Why Licorice Root Extract Might Become Your Skin’s New Best Friend

If you’ve ever spotted “licorice root extract” on a skincare label and thought, wait, like the candy? – you’re not alone. It sounds sweet, but this natural plant extract is anything but a gimmick. The root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant has been prized for centuries in herbal remedies, and today it’s making waves in skincare for good reason.

Licorice root extract is gentle yet incredibly effective – known for its ability to brighten, calm, and protect the skin. Whether you’re fighting dullness, redness, or uneven tone, this plant-based powerhouse deserves a spot in your routine. And don’t worry, we’ll skip the science lecture and keep things simple, practical, and skin loving.

What Makes Licorice Root So Special

At its core, licorice root extract contains three main components that give it its skin-benefiting powers: glabridin, glycyrrhizin, and liquiritin. These naturally active compounds each play a unique role in helping your skin look calm, balanced, and radiant.

Glabridin is especially famous for helping to fade dark spots and improve uneven skin tone. It works by slowing down the enzyme that produces melanin – the pigment responsible for those stubborn dark marks. A study published in MDPI Cosmetics found that glabridin-rich licorice extract helped reduce excess pigmentation and brighten skin tone. Meanwhile, glycyrrhizin steps in as the skin’s comforter. It has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a go-to ingredient for calming redness or irritation. And liquiritin helps to lift away excess pigment already sitting on the skin’s surface – enhancing brightness even further.

Together, these compounds make licorice root extract a multitasker: it brightens, soothes, and protects – all in one step.

The Real Benefits for Your Skin

A Natural Brightener That Works

Licorice root extract is one of the most effective natural brighteners available. It doesn’t bleach or lighten your skin; instead, it gently helps fade dark spots, acne marks, and discoloration for a more even tone.

One clinical study found that a 10% licorice extract cream used twice daily for four weeks produced significant improvement in skin brightness and clarity. The takeaway? You don’t need an aggressive formula to see results – consistency is key.

If you’ve ever struggled with lingering post-acne marks, sunspots, or dullness, licorice root extract can help your complexion look more refreshed and even without harsh side effects.

Calms and Soothes Sensitive Skin

Beyond brightening, licorice root extract is known for its calming touch. If your skin gets red, inflamed, or reacts to stress and weather changes, this ingredient can bring welcome relief.

According to a review published by the National Institutes of Health, licorice extracts have been used to soothe inflammation and even help protect skin from oxidative stress. That means it not only calms irritation but also helps shield your skin from daily environmental damage caused by pollution or UV exposure.

For those with sensitive or easily irritated complexions, licorice root extract can make a noticeable difference – helping skin feel balanced, comfortable, and more resilient.

How to Use Licorice Root Extract in Your Routine

Adding licorice root extract to your skincare routine is simple, but a little strategy helps maximize the benefits.

You’ll find it in serums, moisturizers, toners, and masks. Serums and essences tend to offer higher concentrations, making them great for targeting specific concerns like dark spots. Moisturizers or creams, on the other hand, combine licorice’s soothing properties with hydration – perfect for sensitive or reactive skin types.

Use licorice-infused products once or twice a day, depending on the formula. Morning use pairs well with sunscreen for an antioxidant boost, while evening use can help calm the skin after a long day.

If your routine already includes strong actives like retinol or exfoliating acids, introduce licorice root extract gradually. It’s gentle, but too many active ingredients at once can be overwhelming.

And don’t forget the golden rule: always wear sunscreen. Even the best brightening ingredients can’t work properly if your skin is constantly exposed to UV damage.

Who Benefits Most

Licorice root extract is suitable for nearly all skin types. If you deal with dullness, uneven tone, dark spots, or redness, you’ll likely see results. It’s also a fantastic choice if you prefer plant-based skincare or want to avoid harsher brightening ingredients.

Those with very sensitive skin or ongoing skin conditions should start slowly or check with a dermatologist first. While licorice is considered gentle, everyone’s skin is unique – and patch testing is always smart.

Choosing the Right Product

When scanning labels, look for “Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract” near the top of the ingredient list – that indicates a meaningful amount in the formula. Good packaging also matters opaque or air-tight bottles help preserve the extract’s potency.

If your goal is brightening, choose formulas that combine licorice with vitamin C or niacinamide. These ingredients complement each other beautifully, enhancing glow and evenness while keeping your skin barrier healthy.

You don’t have to overhaul your entire routine. Even adding one licorice-based serum or moisturizer can make a noticeable difference in a few weeks – especially when paired with daily SPF.

When You’ll See Results

Skincare takes patience, and licorice root extract is no exception. You might start to notice a softer, calmer feel within the first couple of weeks. Visible brightening or fading of dark spots typically takes about four to eight weeks of consistent use.

Stick with it. Like most botanical actives, licorice root extract works best with steady, long-term use rather than quick fixes. The results – clearer, calmer, more radiant skin – are worth the wait.

FAQs

Can licorice root extract lighten my natural skin tone?
No. It won’t change your overall skin color. Instead, it helps fade dark spots and uneven pigmentation so your natural tone looks more balanced and luminous.

Is it safe for sensitive skin?
Yes. Licorice root extract is well-tolerated by most skin types and is often used in soothing or sensitive-skin formulas. Just remember to patch test when trying anything new.

Can I use it with vitamin C or niacinamide?
Definitely. These ingredients complement each other well and can amplify brightening results. If you’re new to active ingredients, introduce them gradually.

How long until I see results?
Most users see visible improvements in brightness and tone within four to eight weeks of consistent use.

Does it replace sunscreen?
Not at all. Licorice extract helps defend against damage, but sunscreen is still essential for protecting your results and preventing new dark spots.

Licorice root extract is a quiet achiever in skincare – gentle yet effective, natural yet scientifically backed. It’s the kind of ingredient that doesn’t just make your skin look better; it helps it feel better too. Whether you’re aiming for brightness, calmness, or balance, this humble root has earned its place among the best natural allies for healthy, radiant skin.