Licorice Root Extract (Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract) is a gentle botanical used for calming comfort, antioxidant support, and tone-evening help—especially for sensitive or reactive skin. This guide covers benefits, uses, side effects, formulation notes, compatibility, routines, and references.

Licorice Root Extract – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

Licorice Root Extract (commonly listed as Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract) is one of those “quiet hero” botanicals that makes routines feel calmer while also supporting a more even-looking tone. It’s widely used in formulas designed for sensitivity, redness-prone days, and post-blemish marks—because it can brighten the look of dullness without relying on harsh exfoliation.

Key Takeaways ✅

• Soothing-first brightening: helps tone look clearer without harsh exfoliation.
• Redness comfort: often used in sensitive and reactive-skin formulas.
• Antioxidant buffering: supports daily defence against environmental stress.
• Pairs easily: layers well with most routines when the formula is well-made.
• SPF protects results: uneven tone improves faster when UV exposure is controlled.

What Is Licorice Root Extract? 🌿

Licorice Root Extract comes from the root of the licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra is the most common cosmetic species). In skincare, it’s valued for bioactives like glabridin and liquiritin (varies by extraction), which are often discussed in the context of tone-evening support, calming comfort, and antioxidant activity.

Important note: “Licorice” in skincare is not the same as eating licorice candy. Cosmetic licorice extracts are used at small levels and are designed for topical skin benefits, not systemic effects.

Benefits 🌿

Licorice Root Extract is loved because it improves how skin behaves—less reactive, more comfortable—while supporting a more even-looking surface. The glow it creates is usually the “calm glow,” not the “peeled glow.”

• Soothing-feel support: helps reduce the look of redness and discomfort signals.
• Tone-evening support: helps dullness and uneven-looking pigmentation appear softer over time.
• Antioxidant protection: supports resilience against UV/pollution stress (still needs SPF).
• Routine harmony: helps active routines feel less “angry” when paired well.

Uses 🧴

• Daily sensitivity support: when skin feels easily irritated or flushed.
• Post-blemish marks: to support a clearer-looking finish after breakouts.
• Uneven tone routines: for dullness and patchy-looking pigmentation.
• Active buffering: used alongside retinoids/acids to keep routines comfortable (when tolerated).

Side Effects ⚠️

Licorice is generally considered gentle, but “botanical gentle” still needs smart usage—especially if your skin reacts to plants easily. Reactions are more often due to the overall formula (fragrance, alcohols, strong actives) than the licorice itself.

Possible Issue	Why It Happens	What To Do
Itching or redness	Botanical sensitivity or fragranced formula	Stop; patch test; choose fragrance-free options
Stinging on application	Compromised barrier	Pause actives; barrier-first routine 3–7 days
No results	Inconsistent use or no SPF	Use daily; add SPF; give it 4–8 weeks

Who Should Use It? 👤

Licorice Root Extract is one of the easiest “yes” ingredients for comfort + tone support—especially for people who can’t tolerate harsh exfoliation.

• Sensitive, reactive, or redness-prone skin
• Uneven-looking tone or dullness
• Post-blemish marks (especially if you want gentle care)
• People building a daily antioxidant routine

What Should You Use? 🧭 (Pick the Right Product Style)

Licorice works best in formulas designed for calm skin: watery serums, soothing essences, barrier creams, and daily brightening moisturisers. If you’re sensitive, choose fragrance-free and avoid “too many actives in one bottle.”

Product Type	Best For	Skin Feel	Beginner Tip
Licorice serum/essence	Tone support + comfort	Light, calming	Use daily; layer under moisturiser
Barrier cream with licorice	Redness-prone, dry, sensitive	Comforting	Great at night; reduces reactive feel
Brightening blends	Stubborn uneven tone	Variable	Start slower to avoid stacking

Why Should You Use It? 💡

Because calm skin brightens faster. When you reduce irritation signals and support barrier comfort, your skin holds water better, looks smoother, and marks often appear less intense. Licorice is a smart “daily support” ingredient that helps your routine stay repeatable—which is the real secret to visible tone change.

What Happens If You Misuse It? ⚠️

Licorice itself is not usually the problem—misuse is typically about stacking too many strong actives around it or using it in a formula that contains irritants your skin can’t handle.

• Redness flare cycles (from formula irritation)
• Stinging when barrier is stressed
• Slower mark fading because inflammation increases

What Happens If You Don’t Use It? ❓

You can still have great skin without licorice—but if you’re sensitive and want gentle brightening, you may end up relying on harsher routes (strong acids, heavy retinoids) that can be less sustainable. Licorice is the “low-drama clarity” option.

