Licorice root has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, from digestive issues to skin conditions. In more recent times, it has been gaining more attention for its potential to improve skin tone, reduce hyperpigmentation, and even combat signs of aging.
The active compounds in licorice root, known as glabridin and liquiritin, are thought to be responsible for its skin-enhancing properties. Research has shown that these compounds can help reduce inflammation, brighten skin, and even protect against damage caused by UV exposure.
Additionally, licorice root can help balance oil production and reduce the appearance of age spots. With these benefits, it’s no wonder that licorice root has become so popular for improving skin tone.
Active compounds in licorice root
Licorice root contains a few active compounds that are believed to be responsible for its skin-enhancing properties. First and foremost, there is glabridin, which is known for its ability to reduce skin pigmentation.
Additionally, liquiritin is a compound found in licorice root that can protect against UV damage by inhibiting the expression of COX-2, an enzyme that plays a role in inflammation.
Together, these compounds are believed to be what makes licorice root such a potent skin care ingredient. Licorice root also contains flavonoids, which are known to help reduce inflammation, stimulate collagen production, and protect against free radical damage. Additionally, licorice root is also rich in minerals like iron, calcium, and potassium.
Research on the benefits of licorice root
Much of the research on the benefits of licorice root has been conducted on topical applications. One study found that licorice root extract applied topically could reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation by as much as 50% after 8 weeks of daily use.
Another found that licorice root extract applied topically could help brighten skin and reduce the appearance of age spots. A third study found that licorice root extract applied topically could protect against UV damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
While these studies show promise, more research is needed to better understand how exactly licorice root works to improve skin tone, as well as its long-term effects. The compounds found in licorice root have been shown to have side effects in high doses, so it’s important to use it in moderation.
How licorice root can help reduce inflammation
As mentioned, liquiritin is a compound found in licorice root that can protect against UV damage by inhibiting the expression of COX-2, an enzyme that plays a role in inflammation. One study found that licorice root extract applied topically could help treat inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis.
Another found that licorice root extract applied topically could help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation as well as the marks left behind by acne. All in all, licorice root’s ability to reduce inflammation makes it a great active for anyone looking to brighten skin and treat inflammatory skin conditions.
How licorice root can help brighten skin
As mentioned, licorice root extract applied topically has been found to help brighten skin and reduce the appearance of age spots. One study found that licorice root extract applied topically could help reduce melanin production.
Another found that licorice root extract applied topically could help skin look brighter and more even-toned. With all of these benefits, licorice root extract applied topically is a great active for anyone looking to brighten their skin.
How licorice root can help protect against UV damage
As mentioned, one study found that licorice root extract applied topically could protect against the UV-induced erythema response. In other words, it could help prevent the redness and inflammation that comes along with UV damage.
This is great news for those who want to protect their skin from the sun but don’t want to use a heavy, oily sunscreen. Plus, licorice root extract applied topically could also help prevent the UV-induced damage from leading to wrinkles and the formation of age spots. With all of these benefits, licorice root extract applied topically is a great active for anyone looking to protect their skin from UV damage.
How licorice root can help balance oil production
Another benefit of licorice root is its ability to balance oil production. Many people with oily skin find that as they get older, they have an increased oil production, which can lead to breakouts.
Licorice root extract applied topically has been found to help reduce oil production, which can help combat breakouts and keep pores from getting clogged. With this benefit, licorice root extract applied topically is a great active for anyone with oily skin who is looking to reduce the appearance of pores and oiliness.
How licorice root can reduce the appearance of age spots
As mentioned, licorice root extract applied topically has been found to help reduce the appearance of age spots. Age spots are caused by a variety of factors, one of the most common being UV damage.
Licorice root extract applied topically has been found to reduce the appearance of age spots by inhibiting the production of melanin, which is what gives skin its pigmentation. With this benefit, licorice root extract applied topically is a great active for anyone looking to reduce the appearance of age spots.
Popular products containing licorice root
- Licorice Root Exfoliating Peel: This product from Sarah Chapman is an at-home peel that uses licorice root to smooth and brighten skin, while cleansing pores.
- Gentle Milk Cleanser: This mild cleanser from Origins uses licorice root to cleanse the skin while controlling oil production.
- Rich Re-Texturizing Mask: This mask from LANEIGE uses licorice root to smooth and brighten skin, while also protecting against UV damage. - Vitamin C Brightening Serum: This brightening serum from Kiehl’s uses licorice root to brighten skin and protect against UV damage.
We use licorice root in our blissani Naturals Clear Face Toner. It's the best vegan anti-aging toner we could imagine. With elements like green tea and aloe, this anti-aging and anti-acne toner has the power to improve skin tone while reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
The best ways to incorporate licorice root into your skin care routine
Licorice root is best used topically for the benefits listed above. While you can ingest a small amount of licorice root, ingesting large amounts can lead to some serious side effects. When using licorice root topically, it’s best to apply it once or twice a week for best results.
Additionally, licorice root is best used in conjunction with other active ingredients, like vitamin C and retinol, which have been proven effective at brightening skin and protecting against UV damage. When applying licorice root, it’s best to apply it as the last step in your skin care routine.
This will allow it to be absorbed by the skin and will prevent it from blocking the absorption of other active ingredients. When buying licorice root, make sure that it only contains licorice root extract, as it will not have any of the side effects associated with ingesting licorice root.
The benefits of licorice root for improving your skin tone
While licorice root has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, in more recent times it has been gaining more attention for its potential to improve skin tone, reduce hyperpigmentation, and even combat signs of aging. The active compounds in licorice root, known as glabridin and liquiritin, are thought to be responsible for its skin-enhancing properties.
Research has shown that these compounds can help reduce inflammation, brighten skin, and even protect against damage caused by UV exposure. Additionally, licorice root can help balance oil production and reduce the appearance of age spots. With these benefits, it’s no wonder that licorice root has become so popular for improving skin tone.
