# The Face Shop Rice & Ceramide Moisturizing Cream for skin with dark spots

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for skin with dark spots.**
Normal Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Excellent.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/the-face-shop/rice-and-ceramide-moisturizing-cream/for/dark-spots

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the United Arab Emirates.

Brand: [The Face Shop](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/brands/the-face-shop)
Category: [Moisturizers and moisturizing serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/best/moisturizers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dark spots: hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and uneven skin tone. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for skin with dark spots; other moisturizers fit it better.

## Why this fit

- This product offers moderate suitability for normal skin, as glycerin and sodium hyaluronate provide essential hydration and support barrier function. While rice extract and ceramide NP contribute to soothing and barrier resilience, the formula lacks specialized ingredients to effectively target your pigmentation concerns.
- The cream provides excellent moisturizing benefits, which is beneficial for maintaining overall skin health.
- The safety profile is excellent, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the inclusion of soothing components.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/the-face-shop/rice-and-ceramide-moisturizing-cream/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/the-face-shop/rice-and-ceramide-moisturizing-cream/for/dry-skin): High
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/the-face-shop/rice-and-ceramide-moisturizing-cream/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/the-face-shop/rice-and-ceramide-moisturizing-cream/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/the-face-shop/rice-and-ceramide-moisturizing-cream/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/the-face-shop/rice-and-ceramide-moisturizing-cream/for/dark-spots): Average (this page)
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/the-face-shop/rice-and-ceramide-moisturizing-cream/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/the-face-shop/rice-and-ceramide-moisturizing-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin): High
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/the-face-shop/rice-and-ceramide-moisturizing-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Rice Extract, Ceramide Np, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Shea Butter, Sodium Hyaluronate

## What the research says

- A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- A lipid mixture enriched by ceramide NP with fatty acids of diverse chain lengths significantly improved skin barrier recovery rate, stratum corneum integrity, and hydration compared to a vehicle cream in healthy adult male volunteers with corticosteroid-impaired skin. ([Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34348350/))
- Daily application of a cream containing niosomes loaded with purple glutinous rice extract in 20 human volunteers for 28 days resulted in a significant decrease in melanin index and skin roughness by -14.05% and -9.95%, and increases in skin hydration and elastic recovery by +48.73% and +35.98% compared to initial values. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32812663/))
- A topical xanthan gum nanogel containing gamma-oryzanol-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers and nanosized TiO2 and MBBT filters demonstrated high photoprotection with an SPF of 34 and no skin irritation or sensitization in a rat model. ([Pharmaceuticals, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37242453/))
- The iontophoretic delivery of hyaluronic acid nanogel-loaded Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate significantly reduced advanced glycation end products and mitigated skin stiffening in an ex vivo skin tissue glycation model. ([International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40989892/))
- Red rice extract suppressed UVB-induced inflammation and skin aging in human skin fibroblasts by inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway, leading to decreased NF-kappa B and AP-1 activation, reduced ECM degradation, and increased ECM synthesis compared to UVB-irradiated controls. ([Natural Product Communications, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30508356/))
- Aspergillus oryzae-fermented broken rice and brewers' rice water extracts inhibit photoaging in UV-irradiated human fibroblasts and co-cultured keratinocytes by downregulating MMP-1, inhibiting elastase, enhancing collagen formation, upregulating elastin gene expression, and lowering pro-inflammatory cytokines. ([Cellular and Molecular Biology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38015547/))
- The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/))
- Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22206073/))
- A combination cream of stimu-tex AS and saccharide isomerate reduced erythema, increased skin capacitance, and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to placebo in 20 subjects after fractional CO2 laser procedure without causing serious adverse events. ([Lasers in Medical Science, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41134387/))
- A skin barrier restoring cream with shea butter, silkflo, and vitamin E increased type I procollagen synthesis, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, decreased reactive oxygen species generation, and promoted hyaluronic acid production in H2O2-stimulated human keratinocyte cells compared to untreated cells. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39528438/))
- Topical application of 0.1% hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights led to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with low-molecular-weight formulations also significantly reducing wrinkle depth in seventy-six female subjects compared to a vehicle control. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/))
- Topical application of hyaluronic acid in conjunction with free gingival graft significantly reduced donor site postoperative pain until day 7 compared to normal saline, with no significant differences in graft dimensions or patient satisfaction. ([Clinical Oral Investigations, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34623507/))
- Treatment with a hyaluronic acid-containing mouth rinse or topical gel led to significant lesion reduction, pain relief, and normalization of lesion color in adult patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with the gel formulation showing an earlier healing onset at 3 days. ([BMC Oral Health, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31311529/))