Chemical Family & Composition 🧬

Licorice Root Extract is a botanical extract rich in polyphenols and other plant compounds. Depending on the extraction, you may see key constituents discussed such as:

• Glabridin: often referenced for tone-support and antioxidant activity.
• Liquiritin: discussed in brightening contexts.
• Flavonoids: broad antioxidant family supporting resilience.

Key Components Inside Botanical Complex 38 🧾

When Licorice appears inside “botanical complexes,” it usually plays a supportive role:

• Comfort buffering: helps actives feel less irritating.
• Clarity support: supports the formula’s tone story without exfoliation overload.
• Routine compliance: makes you more likely to keep using your routine consistently.

Behind the Blend: Clarifying Botanicals 🌿

Licorice pairs beautifully with “clarifying botanicals” that calm while supporting a clear look. The goal is not harsh purging—it’s steady clarity. In well-designed blends, licorice helps the skin look more even while the rest of the routine keeps the barrier stable.

Clinical Evidence 📊 (Practical Takeaways)

Licorice-derived compounds are commonly discussed in dermatology and cosmetic science in the context of brightening and soothing. In real routines, the most visible results happen when licorice is used daily and paired with:

• Barrier support (hydration + moisturiser)
• Sun protection (SPF every morning)
• Reduced irritation triggers (avoid over-exfoliation stacks)

Common Formulation Percentages 🧴

Licorice usage levels vary widely because it can be included as a concentrated extract or as part of a botanical blend. Instead of chasing a number, focus on formula quality and tolerance.

• Daily calm support: gentle formulas used AM/PM
• Tone-focused serums: may be more concentrated (start slowly if sensitive)

Climate Suitability 🌍

Climate	How Licorice Usually Feels	Best Adjustment
Hot & Humid	Light, comfortable, non-greasy	Use watery serum + lightweight moisturiser
Cold & Dry	Still soothing but needs richer support	Layer under ceramide moisturiser
High UV / Outdoors	Great support, but SPF drives results	Strict daily SPF for tone improvement

Skin-Type Compatibility 🧴

• Sensitive: excellent choice; prefer fragrance-free formulas.
• Dry: pair with humectants + ceramide moisturiser.
• Oily/combination: choose lightweight serum formats.
• Acne-prone: helpful for post-blemish marks; keep routine non-irritating.

How Men & Women Respond Differently 👩🦰👨🦱

Differences are often routine-driven. Men may benefit when shaving irritation makes redness and marks more visible. Women may benefit when hormonal shifts create uneven tone patterns. For both, licorice works best as a daily calm-support step paired with SPF.

Who Should Avoid It? ⚖️

• Known botanical allergies (patch test is essential)
• Highly reactive skin in an active flare (reset first)
• Formulas with fragrance/essential oils if you’re sensitivity-prone

The Cumulative Effect 📅

• Week 1–2: calmer feel, less “reactive” look in many routines.
• Weeks 3–6: tone appears more even; post-blemish marks may look softer.
• Long-term: improved routine tolerance and clearer-looking skin behavior (with SPF).

Best Product Formats 🌿

• Watery serum/essence: daily soothing + tone support
• Barrier moisturiser: comfort + routine repeatability
• Spot-support formulas: targeted tone help for post-blemish marks

The Science of Feel ⚗️

Licorice usually feels “quiet” on skin—no sting, no peel, no drama. That’s the point. If you experience burning or persistent stinging, suspect barrier stress or an irritating formula component, not the licorice itself.

Compatibility Guide 🔄

Combination	Compatibility	Why	Safer Alternative
Licorice + Niacinamide	✅ Excellent	Calm + tone support, barrier-friendly	Use together AM or PM
Licorice + Vitamin C	✅ Very good	Antioxidant layering for morning defence	Use Vit C AM + licorice AM/PM
Licorice + Retinoids	⚠️ Good (start slow)	Can help comfort, but overall routine may be active-heavy	Alternate nights if sensitive
Licorice + strong acids	⚠️ Caution	Stacking may irritate sensitive skin	Use acids on separate nights

Complex Comparison 🧩 (Licorice vs Other Calm Brighteners)

Ingredient	Main Strength	Irritation Risk	Best For
Licorice Root Extract	Soothing + tone support	Low	Sensitive brightening, redness-prone skin
Azelaic Acid	Clarity + tone + redness support	Low–Moderate	Acne marks, uneven tone, reactive skin
Vitamin C	Radiance + antioxidant	Variable	Morning glow + defence (formula dependent)

How to Use It in a Routine (Step-by-Step) 🧴

Beginner Calm Brightening Routine (AM)

1. Gentle cleanse (no harsh foaming if you’re dry/sensitive).
2. Licorice serum/essence (thin layer).
3. Moisturiser (barrier-supporting).
4. SPF (the step that protects tone results).

