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Brightening botanicals

Licorice Root Extract

Helps visibly brighten uneven skin tone and reduce the appearance of discoloration while soothing the skin.

Key Benefits

  • Helps visibly improve uneven skin tone
  • Supports the appearance of fading discoloration
  • Helps soothe visible redness
  • Provides botanical antioxidant support

How It Works

Licorice flavonoids can address pigmentation and inflammatory pathways through different mechanisms. Glabridin has demonstrated tyrosinase-inhibitory and anti-inflammatory activity, while liquiritin is associated with dispersing epidermal pigment and licochalcone A with soothing pathways.

Not every licorice extract contains meaningful amounts of each constituent. Benefits must be tied to the Glycyrrhiza species, extraction method, standardized marker compounds, use level, and stability in the finished product.

Ingredient Details

INCI Name: Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract

Ingredient Type: Botanical root extract

Best For

Uneven-looking skin tone · Visible post-blemish marks · Redness-prone skin · People seeking a gentle botanical brightening complement

Research

Systematic review of natural ingredients for hyperpigmentation →

What It Is

A family of botanical root extracts from Glycyrrhiza species used in brightening and soothing skincare.

It is not one chemically uniform ingredient; glabridin-rich, liquiritin-rich, and licochalcone-rich materials may behave differently.

What It Does

Supports brighter, more even-looking skin while helping calm the visible effects of irritation.

Its specific performance depends on which licorice species and standardized constituents are present in the finished formula.

Licorice Root Extract FAQs

Common questions about this ingredient in skincare.

What is Licorice Root Extract?
It is a botanical extract from Glycyrrhiza roots. Different species and extraction methods produce different profiles of glabridin, liquiritin, licochalcone, glycyrrhizin, and related compounds.
How does licorice brighten skin?
Certain licorice constituents can influence tyrosinase-related pigment formation or help disperse visible epidermal pigment, supporting a more even-looking tone.
Can it help post-blemish marks?
It may help gradually improve the appearance of discoloration left after blemishes, especially in a routine that also controls irritation and uses daily sunscreen.
Is licorice good for sensitive or red skin?
Many formulas use licorice for soothing support, but tolerability depends on the full product. Patch test if reactive or allergy-prone.
Is topical licorice the same as eating licorice?
No. Topical cosmetic extracts are formulated for skin and are not equivalent to licorice candy, tea, or oral glycyrrhizin-containing supplements.
Do I still need sunscreen?
Yes. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen helps prevent UV-driven darkening and supports any routine focused on discoloration.
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Products Featuring Licorice Root Extract

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