ10 Face Mask with Rice Ferment
Combines the benefits of rice fermentation with CoQ10 for anti-aging effects. A good choice if you’re looking for both hydration and firming benefits.
5. Rohto Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Mask (Rice Ceramide Version)
While primarily known for hyaluronic acid, they also make a version with rice ceramides that provides intense hydration similar to the Keana mask.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth ¥650?
The Keana Rice Mask still remains my favourite because of its perfect balance of effectiveness and price point. The others are worth trying if you want to experiment with different textures or price ranges, but I always come back to this one! It is one of the best face masks from Japan at a very affordable price point. .
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