Evening Routine (PM)

1. Cleanse gently.
2. Licorice (serum or moisturiser format).
3. Barrier cream if you’re dry or reactive.

Scheduling Tip

• Daily use is usually fine if the formula is gentle.
• If you use strong actives, keep licorice as your “comfort” step on those days.

 

 

The “Calm Brightening” Philosophy (Why Licorice Wins) 🌿

Licorice Root Extract is one of the best examples of calm brightening—tone support that doesn’t depend on peeling, stripping, or triggering redness. It improves the “look of tone” by helping skin feel less reactive and more stable, which often makes marks appear softer and the overall complexion look clearer over time.

What Licorice Is NOT (Expectation Guardrails) 🚫

Licorice Root Extract is not a peel, a bleaching agent, or an overnight spot eraser. It’s a supportive botanical that helps tone look more even by reducing the “stress signals” that keep marks looking stubborn. If you want visible results, think weeks and consistency, not days and intensity.

Best Use-Cases (Where It Feels Most Magical) 🎯

• Redness-prone days: when skin looks flushed, irritated, or overstimulated.
• Post-blemish marks: when marks linger longer because the barrier stays reactive.
• Uneven tone + sensitivity: when acids feel too harsh.
• Active buffering: when you want to keep retinoid/exfoliant routines more comfortable.

The “Mark Loop”: Why Irritation Makes Pigmentation Stickier 🔁

Marks often linger because the skin is caught in a loop: irritation → inflammation → slow recovery → slower-looking tone improvement. Licorice helps by supporting comfort and calm—reducing the chance your routine keeps “restarting” due to redness and dryness.

Tone Support vs Redness Comfort (Licorice’s Two-Lane Benefit) 📊

Licorice sits at the intersection of tone clarity and comfort—rare for “brightening” ingredients.

Goal	How Licorice Helps	What You Notice	Best Partner Step
Redness comfort	Supports calm look and reduces reactive feel	Skin looks less “hot” and more even	Barrier moisturiser
Post-blemish marks	Helps marks look softer over time (consistency matters)	Less “shadowy” unevenness	Daily sunscreen
Overall dullness	Improves “clarity perception” without peeling	Calm glow instead of peeled glow	Hydration layer

The “Glabridin & Friends” Story (Simple, Reader-Friendly) 🧪

Licorice extracts can contain different bioactives depending on how they’re made. Names like glabridin and liquiritin often show up in tone-support discussions. You don’t need to memorize them—what matters is that licorice is commonly used for comfort + clarity in sensitive-skin formulas.

The SPF Multiplier (Why Licorice Needs Protection to “Show”) ☀️

Tone progress is fragile. UV exposure can keep pigment pathways active and make marks re-darken. Licorice supports improvement, but sunscreen protects it—so treat SPF as the brightening amplifier.

Beginner-to-Advanced Scheduling (Simple Plan) 📅

Most people can use licorice daily, but your routine intensity decides the best schedule.

Routine Level	How Often	Best Time	What To Avoid Early	Why It Works
Beginner / Sensitive	Daily or 4–6x/week	AM and/or PM	Crowded multi-active stacking	Comfort-first consistency
Intermediate	Daily	AM + PM	Strong acids same night as retinoids	Keeps routine calm
Advanced Actives User	Daily	Use on “recovery” nights too	Assuming more actives = faster results	Reduces irritation cycles

Layering Order (To Maximize Calm) 🧴

A comfort-first sequence is usually best: cleanse → hydration layer → licorice → moisturiser. In the morning: finish with sunscreen. This order reduces the chance of stinging and helps your barrier stay repeatable.

Full-Face vs Spot Use (Which Works Better?) 🎯

Licorice is often better as a full-face tone support ingredient rather than a “spot paint” step. Full-face use improves overall clarity and reduces the contrast between marks and surrounding skin. Spot use is fine, but avoid thick layering that can create uneven dryness.

The “No-Drama Brightening” Advantage ✨

Many brightening routines create a glow by thinning the surface quickly—often with a cost. Licorice gives a different kind of glow: calm glow—skin looks steadier, less blotchy, more comfortable. That’s why it’s loved by sensitive-skin communities.

Climate-Smart Adjustments 🌍

• Hot & humid: lightweight licorice serums feel comfortable; keep sunscreen consistent.
• Cold & dry / AC-heavy: pair with richer moisturiser to prevent tightness.
• High UV: results depend heavily on sunscreen habits (re-darkening is common without it).

