Did you know? Licorice is often called the ‘healer’s root’! This powerful ingredient has been used for centuries, not just in kitchens but also for its remarkable healing properties. And while its health benefits are widely known, what often gets overlooked is the benefits of licorice root for your skin.
In this blog, we’ll list all the skincare benefits of licorice root extract and suggest ways to incorporate it into your daily routine.
Let’s dive in.
7 Benefits Of Licorice Root Extract For Your Skin
Here are seven ways in which licorice root extract benefits your skin:
1. Brightens Complexion
Licorice root extract is rich in compounds that inhibit the synthesis of melanin (pigment responsible for skin colour). So its regular use not only lightens skin tone but also evens it out, improving dark spots and combating hyperpigmentation on your skin.1 2
2. Soothes Skin
If you have sensitive skin that easily gets itchy, red and inflamed, then the licorice root extract can be of great help. Known for its skin soothing properties, it eases inflammation, calms redness and provides relief.3
3. May Treat Skin Diseases
Plant compounds present in licorice root extract can also work wonders for treating inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, pruritus and even certain cysts. What’s incredible is that it can be a natural and safe alternative to steroid-based treatments for such conditions, which carry the risk of side effects.4 5
4. Improves Acne
The extract can also help improve acne by regulating oil production on the face, inhibiting the growth of acne-causing bacteria and reducing inflammation. Several studies have shown that consistent usage of licorice-based skincare solutions can significantly improve acne severity over time, especially when combined with other acne-fighting ingredients.6
5. Fights Ageing
Being rich in antioxidants, the extract targets free radicals, which cause skin damage. By doing so, it prevents wrinkles, fine lines and premature ageing in your skin. Glabridin, one of the active compounds in licorice, has been shown to prevent the breakdown of elastin and collagen, which are essential for firm, youthful skin.7
6. Aids In Healing Burns
Both traditional and modern medicine support the use of licorice root extract for healing burns. Studies show that the application of licorice extracts to burn wounds can accelerate healing and show visible results starting as early as the third day. There is also evidence to suggest that it prevents scarring and improves the general appearance of the wound.8 9
7. Prevents Sun Damage
Licorice root extract helps shield the skin from sun-induced damage thanks to its antioxidant and photoprotective properties. Regular use of licorice-based products can reduce the effects of prolonged sun exposure, such as tanning, sunburn, and premature ageing. It works best when used together with sunscreen, improving your skin’s natural defence.10
How To Use Licorice Root Extract For Your Skin?
Licorice is a naturally occurring, powerful skincare ingredient. And there are no specific guidelines that you must follow when trying to add it to your daily routine.
To avail its benefits, you can simply grind it into a fine powder, mix with some water and apply it all over your face as a facemask. Additionally, you can mix the powder or extract with other beneficial skincare ingredients like Aloe Vera gel to make it more effective.
Alternatively, you can also opt for a store-bought cream or moisturiser that has licorice root extract as its core ingredient. An ideal choice could be AreoVeda’s Moisturising Spray Lotion
that’s enriched with nature’s most powerful ingredients like Licorice Root Extract, Canadian Willowherb and Pentavitin.
The lotion is cellularly proven to give 72 hours of hydration, soothe acne-prone skin and unveil a brighter complexion with consistent use. And the best part? It’s EWG-verified as toxins-free and Ecocert-certified to be >98% natural.
Licorice Benefits For Skin: The Science Behind Its Skin-Loving Properties
Licorice has anti-inflammatory, anti-acne, skin-lightening, anti-ageing, and sun-protective properties.5 These properties can be attributed to several antioxidants and natural plant compounds present in licorice.
1. Glycyrrhizin
Glycyrrhizin is one of the main compounds present in licorice that exhibits anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing effects. It works by inhibiting the inflammatory pathway, making it useful in treating redness, itching, and irritation in conditions like eczema or rosacea. The compound also possesses antiviral and antibacterial properties.5 11
2. Glabridin
Glabridin is a potent antioxidant and skin-brightening agent found in licorice root. It inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production, helping reduce dark spots and pigmentation. Research shows that glabridin also protects skin from UVB-induced damage and inflammation.5
3. Liquiritin
Liquiritin helps in skin depigmentation by acting like a bleaching agent. It does so by two mechanisms: First, by spreading out melanin more evenly in the skin, and second, by removing dark spots from the top layer of the skin. This makes it effective for treating melasma, dark spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.12
4. Licochalcone
Licochalcone A is a flavonoid with powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. It helps calm irritated skin, reduce acne, and protect against oxidative stress. It also regulates oil production, making it ideal for those with acne-prone or oily skin.13
Potential Risks Associated With Licorice Use On Skin
Licorice root extract on the skin is generally considered safe when used for a short span of time. But according to research, prolonged use may cause skin irritation in some people. Moreover, there is also some evidence that suggests that the extract interacts with certain other medications, such as corticosteroids. Hence, people using these should be careful about its potential side effects.9
How Much Licorice Is Safe For Your Skin?
According to scientific literature, licorice root extract at concentrations between 10% and 40% is effective for skin-lightening. However, a study conducted on women aged 30 to 50 years showed that a 10% concentration was the most effective for treating skin pigmentation.14
Summing Up
Licorice root offers several benefits for your skin and can therefore be a great addition to your skin care regimen. Using the extract can be a safe and effective way to get rid of pigmentation, soothe acne and prevent several inflammatory disorders of the skin.
But like any other ingredient, you must exercise some caution (as mentioned above) before using it. Always do a patch test before applying licorice root extract or any skincare product containing the ingredient. And if you want to be extra safe (cuz why not!) you must talk to a dermatologist before adding it to your daily skincare routine.
FAQs
1. Does Licorice Root Brighten Skin Tone?
Yes. Licorice root contains compounds like glabridin and liquiritin that help reduce dark spots, even out skin tone, and ultimately brighten the complexion.
2. Does Using Licorice Root Extract For Skincare Have Side Effects?
Using licorice root extract for skincare is generally considered safe for a short span of time. But prolonged use may cause skin irritation in some people. Also, it can interact with certain other medications such as corticosteroids.
3. How To Use Licorice For Your Skin?
You can apply licorice powder mixed with water or aloe vera as a face mask, or use skincare products that contain licorice extract for best results.