## Why other moisturizers fit skin with dark spots better

- Niacinamide significantly decreased hyperpigmentation and increased skin lightness compared with vehicle alone after 4 weeks of use in women by inhibiting melanosome transfer. ([The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/))
- Topical oxidized glutathione significantly decreases the skin melanin index and improves moisture content, smoothness, wrinkle formation, and elasticity compared to placebo in healthy women. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25378941/))
- Topical application of Lactobacillus plantarum-GMNL6 enhanced collagen synthesis and SPTSSA gene expression while reducing melanin synthesis, Staphylococcus aureus biofilm, and Cutibacterium acnes proliferation, leading to clinical improvements in skin moisture, color, spots, wrinkles, UV spots, and porphyrins in human volunteers. ([International Journal of Medical Sciences, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33526970/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, this cream is highly praised for its deep hydration and ability to provide a radiant glow without feeling heavy, making it ideal for dry to normal skin. However, its strong floral scent and rich texture are frequently cited as drawbacks, leading to breakouts or irritation for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.

- Liked: Deeply hydrating (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Lightweight texture (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Strong floral scent (often mentioned)
- Liked: Brightening glow (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Good value (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Causes breakouts (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Greasy on oily skin (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Causes irritation (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Could be used as part of your AM and PM routine. Start using it 3 times a week and move to daily use if your skin likes it.
- Apply this moisturizer after your cleanser and toner, right before your morning SPF.
- Gently press a small amount of the moisturizer into your skin. Avoid rubbing it too hard so it absorbs nicely.
- For the best moisture, you can apply it when your skin is slightly damp. This helps your skin stay soft and happy.
- Remember to avoid the eye area when applying. Always do a patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/2f72f5d69f07beeafc30237f829efbff.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does The Face Shop Rice & Ceramide Cream work for skin with dark spots?

This cream works moderately well for skin with dark spots, as it provides essential hydration and soothing benefits but lacks specialized brightening ingredients. Skin with dark spots needs products that contain effective brightening ingredients alongside moisturizing components to address pigmentation goals while maintaining skin health.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Which ingredients make this cream a good fit for skin with dark spots?

Rice extract helps soothe skin and supports barrier resilience, but this cream lacks specialized ingredients to effectively target your pigmentation concerns. To properly address dark spots, a moisturizer of this type needs effective brightening ingredients alongside soothing and hydrating components.
Sources: [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32812663/)

### What does Rice Extract do for skin with dark spots?

Rice extract helps make dark spots less noticeable by slowing down the pigment production in your skin. Using it regularly also helps brighten your overall complexion while keeping your skin smooth and protected.
Sources: [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32812663/), [Foods, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39272568/)

### What do Ceramides do for skin with dark spots?

Ceramides help keep your skin barrier strong and well-hydrated, which supports overall skin health even though they do not directly fade dark spots. A product for dark spots also needs ingredients like niacinamide or vitamin C to help brighten your skin tone and reduce discoloration.
Sources: [International Journal of Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18717861/), [Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37717558/)

### Where does this cream go in a skincare routine for skin with dark spots?

This moisturizer goes near the end of your morning and evening routines, right before sunscreen in the morning and after your treatment step at night. Skin with dark spots also needs targeted brightening ingredients like vitamin C or niacinamide to help fade discoloration.

