Licorice Root Key Facts
Rating: Best.
(Best / Excellent / Good / Average / Not Recommended)
Origin: Natural.
(Natural / Synthetic)
Vegan: Yes.
(Yes / No)
Functions: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant, skin regeneration booster, radiance booster, skin brightening agent, anti-ageing, anti-photoageing, skin collagen booster.
Suitability: all skin types including sensitive skin.
Licorice root in skincare
Licorice root (glycyrrhiza glabra) extract is a skincare ingredient well-known for its skin whitening effects. Scientifically licorice root has also been proven to have many other skin benefits.
The Skin Benefits of Licorice Root
Licorice root speeds up the skin healing process and reduces hyperpigmentation including the post-acne dark spots. Studies showed that licorice root has anti-irritant, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, skin brightening and anti-ageing properties. Clinical trials indicated that licorice root reduces the melanin production in the skin, remarkably lightens dark spots (hyperpigmentation) and brightens the skin tone. It also boosts the collagen production, lightens the appearance of wrinkles, and helps prevent oxidative damage and UV-induced skin ageing.
Two other skincare ingredients which have been proven to be very effective for brightening skin tone and lightening dark spots are n-acetyl glucosamine and niacinamide. For best skin whitening effects, these two ingredients must be combined together. Even better, studies also showed that niacinamide and n-acetyl glucosamine work in partnership to dramatically reduce the signs of skin ageing and photodamage.
Can all skin types benefit from licorice root?
Yes, all skin types can benefit from licorice root skincare products including sensitive skin.
Can you use licorice root skincare products during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Yes, licorice root skincare products are safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Is there any ingredient recommended to be used together with licorice root?
Yes, there are some skincare ingredients which work synergistically with licorice root. The skin soothing effects of licorice root can be enhanced by mixing it with panthenol or bisabolol. The skin brightening effects of licorice root can be enhanced by mixing it with niacinamide and n-acetyl glucosamine. For best dark spot reducing effects, look for skincare products which contain niacinamide, n-acetyl glucosamine, resveratrol and licorice root like Anti-Dark Spot Brightening Serum Duo for Hyperpigmentation.
When is the best time to use licorice root skincare products?
Licorice root is not phototoxic. It doesn't cause photosensitivity. You can use licorice root skincare products at anytime during the day and night.
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Author:
Henry Tianus is a multi-award-winning Anti-Ageing Scientist based in London, UK. Henry Tianus has been listed as The Recognised Institute Practitioner at The Institute of Traditional Herbal Medicine and Aromatherapy (ITHMA), London (UK) since 2005. Henry Tianus's articles have been read by people in more than 100 countries with USA and UK at the top of the list. Join Henry Tianus eNewsletter to receive the latest health and wellbeing tips.
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Scientific Sources: (1) Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: A Review of the Epidemiology, Clinical Features, and Treatment Options in Skin of Color, Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, July 16, 2010. (2) Phytocomplexes from liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) leaves--chemical characterization and evaluation of their antioxidant, anti-genotoxic and anti-inflammatory activity, Fitoterapia, 2011 Jun: 82(4): 546-56. (3) A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulation for the Individual Patient, 2003, 312-317. (4) Encyclopedia of Herbs & Their Uses, The Royal Horticultural Society, 2002, 226-227. (5) The inhibitory effect of glabridin from licorice extracts on melanogenesis and inflammation, Pigment Cell Research 1998 Dec: 11(6): 355-61. (6) Mechanisms Regulating Skin Pigmentation: The Rise and Fall of Complexion Coloration, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2009 Sep; 10(9): 4066–4087. (7) Glycerolic Licorice Extracts as Active Cosmeceutical Ingredients: Extraction Optimization, Chemical Characterization, and Biological Activity, Antioxidants (Basel), 2019 Oct; 8(10): 445. (8) Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra, G. uralensis, and G. inflata) and Their Constituents as Active Cosmeceutical Ingredients, Cosmetics, 2022, 9(1), 7. (9) Licorice in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris and Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation: A Review, Journal of Pharmaceutical Care, Vol 8, No 4 (Autumn 2020).
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