Licorice root is becoming a popular ingredient in skincare—and it’s easy to see why. Known for its brightening, calming, and protective effects, this plant-based extract is a gentle way to help your skin look healthier and more even.
Whether you’re dealing with dark spots, redness, or just want a natural glow, licorice root is a great option to add to your routine.
Key Takeaways
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Brightens Dark Spots: Contains glabridin, which helps fade hyperpigmentation and even skin tone.
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Soothes Irritation: Reduces redness, swelling, and inflammation—great for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin.
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Fights Acne & Oiliness: Has antimicrobial and oil-regulating properties that support clearer skin.
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Protects Against UV Damage: Offers antioxidant support and may help defend against sun-induced discoloration.
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Safe & Gentle: Works well for most skin types, especially when used in serums, creams, or toners.
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Use With Care: Patch test first, and avoid overuse—especially if you have very dry or thin skin.
What Is Licorice Root and Why Is It in Skincare?
Origin and Plant Source
Licorice root comes from the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, which grows in parts of Europe and Asia. It’s been used for centuries in Egyptian, Chinese, Greek, and Ayurvedic traditions to help with skin problems and health issues. People trusted it to calm the skin, reduce redness, and improve overall skin tone.
Why It’s Back in Modern Beauty
Licorice root is popular again thanks to the rise of natural skincare. Many people now prefer gentle, plant-based ingredients over harsh chemicals.
It’s also a favorite in K-beauty, where smooth, bright skin is the goal. That’s why you’ll see licorice root in more and more modern skincare products today.
Key Active Compounds in Licorice Root
Licorice root works so well in skincare because it’s full of natural compounds that help brighten, calm, and protect your skin. Let’s break down the main ones.
- Glabridin: Glabridin helps reduce dark spots by blocking the enzyme that makes skin pigment. It also gives your skin antioxidant protection, which helps fight damage from sun and pollution.
- Liquiritin: Liquiritin works a bit differently—it helps fade existing dark spots by spreading out the pigment already in your skin. This makes your skin look brighter and more even over time.
- Licochalcone A: This compound is great for calming skin. It’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, which means it can help with redness, breakouts, and even oily skin.
- Glycyrrhizin: Glycyrrhizin is known for being very soothing and hydrating. It helps calm irritated skin and supports the skin barrier, keeping your skin soft and protected.
Top Benefits of Licorice Root for Skin
Licorice root isn’t just a trendy ingredient—it’s packed with real skin benefits. Whether you’re dealing with dark spots, redness, or just want a natural glow, here’s how it can help your skin look and feel better.
Brightens Dull Skin & Fades Dark Spots
One of the most loved benefits of licorice root is its ability to brighten the skin and fade dark spots. It’s especially helpful for concerns like melasma, acne marks, and sun damage. By reducing and dispersing melanin, it helps give your skin a more even, glowing tone without harsh ingredients.
Calms Redness and Inflammation
Licorice root has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that can calm skin irritation. If you struggle with rosacea, eczema, or sensitive skin, this gentle ingredient can help reduce redness and ease discomfort, making your skin feel more balanced.
Protects Against Environmental Damage
Thanks to its natural antioxidants, licorice root helps protect your skin from daily stressors like UV rays and pollution. These can lead to premature aging, dullness, and uneven texture—so a little protection goes a long way.
May Help Control Oil
While more research is still ongoing, early studies show that licorice root may help balance oil production. This could be great news for those with oily or acne-prone skin, as it may reduce shine and breakouts without drying you out.
How to Use Licorice Root in Your Skincare Routine
Adding licorice root to your routine is simple—but using it the right way can make a big difference. Here’s how to get the most out of this gentle, powerful ingredient.
Best Product Types
Licorice root shows up in all kinds of skincare products, but each type works a little differently.
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Serums usually have a higher concentration of active ingredients, making them ideal for fading dark spots and targeting uneven tone.
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Creams and masks are great for soothing irritated skin and adding hydration, especially if you have dryness or sensitivity.
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Cleansers and toners offer a more gentle approach—perfect for daily use if you’re just starting out or want a soft glow over time.
What It Pairs Well With
To boost results, licorice root can be combined with other skincare heroes. It works especially well with niacinamide, vitamin C, and tranexamic acid—these combos can help brighten skin faster and more evenly.
But go easy when mixing with stronger ingredients. It’s best to avoid using licorice with retinol or hydroquinone at the same time, as that might cause irritation, especially if your skin is sensitive.
When and How Often to Use
Most licorice root products are safe to use once or twice a day, but always follow the directions on the label. Start slow if you’re new to it—especially with stronger serums.
And don’t forget: if you’re using licorice root to brighten your skin, wear SPF daily. Sun exposure can undo your progress, so sunscreen is a must to protect those results.
Safety and Side Effects to Know
Licorice root is a gentle, natural ingredient—but like anything in skincare, it’s important to know how your skin might react. Here’s what to keep in mind before adding it to your routine.
Is Licorice Safe for All Skin Types?
For most people, licorice root is safe and well-tolerated. But if you have very sensitive skin, it’s smart to patch test first. This helps you check for any signs of redness, irritation, or discomfort before applying it to your whole face.
Who Should Avoid It?
Licorice root isn’t for everyone. If you’re pregnant, it’s best to avoid it due to possible hormonal effects. Also, those with legume allergies or uncontrolled high blood pressure should be cautious, especially when using it in high amounts or over long periods.
Possible Side Effects
Side effects are rare, but they can happen—especially if you use high concentrations or apply it too often. Some people may notice redness, irritation, or in rare cases, lighter patches of skin (hypopigmentation).
Overuse could also mimic corticosteroid effects, like skin thinning, so it’s important to follow product directions and avoid overdoing it.
Conclusion
Licorice root is a natural and gentle ingredient that can help with brightening dark spots, soothing irritation, and protecting your skin. When used correctly, it’s safe for most skin types and can be a great addition to your routine.
Want to give it a try? Zicail offers skincare products made with care and quality ingredients like licorice root. Check out our collection to find what works best for your skin and start your path to a calmer, brighter glow.
