5 Benefits Of Licorice For Skin No One Told You About

You know mulethi? That sweet stick your dadi or nani gave you when you had a sore throat? The one that tasted a little weird but somehow worked every time? Most of us grew up thinking mulethi was just another desi home remedy — something for coughs or maybe one of those random ingredients in an Ayurvedic powder.

But here’s what no one told you: mulethi, also known as Licorice root, is actually a bit of a skincare hero. It’s natural, gentle, and can help reduce dark spots, dull, irritated skin, and even acne.1 Curious to learn more about the benefits of Licorice for skin? Keep reading!

What Is Licorice?

Licorice, also known as Glycyrrhiza glabra, is a powerful medicinal root that’s been used for centuries in Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and even ancient Greek remedies.2 In India, it’s commonly called mulethi or yashtimadhu. And it’s best known for its naturally sweet taste and healing properties.3

Apart from treating sore throats or improving digestion, Licorice has gained much popularity in skincare due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-brightening effects. 4 5 6

So, shall we get into the skin benefits of Licorice? Let’s go!

5 Amazing Benefits Of Licorice for Skin

1. Helps Brighten Skin

One of the most common benefits of Licorice for skin is its lightening effect. It helps reduce dark spots and uneven tone by slowing down melanin production, the pigment that causes discolouration. With regular use, Licorice can fade patches and give your skin a more even, natural glow.7 8

2. Calms Itchy Or Irritated Skin

If you have persistent itchiness, redness, and overall skin discomfort without any apparent cause, Licorice can be a good remedy. Licorice has soothing ingredients like glycyrrhizin, which can calm irritation and reduce redness.7 8

3. Helps Minimise Acne 

If you deal with persistent breakouts or red, inflamed pimples, Licorice is a calming but powerful remedy. Its all-natural anti-inflammatory components calm redness and swelling, and its antibacterial compounds target acne-causing bacteria. Thus, licorice is a great choice for acne-prone or sensitive skin that needs calming care without harsh ingredients.7 9

4. Shield Skin From Sun Damage

UV rays can indeed damage your skin and speed up aging when you are exposed to the sun. But Licorice can help ease this problem. It contains glycyrrhizinic acid and dehydroglyasperin C, which help reduce skin damage caused by UV exposure. 8

And not just this! Licorice also has dibenzoylmethane and licoricidin, which act as a natural shield against UV rays. While you should not consider it as a replacement for sunscreen, applying Licorice based products provides an added layer of protection for your skin.8

5. Has Antioxidant Properties

Licorice is loaded with powerful antioxidants that help shield your skin from pollution, UV rays, and other environmental stressors. It fights off free radicals — those tiny troublemakers that mess with your skin cells and speed up aging. By keeping them in check, Licorice helps keep your skin healthy, firm, and youthful.7

How To Use Licorice For Ultimate Skin Benefits?

Now that you know how amazing Licorice is for your skin, let’s talk about how you can actually use it.

• Try A DIY Face Mask

Blend a small amount of Licorice powder with honey or rose water to prepare an easy face mask. Apply to a clean face, keep it on for 10–15 minutes, and rinse with water. This can help reduce dullness and soothe skin irritation.

• Be Consistent

Like most natural remedies, Licorice is not an overnight magic solution. Use it consistently — several times a week — and you will begin to see clearer, calmer, and brighter skin.

• Choose Licorice-Infused Skincare Products

Licorice works best when used the right way, and we’ve made it simple for you. Our skincare range is infused with Licorice to brighten, soothe, and nourish your skin—gently and effectively.

Whether you have sensitive skin, are a new mom, or just prefer clean, nourishing skincare, our products are designed to care for you. From Masala Chai Spray Lotion to Nipple Butter and Hydrating Body Foam Wash—each one helps calm irritation, lock in moisture, and keep your skin healthy, naturally.

Precautions To Take When Using Licorice Based Products

Although Licorice is generally safe and gentle for many, you should always do a quick patch test first before use. Also if you're using spray-based products, avoid spraying near the eyes or nose to prevent minor irritation.10

Who Should Not Use Licorice Root?

Licorice may be mild, but not for everyone. If you have extremely sensitive skin, or have reacted to natural plant-based products in the past, it’s best to check with a dermatologist before using any new Licorice based product.10

Final Thoughts

You’ve seen Licorice used in home remedies all your life. But now you’ve seen a whole new side to it. The benefits of Licorice for skin are way too good to ignore. It’s simple, natural, and helps with everything from dullness and pigmentation to sensitivity and sun damage. It might be old-school, but your skin will love it. So if you’re looking for something that’s gentle, effective, and easy to use, Licorice might be just what your skincare routine needs.

FAQs

1. Can Licorice Remove Dark Spots Permanently?

Licorice can help fade dark spots, but it may not remove them forever. It has natural components like glabridin and liquiritin that reduce melanin, which helps lighten the marks. But if you keep getting sun exposure or skin irritation, the spots can come back. So, for best results, use Licorice regularly and protect your skin from the sun.11

2. Is Licorice Safe For Daily Use On Skin?

Yes, Licorice is generally safe for daily use when included in well-formulated skincare products. It’s gentle, non-irritating, and works well for most skin types — especially sensitive and acne prone skin. However, if you’re using raw Licorice powder or extract at home, do a patch test first to make sure your skin doesn’t react.9

3. Can Licorice Remove Tan?

Yes, Licorice root powder or extract can lighten tan gradually with time. It does this by inhibiting the formation of melanin and soothing sun-damaged skin. It won’t give instant results, but with regular use, you can brighten and even out your skin.12 13