Licorice root has become a well-known natural solution for dark spots, age spots, oily skin, splotchy skin, and more.
It also has a rich history of traditional use as a health and beauty aid in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, dating back to ancient times.
So, what exactly is licorice root (hint: it’s not the candy)? Is it safe, and does it live up to its hype?
Keep reading to learn all about licorice root benefits for skin, uses, potential side effects, and more.
What is Licorice Root?
Licorice Root, known scientifically as Glycyrrhiza glabra is one of the world’s most ancient traditional herbs for supporting health, beauty, and longevity.
The name comes from its genus, Glycyrrhiza, which comes from the Greek words glykos (sweet) and rhiza (root).
It is native to the Mediterranean but has been cultivated throughout Asia, Russia, and the Middle East. Traditional medicine has used it since pre-ancient Roman times.
Licorice root is also the source of licorice flavor used in black licorice candy. Before candy was invented, ancient people chewed on licorice root to clean their teeth, for its sweet flavor, and medicinal properties.
Today, licorice root is used extensively in food products and pharmaceuticals and as an extract in herbal supplements for digestion, immunity, throat comfort, adrenal support, respiratory support, joint health, and more.
It’s also become popular in clean skin care products, specifically those designed to brighten skin and remove dark spots.
Licorice Root’s Uses in Skin Care
Licorice has been used as a natural beauty aid for centuries and is now widely available for personal use.
Its most common use in skincare is as a natural depigmentation agent to remove dark spots (we’ll share more about this coming up!).
Here, we present seven evidence-based skin benefits of licorice root for skin health.
7 Licorice Benefits for Skin
Licorice root has been used in traditional medicine practices such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries because it has multiple skin benefits.
Today, it can be found as a powder, extract, and in various skin care products, like serums and dark spot treatments.
But how does it work?
Research has revealed several active plant compounds in licorice, including antioxidant flavonoids, which can brighten, disperse melanin, and even help prevent signs of aging.
Let’s get into the details with these seven skin benefits of licorice root.
1: Licorice is a Natural Skin Brightener
If you’re looking for natural ways to brighten your complexion, licorice root could be the ideal addition to your skincare routine.
Analytical studies have shown that licorice contains active plant compounds, like glabridin and liquiritin, which naturally brighten and soothe the skin via their effects on dispersing and removing excess melanin.
Licorice is also rich in antioxidants that help fight dulling free radical damage (which we’ll discuss more next).
2: Licorice is a Rich Source Of Antioxidants
Herbs used extensively in traditional medicine systems are rich in various beneficial active plant compounds, like antioxidants.
Licorice root is no exception, and analytical studies have found it contains a wealth of antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids such as:
- Liquiritin
- Isoliquiritin
- Liquiritin apioside
- Licuraside
These support various aspects of skin health, including fighting dullness, aging, dark spots, and more.
Antioxidants are beneficial molecules the body produces and are found in various foods as beverages that fight free radicals.
Free radicals are unstable molecules produced by the body during natural processes or in response to specific toxins or stressors.
A certain amount of free radicals in the body is normal and is kept in check by natural biological processes.
However, excess free radical production left unchecked by antioxidants can result in various ill health effects such as premature aging, excess inflammation, aches and pains, and more.
Extensive research has shown our skin and bodies benefit from foods and substances rich in antioxidants, like licorice.
Specifically, antioxidants in licorice help fight signs of aging by reducing free radical damage, dispersing and eliminating excess melanin, supporting collagen and elastin production, and brightening skin.
3: Licorice Can Help Fade Dark Spots
Dark spots are very common, especially as we age, and result from sun damage, scarring, or over-production of melanin.
Unfortunately, fading dark spots can be tricky business, especially if you want to avoid potentially harmful chemicals and treatments.
This is where licorice root extract shines!
Research has shown topical application of licorice root helps fade dark spots by dispersing melanin production.
How does it work?
As discussed previously, licorice root contains the antioxidants glabridin and liquiritin.
These compounds inhibit the effects of an enzyme known as tyrosinase, which is a major player in the formation of dark spots, and work to disperse and remove excess melanin from the skin.
It may take some time to see results, but applying licorice root as a concentrated serum or extract will help fade dark spots with consistent use over time.
Check with your skin care professional for individual recommendations on products, application, and potency.
4: Licorice May Help Balance Oily Skin
Oily skin can be frustrating to balance naturally, especially if it leads to unsightly clogged pores and breakouts.
Oiliness is believed to result from overproduction of sebum, the skin’s natural oil. It can also result from the skin’s attempt to compensate for lack of hydration, which is why moisturizing is essential!
Studies show licorice may also help oily skin by soothing inflammation and reducing melanin production.
It also has antibacterial properties, suggesting it may benefit oily or blemish-prone skin.
Desert Essence’s Thoroughly Clean Face Wash Sea Kelp contains licorice extract, along with tea tree oil, and is one of our most popular facial cleansers for balancing oily skin naturally.
Related reading: How To Find The Best Soap For Your Skin Type
5: Licorice May Help With Scarring
Licorice is legendary for its beneficial effects on scarring and wound healing.
Although more research is needed, licorice’s strong antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, along with its beneficial effects on collagen production, are believed to be responsible for its healing and scar-reducing effects.
You can find licorice in many natural first-aid creams, including Ayurvedic versions.
It can also be added to other healing oils and ointments, such as jojoba, to boost their effectiveness.
