6 Benefits Of Licorice Extract For Skin, Its Uses, & Risks

Learn how to use this natural remedy to reduce inflammation and other skin benefits.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sanober Pezad Doctor, MD

Dr. Sanober Pezad Doctor is a double-board-certified dermatologist with 6 years of experience. She is the founder of 'Baby SkinWise™' and 'AGEnesis™-The Holistic Aging Blueprint'. She is also a Certified Clinical Homeopath and Holistic ... more

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Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articl... more

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• Nov 28, 2023

6 Benefits Of Licorice Extract For Skin, Its Uses, & Risks

Image: Shutterstock

Licorice root extract is one of the natural alternatives gaining popularity in the cosmetic and beauty industry as it helps reduce stubborn dark spots, acne, and several other skin conditions. Licorice protects your skin from the damaging effects of the sun and helps in managing acne and discoloration, reducing dark spots, and more. Keep reading to know more about the herb and how it helps you tackle your skin issues to keep it healthy.

Know Your Ingredient: Licorice Extract

What Is It?
Root of a flowering plant that has a sweet, aromatic flavor.

What Are Its Benefits?
Licorice extract reduces skin itchiness, swelling, and redness, and helps reduce hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and acne.

Who Can Use It?
Licorice extract is suitable for all skin types.

How Often?
A tiny quantity of licorice cream or gel once daily is enough.

Caution
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid consumption of licorice extracts so as not to interfere with the fetus’ natural cognitive development.

In This Article

What Is Licorice Extract?

Popularly known as mulethi or yashtimadhu, licorice plant is a perennial legume indigenous to Middle East Asia and India used to treat various medical ailments. Licorice roots are processed to obtain their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant active compounds, which include glycyrrhizin acid and glabridin.

Did You Know?

Licorice is the common name of the flowering plant Glycyrrhiza glabra.

Trivia

It is believed that the genesis of Licorice was in China around 2300 BC. It was one of the 300 medicinal plants classified by emperor Shennong.

Benefits Of Using Licorice Extract For Your Skin

1. May Decrease Inflammation

Image: Shutterstock

Skin disruptions caused by pollution, diet, and lifestyle result in increased skin inflammation, and itchy, swollen, and red spots, which are treated using topical hydrocortisone creams. The glycyrrhizin in licorice root relieves the swelling and redness in your skin, much like hydrocortisone (1), (2). The anti-inflammatory properties of licorice can subdue the signs of itchiness and redness and have a soothing effect on the skin.

Using licorice extract can help manage the symptoms of skin disorders such as eczemaⁱXA skin condition that causes itchy and inflamed patches when it reacts with an irritant or an allergen. psoriasis, and dermatitis (3) (4). According to research, the glabridin in licorice helps combat skin inflammation caused by high-glucose stress (5).

2. May Combat Hyperpigmentation

Image: Shutterstock

The accumulation of free radicals in your body increases the production of melanin by your skin cells; this creates dark, patchy appearances on your skin known as hyperpigmentation. This is one of the causes of hyperpigmentation. But as this is not the primary cause, free radical production is inhibited by licorice root extract. It also prevents the over-production of melanin (6).

3. May Reduce Sun Damage

Image: Shutterstock

Prolonged sun exposure can create dark patches and dullness in your skin.

Glabrene, a powerful skin-lightening agent found in licorice extract, prevents the synthesis of tyrosinase enzymes (7). These enzymes are to blame for the darkening of the skin after sun exposure (8). In addition, high levels of sun exposure will activate these key enzymes, which are responsible for melanin production and the transport of tyrosine after converting it into melanin. This is responsible for the dark patches on the skin.

Liquitrin is another licorice component that aids in skin lightening as it breaks down extra melanin in your skin and protects it from hyperpigmentation (9).

4. May Alleviate Acne

Image: Shutterstock

Acne is an inflammatory skin disorder, which is characterized by open or closed comedones, papules, or nodules. Natural antibacterial effects of licorice aid in acne reduction.

Licorice regulates oil production and minimizes irritation on the skin and may be beneficial in lowering the red, patchy look in those with rosaceaⁱXA common skin condition in which blood vessels become visible and produce small pus-filled bumps on the face. .

5. Offers Skin Protection

Licochalcone A, an active component in licorice, provides skin defense advantages as it encourages your skin to create more antioxidants. Antioxidants strengthen the skin’s natural defenses while the use of licorice lowers the incidence of UV-induced skin cancer.

Licorice extract may also aid in the regeneration of elastin and collagen in your skin as it contains nutrients such as amino acids, which are proven to promote skin hydration and moisturization. Studies conducted on rats suggested that increased collagen synthesis promoted the formation of epithelial cells, which enhanced wound healing (10).

6. May Help With Melasma

Licorice extract has gained attention as a natural remedy for melasma, a condition that causes dark, discolored patches on the skin(11). It contains several active compounds effective against this condition, including liquiritin, glabridin, licochalcone A, and isoliquertin. Liquiritin has a whitening effect, while glabridin has been found to inhibit the production of melanin, helping to reduce hyperpigmentation (12). All these compounds have different mechanisms to reduce melanin production. Apart from that they also possess anti-inflammatory properties, which may help soothe the skin and even out the tone. However, do not use licorice extract without consulting a dermatologist as it is crucial to ensure its suitability for your specific condition and skin.

