Ingredient Guide
Licorice Root Extract
Licorice root extract is a plant-derived ingredient used for brightening and soothing, containing active compounds like glabridin and liquiritin that work through complementary mechanisms.
Evidence profile
How confident is this recommendation?
Confidence is shown in plain categories, not a numerical trust score.
Reasonable supporting research for individual active compounds; whole-extract evidence varies more due to inconsistent standardization across products.
Standardized extracts offer more predictable performance than unstandardized ones.
These are the two areas where licorice-derived compounds have their clearest research support.
Like most brightening ingredients, effects are gradual rather than immediate.
Unlike single, standardized ingredients, whole-plant extracts can vary considerably in composition between suppliers.
What it is
A plant extract whose benefits depend on its specific active compounds.
Licorice root contains multiple bioactive compounds, with glabridin and liquiritin being the most studied for skincare applications. Glabridin is thought to inhibit tyrosinase, while liquiritin may help disperse existing melanin, offering complementary brightening mechanisms.
Because ‘licorice root extract’ isn’t a single standardized ingredient, product quality and evidence strength can vary considerably depending on extraction method and which active compounds are present in meaningful amounts.
Evidence at a glance
Useful evidence, with important limits.
Hyperpigmentation and tone support
Component compounds like glabridin have some supporting research for tyrosinase-inhibiting activity.
Limit: Evidence quality varies with extract standardization; not all ‘licorice extract’ products are equivalent.
Anti-inflammatory and soothing benefit
May offer some calming benefit for reactive or irritated skin.
Limit: Comparative evidence against dedicated soothing ingredients is limited.
Concentration guide
Standardization matters more than a single percentage figure.
| Concentration or form | How to interpret it | Practical use |
|---|---|---|
| Standardized for glabridin or flavonoid content | Offers more predictable, consistent active compound levels. | A reasonable way to evaluate product quality given whole-extract variability. |
| Unstandardized whole extract | Composition can vary considerably between batches and suppliers. | Harder to predict consistent performance. |
Skin Candid view: Favor products that specify standardization for active compounds like glabridin rather than simply listing ‘licorice root extract’ without further detail.
How to use it
Use consistently as part of a brightening or soothing routine.
Give it time: Like other brightening ingredients, licorice-derived compounds build their effects gradually rather than quickly.
Using it with other ingredients
Reduce routine complexity before testing combinations.
Alpha Arbutin
A complementary, better-standardized brightening ingredient.
Niacinamide
A commonly paired ingredient for combined tone and barrier support.
Side effects and caution
Generally well tolerated.
- Irritation is uncommon at typical cosmetic concentrations.
- Those with known licorice allergies should patch-test or avoid.
- Discontinue if unexpected irritation develops.
Frequently asked questions
Licorice Root Extract, without the pressure to tolerate everything.
What’s the difference between licorice root extract and glabridin?
Glabridin is one specific active compound found within licorice root extract; whole extracts contain this and other compounds in varying, sometimes unspecified, amounts.
Is licorice root extract as effective as alpha arbutin?
Evidence strength varies considerably by product standardization; a well-standardized glabridin-rich extract may be reasonably comparable, but this isn’t guaranteed across all products.
Is licorice root extract safe during pregnancy?
Topical use is generally considered lower-risk than oral licorice consumption, though checking with a clinician about the full product formula is reasonable.
Related decisions
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Sources reviewed
Primary evidence and medical guidance behind this page
Sources support the general editorial conclusions shown here. They do not prove that every product containing this ingredient will produce the same result.