6: Licorice Has Natural Sunscreen Properties
Although not a substitute for SPF sunscreen, licorice does contain UVA/UVB-repelling properties.
This and its natural melanin dispersing and removal properties made it a popular natural sunscreen long before commercial options were available.
Once again, it should not be considered a substitute for SPF sunscreen, but it does offer some protection.
7: Licorice Root is Naturally Anti-Inflammatory
Skin inflammation can appear in many forms, ranging from blotchiness and uneven skin tone to full-blown inflammatory skin conditions.
Inflammation can also come and go depending on various factors, including stress, the weather, hormonal fluctuations, etc.
This is where antioxidant-rich skin care products and functional foods, like licorice, can make all the difference.
As discussed previously, excess free radicals create excess inflammation in the skin and the entire body.
The best way to keep these in check is to reduce stress, eat a healthy diet with plenty of colorful antioxidant-rich foods, get plenty of sleep, stay hydrated, and use antioxidant-rich skin care products.
Research has shown that the topical application of licorice root extract is an excellent skin soother and helps prevent and reduce redness and inflammation.
Licorice root can also be beneficial when taken internally as a supplement or tea and is a natural stress reliever, immune supporter, and digestive aid (but check with your healthcare practitioner first!).
Side Effects of Licorice For Skin
Licorice has been used extensively in skin care products, and very few side effects have been reported.
As with all natural substances, there is a slight chance of an allergic reaction, but this is uncommon.
Taking licorice internally is also generally considered safe, with some exceptions.
Licorice supplements may be contraindicated for those with heart conditions, kidney disease, and other medical conditions. It is not considered safe during pregnancy.
For this reason, some practitioners recommend deglycerized licorice root extract, but this is up to you and your healthcare practitioner.
Taking licorice internally may also interact with certain drugs.
Always talk to your doctor or healthcare practitioner before taking new supplements, including licorice or other herbs.
How to Use Licorice For Skin Benefits
Licorice root extract can be found in various skin-brightening and lightening products such as serums, creams, and lotions.
You can also apply licorice root extract directly to your skin, such as on a specific dark spot, or mixed into a DIY face mask with honey, yogurt, avocado, aloe vera gel, etc.
Desert Essence offers two products containing licorice extract that can benefit all skin types:
- Desert Essence’s Thoroughly Clean Face Wash Sea Kelp: this daily face wash gently yet thoroughly removes oil and other impurities without drying. Mineral-rich Sea Kelp provides a surge of calming hydration; Organic Echinacea and Licorice Root help soothe, while antioxidant-rich Green and White Teas help nourish. Leaves skin soft, radiant and refreshed.
- Pumpkin Spice Hand Repair Cream: This rich cream contains fast-absorbing Organic Pumpkin Seed Extract and Jojoba Oils restore moisture, while Organic Licorice Root Extract helps brighten skin. Certified to NSF Organic Standard.
Shop all Desert Essence skin, hair, and oral care products here.
Curious about our other ingredients?
Check out our Ingredients and FAQ pages for more information on sourcing, sustainability, and company ethos.
Licorice Benefits For Skin FAQs
Q: How long does it take licorice to work on dark spots?
A: This depends on many factors, including the severity of the dark spot, the concentration of licorice root extract you’re using, and other ingredients in the dark spot formula.
Check with your dermatologist for individual suggestions, but generally, you should see improvements in just a few weeks of regular use.
Q: Is licorice root extract helpful for aging?
A: Yes! Licorice helps fight antioxidant damage, which can lead to premature aging. It also supports optimal collagen and elastin production and helps reduce age spots.
Q: Is licorice root beneficial for all skin types?
A: Generally, yes. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it optimal for sensitive, dry, and normal skin, while its antibacterial and wound-healing properties may help with oiliness and imperfections.
Q: Can I use licorice extract directly on my skin?
A: Generally, yes, but test a small area first to ensure it’s not too drying or too strong.
Also, remember that licorice root extract comes in various forms and strengths, including powders, liquid tinctures, and teas.
If using a licorice root tincture, look for an alcohol-free extract to avoid drying and damaging skin. If using a powder, mix with a carrier for easy application, like Desert Essence Jojoba Oil, Restorative Face Oil, or aloe gel.
Sources mentioned in this article:
- “Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): A phytochemical and pharmacological review. Phytotherapy Research.
- “Mechanisms Regulating Skin Pigmentation: The Rise and Fall of Complexion Coloration. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
- “The inhibitory effect of glabridin from licorice extracts on melanogenesis and inflammation. Pigment Cell Res.
- “Understanding Antioxidants. Harvard Health Publishing.
- “Free radicals and extrinsic skin aging. Dermatol Res Pract.
- “Plant-Derived Antioxidants: Significance in Skin Health and the Ageing Process. Int J Mol Sci.
- “The Healing Effect of Licorice on Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infected Burn Wounds in Experimental Rat Model. World Journal of Plastic Surgery.
- “Glycerolic Licorice Extracts as Active Cosmeceutical Ingredients: Extraction Optimization, Chemical Characterization, and Biological Activity. Antioxidants.
- “Jojoba Oil Hastens Dexamethasone Induced Delayed Wound Healing: A Preclinical Study. Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal.
- “Wound healing properties of jojoba liquid wax: an in vitro study. J Ethnopharmacol.
- “Licorice Root. National Institutes of Health National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.