Skin Signals Guide (Adjust Without Guessing) 📡

Skin Signal	Likely Meaning	Best Move	What To Avoid
Comfortable + hydrated	Routine is balanced	Keep schedule consistent	Adding extra actives impulsively
Stinging on basic steps	Barrier stress	Simplify; focus on moisturiser 3–7 days	Exfoliation “to fix it”
Redness increases after actives	Over-stacking	Use licorice on recovery days; alternate nights	Strong acid + retinoid same night
Marks look darker after sun	UV stimulation	Improve sunscreen consistency	Skipping SPF on indoor days

Common Mistakes That Slow Results 🧩

• Inconsistent use: botanicals reward repetition.
• Skipping sunscreen: marks can re-darken faster than you fade them.
• Over-exfoliating: irritation = slower tone improvement.
• Chasing “stronger”: sensitive skin often needs “calmer,” not “harder.”

Honest Timeline (What You’ll Notice and When) ⏳

• Week 1–2: routine feels calmer; redness look may soften.
• Weeks 3–6: tone looks steadier; marks may appear less contrasty.
• Weeks 8–12: clearer-looking overall tone (especially with sunscreen consistency).

Post-Blemish Marks: The Gentle Strategy That Works 🎯

For post-blemish marks, licorice works best when you avoid irritation: no harsh scrubs, no frequent peels, no aggressive picking. Use licorice daily, moisturise consistently, and treat sunscreen as non-negotiable. That combination reduces the chance marks keep “re-activating” visually.

Shaving & Redness (Why Many Men Love Licorice) 🪒

Shaving creates micro-irritation and can make redness or marks more visible. Licorice is a smart post-shave-friendly botanical because it supports comfort while helping tone look more even. Keep the rest of the routine simple: hydrate, moisturise, protect.

Retinoids + Licorice (The Comfort Buffer Logic) 🌙

Licorice can be a “comfort buffer” in retinoid routines—especially on recovery nights. If you’re sensitive, don’t layer everything at once: try alternating nights (retinoid nights vs licorice-focused comfort nights) to reduce irritation cycles.

“Maintenance Ingredient” Power (Why It’s Worth Keeping) 🔁

Licorice is often best as a maintenance ingredient: it helps keep tone looking stable and the barrier feeling calm. Even after marks fade, continuing licorice can support clarity and help reduce the “back-and-forth” look of uneven tone when skin gets stressed.

Troubleshooting Table (Problem → Cause → Fix) 🧰

Problem	Likely Cause	Fix	Time to Notice Improvement
No visible change yet	Botanical pace + tone takes time	Use daily + sunscreen; commit 6–8 weeks	4–8 weeks
Stinging	Barrier disruption or irritating formula base	Pause actives; simplify; reintroduce slowly	3–10 days
Redness flare	Over-stacking or sensitizing steps	Reduce exfoliation; keep routine minimal	7–14 days
Marks re-darken	UV exposure without protection	Strengthen sunscreen habits	Ongoing prevention

Mini FAQ Add-On ❓

Can I use Licorice Root Extract every day?
Usually yes—many people use it daily AM/PM. If your skin is reactive, start once daily and increase gradually.

Does Licorice work for dark spots?
It supports the look of uneven tone and post-blemish marks gradually. Results are best when sunscreen is consistent and the barrier is kept calm.

Can I use Licorice with Vitamin C or Niacinamide?
Often yes—licorice is usually very compatible. If your routine is sensitive, introduce one new step at a time.

Why do my marks fade slowly even with brighteners?
Common reasons are inconsistent sunscreen, irritation from over-exfoliation, and barrier stress. Calm + protect tends to make brightening more visible.

Verdict 🌿✨

Licorice Root Extract is one of the best “gentle upgrade” ingredients for anyone who wants calm comfort plus tone support. It’s not an aggressive brightener—it’s a repeatable daily ally that helps your skin look clearer, more even, and less reactive over time, especially when SPF is consistent.

FAQs ❓

Is Licorice Root Extract suitable for sensitive skin?
Often yes—especially in fragrance-free formulas. Patch test if you’re botanical-reactive.

Can I combine Licorice Root Extract with other actives?
Yes. It pairs well with barrier support ingredients and can sit alongside many actives—just avoid stacking too many strong steps at once.

How long until I see results?
Comfort can improve quickly. Tone changes typically take 4–8 weeks and improve faster with daily SPF.

External References 🔗

• Skin barrier overview – NCBI Bookshelf
• Antioxidants & photoprotection – NCBI/PMC