Unlock The Power Of Licorice Extract Skin Care Benefits

Licorice root is a common ingredient in candy, but it has all sorts of internal and external medicinal uses. It's often used internally (taken in tea works) for digestive issues such as heartburn, indigestion and ulcers. Initial research indicates it may be helpful in lowering bad cholesterol, and it's also helpful with certain symptoms of menopause. From the National Library of Medicine:

"Licorice roots decreased the frequency and severity of hot flashes. The administration of this harmless, inexpensive herb well accepted by the menopausal women together with the appropriate and continuous physical activities and consumption of dairy products are recommended for relieving this complication."

For external use, it's commonly used in the treatment of eczema and psoriasis. In their study of atopic dermatitis doctors Majid Saeedi, Katayoun Morteza-Semnani and M-R Ghoreishi found the following:

"Two percent licorice topical gel was more effective than 1% in reducing the scores for erythema, oedema and itching over two weeks (p<0.05). The results showed that licorice extract could be considered as an effective agent for treatment of atopic dermatitis."

The atopic dermatitis study clearly points to the effectiveness of licorice root as a topical treatment for minor skin irritations. In terms of acne (another minor skin irritation), it reduces inflammation primarily through its glycyrrhetinic acid content.

Although we include it in our vegan friendly, blissani Naturals Anti-Acne Clear Face Toner primarily due it's ability to improve hyperpigmentation, it's additional anti-acne and anti-inflammatory benefits fit right into our clean skincare mission.

"Studies have shown that glabridin prevents Ultraviolet B (UVB) induced pigmentation and exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting superoxide anion and cyclooxygenase activity.[45] However, more studies are needed to prove its de-pigmenting action."

Glabridin -Glycyrrhiza glabra - is an isoflavane. It has (more) anti-inflammatory as well as anti-oxidant effects. Both are important to skin with less wrinkles and less acne. The anti-inflammatory nature of licorice root is especially helpful in dealing with the symptoms of acne as it reduces the appearance of persistent blemishes and improves the time of healing.

All of this makes licorice root extract an essential healing herb inside and out. Check it out today in our blissani Naturals Anti-Acne Clear Face Toner. It's Vegan-Friendly, Cruelty-Free and Made in the USA.

For further reading on licorice root extract:

How Licorice Extract Compares to Other Brightening Ingredients

When it comes to fading dark spots and evening out skin tone, licorice root extract is frequently mentioned alongside better-known options like vitamin C, kojic acid, and niacinamide. Each of these ingredients works differently, and understanding those differences can help you make smarter choices about your skincare routine.

Vitamin C is probably the most well-known brightening ingredient. It works primarily as an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals that contribute to uneven pigmentation and dullness. It's effective, but it oxidizes quickly — meaning formulas that contain it can lose potency before you've finished the bottle, especially when exposed to air and light. Kojic acid, derived from fungi, blocks the production of melanin but can be irritating to sensitive skin at higher concentrations. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is gentler and works by interrupting the transfer of pigment to skin cells, which takes consistent use over several weeks to show results.

Licorice root extract, specifically through its glabridin content, inhibits tyrosinase — the enzyme responsible for triggering melanin production in the first place. This mechanism is similar to kojic acid but generally better tolerated. Unlike vitamin C, licorice extract tends to be more stable in formulas, which means it stays effective longer on your shelf. For people with acne-prone or reactive skin who are dealing with post-blemish dark marks (known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or PIH), licorice root offers a double benefit: it targets the discoloration while simultaneously calming the inflammation that caused it. That combination is genuinely useful, not just a marketing angle.

This is part of the reason it was chosen as a key ingredient in the blissani Naturals Clear Face Toner. Rather than relying on a single aggressive active, the formula works with your skin's natural processes — reducing irritation and discoloration in a way that's appropriate for daily use.

How To Use Licorice Root Extract In Your Skincare Routine

Knowing that an ingredient works is only part of the equation. Getting consistent results also depends on how and when you use it. Licorice root extract is water-soluble, which makes it well-suited for toners, serums, and lightweight moisturizers. It's not typically found in oil-based formulas, which means it's most effective in the early, hydrating steps of a skincare routine — right after cleansing, when your skin is ready to absorb actives.

If you're using a toner that contains licorice root, apply it to clean skin using a cotton pad or by gently pressing it in with your fingertips. This step preps the skin for whatever comes next — moisturizer, serum, or SPF. Because licorice extract is calming rather than exfoliating, it doesn't require any special precautions around sun sensitivity the way acids or retinoids do. That said, anyone working on hyperpigmentation should be wearing sunscreen daily regardless. UV exposure is the primary driver of continued pigmentation, so protecting the skin in the morning is non-negotiable if you want to see real improvement.

Consistency matters more than frequency here. You're not going to see dark spots fade overnight, but using a licorice-containing toner twice daily — morning and evening — gives the ingredient enough contact time with the skin to do its job. Most people begin to notice subtle evening of tone within four to six weeks of regular use, with more significant improvement over two to three months.

For acne-prone skin in particular, pairing the blissani Clear Face Toner with the blissani Clear Face Wash makes practical sense — both are formulated without harsh synthetic additives and work toward the same goal of calmer, clearer skin without stripping its natural moisture barrier.

What To Look For When Choosing A Licorice Root Skincare Product

Not all licorice root extracts are created equal, and the way a product is formulated matters a great deal. When reviewing an ingredient list, look for terms like Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract or glabridin specifically — these indicate that the active compounds are actually present. Some products use licorice in such trace amounts that any real benefit is questionable, so it helps to see it listed in the first half of the ingredient list rather than buried near the bottom alongside fragrance and preservatives.

It's also worth paying attention to what surrounds the licorice extract in the formula. Ingredients that calm and support the skin barrier — things like aloe vera, green tea extract, or witch hazel — tend to complement licorice root well. On the other hand, formulas loaded with artificial fragrance, alcohol, or synthetic colorants can undermine the anti-inflammatory benefit you're looking for in the first place. If you're specifically shopping for a product to address acne-related hyperpigmentation, a fragrance-free, alcohol-free toner is going to be your best bet.

Sourcing and manufacturing standards matter too. A product made in the USA under controlled conditions is more likely to deliver consistent potency and ingredient integrity than one with an opaque supply chain. blissani formulates and manufactures all five of its products in the USA, using vegan, cruelty-free ingredients — which makes it straightforward to know exactly what you're putting on your skin and where it came from.

If you're new to licorice root in skincare, a toner is one of the easiest and most affordable entry points — and at $15, the blissani Clear Face Toner fits easily into a daily routine without requiring a major commitment. Give it four to six weeks of consistent morning-and-evening use, pair it with a good SPF during the day, and pay attention to how your skin responds — most people dealing with acne-related redness and dark marks find it's a straightforward addition that earns its place on the shelf.