Explore the various ways you can incorporate licorice root extract into your skincare routine.

How To Use Licorice Root Extract For Your Skin

Products And Formulations

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Creams, gels, sheet masks, and lotions containing licorice are available and regular usage might help you achieve a radiant complexion. The extract content in licorice serums is greater.

Choose a gel-based licorice skin product for itchy and irritated skin. You can also make your own plant-based mixture by combining it with aloe vera gel to relieve skin irritation.

With Vitamin C

The combination of licorice with vitamin C is increasingly popular as it provides better protection against sun damage and hyperpigmentation. Look for serums that contain both ingredients and use them before you apply sunscreen.

As Powder

You can also ingest licorice root powder for added benefit. However, keep a close tab on the amount you consume every day to avoid any harmful side effects (13).

Are you wondering how effective licorice root extract could be for you? Read on.

Who Should Use Licorice Extract?

Most skin types can withstand licorice extract.

If you are pregnant or nursing, avoid drinking licorice extracts.

According to several studies, mothers who consume licorice while pregnant may raise their child’s chances of cognitive damage (14).

How Often Should You Use Licorice Extract?

Follow the package directions if you’re using a topical application. A tiny quantity of the product is usually adequate. However, your dermatologist will instruct you on the proper dosage if you use a medicated licorice cream or gel.

There is no standard advice for licorice supplementation. Restrict glycyrrhizin intake to fewer than 100 mg per day, according to the

World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Scientific Committee of Food (SCF) (13).

After consulting your doctor, you can also take deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) powders or capsules.

What Are The Side Effects Of Licorice Extract?

Topical Application Of Licorice Extract

An allergic response to licorice root extract is uncommon. However, when combined with other substances, it might create a response on sensitive skin.

To avoid skin irritation and allergies, do not use a licorice formulation with a product containing retinol or hydroquinone.

Consuming An Excess Of Licorice Root Supplements

Licorice tea and supplements are typically safe when consumed in small amounts and for a short period of time. However, in excessive quantities, they might have negative consequences.

Cortisol levels can rise as a result of elevated glycyrrhizin and might have a detrimental impact on your body’s fluid and electrolyte balances.

Reduced potassium levels
High blood pressure
Muscle weakness
Abnormal heart rhythm

Excess licorice can also impact the function of your heart and cause fluid accumulation in the lungs (13). It is best to avoid consuming licorice extracts if you have high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, or low potassium levels (15).

Adverse Drug Interactions With Licorice

Licorice extract does not cause adverse reactions (when consumed in low doses) on its own. It can, however, adversely react with certain medications (13), (16). Licorice supplements may interact with:

DiureticsⁱXWater pills that help rid your body of excess water by allowing the kidneys to release excess sodium via urination.
Birth control pills or hormone therapy
CorticosteroidsⁱXA drug that reduces inflammation and suppresses the immune system to treat conditions like asthma, hay fever, and allergic rhinitis.
Blood pressure medicines
Blood thinners
Cholesterol regulating medicines
Painkillers like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

If you are on any of these above-mentioned medications, consult your doctor before taking licorice.

Infographic: Licorice DIY Face Mask

Licorice extract helps solve several skin issues, including acne, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation. It is available in the form of sheet masks, gels, creams, lotions, and supplements. However, you can also mix it with other natural ingredients to prepare face masks.

Check out the infographic below to learn how to prepare a licorice face mask with honey.

In Conclusion

Licorice extract has the ability to enhance skin tone, decrease inflammation, redness, and combat acne-causing germs. Licorice’s active components (glycyrrhizin acid and glabridin) have powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities and appear to be beneficial to your skin’s health. However, before taking it orally, be aware of its side effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does licorice remove facial hair?

Anecdotal evidence claim that licorice powder face masks can reduce facial hair.

Can I add licorice powder to my cream?

Yes. Licorice powder is appropriate for skin care products such as creams. However, do a patch test before using it to avoid allergic reactions and ensure to follow the product instructions to use it.

Does licorice remove tan?

Licorice extract has skin-brightening properties that may help reduce the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and tanning caused by sun exposure. It contains glabrene and liquitrin, powerful components that inhibit the production of melanin in the skin. By reducing melanin production, licorice extract may help brighten the skin and remove a tan.

How long does it typically take to see results from using licorice extract on the skin?

It may take weeks to see any significant results from using licorice extract on the skin. We recommend using products with licorice extract as directed and being patient with the results to see the full benefits.

Key Takeaways

Licorice root extract is widely used in skincare and cosmetics for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
It helps soothe inflamed skin, reduce hyperpigmentation, blemishes, and signs of sun damage.
Moreover, it helps strengthen your natural skin barrier with regular use.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Learn how to reduce the appearance of age spots with licorice extract! Follow the simple steps in the following video to get glowing, youthful skin. Watch the video for more information.

References

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