### Can I use this cream with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this cream with retinol by applying the retinol first and following it with the moisturizer to help keep your skin calm and hydrated. Using a moisturizing cream with barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides and glycerin may help reduce dryness and irritation from retinol. To effectively target dark spots alongside this routine, skin of this type needs dedicated brightening ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, or alpha arbutin.
Sources: [Cutis, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17121065/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22648223/)

### How often should I use this cream?

You can use this moisturizing cream twice daily, morning and night, to keep your skin hydrated and support your skin barrier. Regular daily application helps improve overall skin moisture and smoothness with a very low risk of irritation. Skin with dark spots typically needs targeted treatment ingredients such as vitamin C, niacinamide, or retinoids to effectively fade discoloration.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32141711/), [Health Science Reports, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34141902/)

### Can this cream clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for skin with dark spots?

This cream may cause breakouts for some users, as reviewers moderately complain about this issue. However, it is unlikely to cause severe irritation because it includes soothing ingredients and lacks harsh components.

### Can I use this cream around the eyes or on my body?

You can safely use this cream around your eyes and on your body, as it has a very gentle formula with no harsh ingredients. The skin around the eyes is exceptionally thin, but this moisturizer is unlikely to cause irritation and provides wonderful hydration for dry body areas.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/)

### Is this cream fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (benzyl salicylate, citronellol, limonene, hexyl cinnamal, and linalool). Behenyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.

## Alternatives for skin with dark spots

- [Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/some-by-mi/yuja-niacin-brightening-moisture-gel-cream/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — AED 91.81 at Amazon
- [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-probio-cica-enrich-cream/for/dark-spots) — High fit — AED 34.80 at Amazon
- [The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/the-ordinary/natural-moisturizing-factors-ha/for/dark-spots) — High fit — AED 65.00 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — AED 49.95 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/pyunkang-yul/calming-deep-moisture-toner/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — AED 64.25 at Amazon
- SPF: [d'Alba UVessence Mild Waterfull Sun Cream SPF 50](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/d-alba/uvessence-mild-waterfull-sun-cream-spf-50/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — AED 92.70 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.ae: AED 70.18 (https://www.amazon.ae/dp/B077VHKVZG?tag=lovi00-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 4 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Behenyl Alcohol, Betaine, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Tri-C14-15 Alkyl Citrate, Stearic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetearyl Olivate, Rice Extract, Octyldodecyl Lactate, Diisostearyl Malate, Rice Bran Oil, Ceramide Np, Glycosphingolipids, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Shea Butter, Sorbitan Olivate, Peg-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Isoceteth-25, Isoceteth-10, Dimethicone Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyacrylate-13, Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Polyisobutene, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Lecithin, Trisodium Edta, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, Linalool
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/the-face-shop/rice-and-ceramide-moisturizing-cream/for/dark-spots
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/the-face-shop/rice-and-ceramide-moisturizing-cream/for/dark-spots
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/the-face-shop/rice-and-ceramide-moisturizing-cream/for/dark-spots
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/the-face-shop/rice-and-ceramide-moisturizing-cream/for/dark-spots
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/the-face-shop/rice-and-ceramide-moisturizing-cream/for/dark-spots
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-face-shop/rice-and-ceramide-moisturizing-cream/for/dark-spots
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/the-face-shop/rice-and-ceramide-moisturizing-cream/for/dark-spots
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/the-face-shop/rice-and-ceramide-moisturizing-cream/for/dark-spots
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-face-shop/rice-and-ceramide-moisturizing-cream/for/dark-spots
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/the-face-shop/rice-and-ceramide-moisturizing-cream/for/dark-spots
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/the-face-shop/rice-and-ceramide-moisturizing-cream/for/dark-spots
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/the-face-shop/rice-and-ceramide-moisturizing-cream/for/dark-spots
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/the-face-shop/rice-and-ceramide-moisturizing-cream/for/dark-spots (this page)