Why do we use Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract?
While you might know licorice as a candy flavor, its root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has been a cornerstone of traditional medicine for millennia. In modern skincare, this unassuming root is gaining superstar status as a gentle yet powerful ingredient for tackling two of the most common skin concerns: hyperpigmentation and redness. As a key botanical in our ingredient philosophy, we choose Licorice Root for its unique ability to both brighten and calm the skin.
What is Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract?
Licorice Root Extract is a concentrated preparation from the root of the licorice plant. Its incredible benefits come from a wealth of active compounds, but two are particularly important for skin:
- Glabridin: This is one of the most potent natural tyrosinase inhibitors found in nature. Tyrosinase is the enzyme responsible for producing melanin (pigment) in the skin, so by inhibiting it, glabridin helps to brighten the complexion.
- Glycyrrhizin: This compound gives licorice its sweet taste and is a powerful anti-inflammatory, similar in some ways to cortisol. It is exceptionally effective at soothing irritated skin.
This dual-action profile makes Licorice Root a uniquely powerful ingredient for achieving an even, calm complexion.
The Good: 3 Key Benefits of Licorice Root in Creams
Licorice Root Extract is a true multi-tasker, acting as a brightening agent, a soothing powerhouse, and a protective antioxidant.
1. It’s a Master Skin Brightener
This is Licorice Root’s most celebrated benefit. The active compound Glabridin is highly effective at inhibiting tyrosinase, the key enzyme in the production of melanin. This helps to:
- Fade the appearance of dark spots and sun spots.
- Reduce hyperpigmentation and post-acne marks.
- Promote a more even and luminous skin tone, making it an excellent natural alternative to other brighteners.
2. It’s a Powerful Soothing Agent
Thanks to its high concentration of Glycyrrhizin, Licorice Root is one of the most effective soothing botanicals available. Its potent anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for:
- Calming redness and reducing signs of skin sensitivity.
- Soothing skin prone to conditions like eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis.
- Providing comfort to skin that feels irritated or stressed. It works beautifully alongside other soothers like Cica (Centella Asiatica).
3. It Provides Potent Antioxidant Protection
Licorice Root is also rich in flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants. These compounds help to neutralize damaging free radicals generated by UV exposure and pollution. This protective action helps defend the skin from environmental stressors that lead to premature aging.
The Bad: Are There Any Considerations?
Licorice Root Extract is overwhelmingly safe, gentle, and well-tolerated, even by the most sensitive skin types. It has virtually no “bad” side effects.
- Purity and Concentration Matter: The effectiveness of Licorice Root Extract, particularly for brightening, is directly dependent on the concentration of Glabridin in the extract. A high-quality, standardized extract is crucial for seeing visible results.
- It’s Not a Fast Fix: Like any ingredient that targets hyperpigmentation, results take time. Fading dark spots is a slow process that requires consistent use over several weeks or months.
The Verdict
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract is a top-tier botanical active. Its unique ability to both brighten dark spots and calm redness makes it a superior choice for achieving an even, clear, and comfortable complexion, especially for those with sensitive skin. When you see it in our products, you can be confident it’s there to gently guide your skin to its most radiant and balanced state.
Primary Article Sources
- National Institutes of Health (PubMed Central): Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice): A Comprehensive Review… – This 2023 review in the journal Cosmetics details the phytochemistry of licorice, highlighting the mechanisms of its potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin whitening properties.
- National Institutes of Health (PubMed Central): Natural Options for the Management of Hyperpigmentation – This scientific review discusses various natural ingredients for brightening, noting that Glabridin from licorice is a potent tyrosinase inhibitor.
Other sources used for this article:
- Healthline
- Byrdie
- Typology
- Paula’s Choice
- Incidecoder
- City Skin Clinic
- National Institutes of Health – nih.gov
Frequently Asked Questions about Licorice Root
Yes, it is one of the most effective natural ingredients for this purpose. Its active compound, glabridin, is a potent tyrosinase inhibitor, which means it helps to block the enzyme that produces excess pigment, thereby fading dark spots and evening out skin tone.
Fading hyperpigmentation is a gradual process. With consistent daily use, you may start to see improvements in skin tone and a reduction in the appearance of dark spots within 4 to 8 weeks, with more significant results over several months.
Yes, Licorice Root Extract is exceptionally safe and gentle, making it ideal for sensitive skin. Its powerful anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe redness and irritation, which is why it’s a go-to ingredient for calming reactive skin.
Find Licorice Root in Our Products
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