Compare · Ingredients

Licorice Root Extract vs Tranexamic Acid

Licorice Root Extract: Some licorice-derived compounds are studied for uneven pigmentation. Tranexamic Acid: Topical formulas are studied for melasma, with mixed results.

Research updated 2026-10-25

Five licorice root products on white, including two Acwell bottles, Éminence, Horbäach liquid extract and Versed

Five serums lined up on white, labeled tranexamic acid or niacinamide with TXA, including SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense

Which one?At a glance What it helps Diagrams Using both Strengths Results Safety How it works Products Questions

Which one is right for you?

Choose Licorice Root Extract if…

Consider as an optional pigment ingredient; independent clinical evidence is limited.

Mild uneven tone
Sensitive skin that dislikes stronger pigment actives
Modest expectations

Choose Tranexamic Acid if…

Consider a topical pigment option; the evidence is mixed and formula-specific.

Melasma or stubborn dark marks
Skin that dislikes hydroquinone
Daily sunscreen

Often combined

Can you use both?

A gentle pairing for melasma and dark marks.

At a glance

● Licorice Root Extract

● Tranexamic Acid

Type

Botanical pigment-targeting mixture

Pigment-targeting ingredient

What it does

Some licorice-derived compounds are studied for uneven pigmentation.

Topical formulas are studied for melasma, with mixed results.

Best for

Melasma; Uneven Skin Tone

Melasma

Studied concentrations

Extracts are not standardized; the cited small study used a liquiritin cream.

Topical 5% in the cited trials; oral treatment is a separate medical decision.

When to use

On the schedule specified for the product or prescribed treatment.

On the schedule specified for the product or prescribed treatment.

Time to results

Usually assessed over 8–16 weeks

Usually assessed over 8–16 weeks

Irritation

Botanical extracts can cause allergy or stinging; check the complete formula.

Can sting or cause redness; do not substitute tablets or injections for a cosmetic product.

Sensitive skin

Choose a simple formula and test a small area first. Avoid actively inflamed or broken skin unless the product is specifically directed for it.

Choose a simple formula and test a small area first. Avoid actively inflamed or broken skin unless the product is specifically directed for it.

Available

Prescription or cosmetic status depends on the active, formula and country; check the label.

Prescription or cosmetic status depends on the active, formula and country; check the label.

What it helps

Compare uses by strength of evidence. Evidence level describes confidence in a benefit, not its size.

Evidence level

Licorice Root Extract

Tranexamic Acid

Limited evidenceEarly or small studies

Flat tan patches with soft irregular edges across the forehead and upper cheek of an adult with light skin, the surface completely smooth.

Melasma

A small study investigated a specific liquiritin cream.

Uneven Skin Tone.

Uneven Skin Tone

Possible pigment benefit is based on small compound-specific studies.

Flat tan patches with soft irregular edges across the forehead and upper cheek of an adult with light skin, the surface completely smooth.

Melasma

Trials report mixed results, including one with no clear benefit over vehicle.

Insufficient evidence

Redness and fine superficial vessels across a light-skinned cheek and nose.

Rosacea

The cited pigment study did not test rosacea.

The front of a forearm on fair skin. Two pale patches with sharp edges sit against lightly tanned skin, and the difference between the patch and the skin around it is subtle.

Vitiligo

The reviewed sources do not establish this ingredient as a treatment for this concern.

Inflamed acne on light skin. The spots sit in a patch of pink, and the ring of redness around each one is easy to see. A few have a yellow-white head, and the skin between them is dry and flaking.

Acne

The reviewed sources do not establish this ingredient as a treatment for this concern.

The front of a forearm on fair skin. Two pale patches with sharp edges sit against lightly tanned skin, and the difference between the patch and the skin around it is subtle.

Vitiligo

The reviewed sources do not establish this ingredient as a treatment for this concern.

Flat light-brown residual marks on a fair cheek.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

The cited melasma trials do not establish benefit for all post-inflammatory pigment.

Post-Inflammatory Redness.

Post-Inflammatory Redness

The reviewed sources do not establish this ingredient as a treatment for this concern.

A relaxed forehead with faint shallow horizontal fine lines.

Wrinkles and Fine Lines

The reviewed sources do not establish this ingredient as a treatment for this concern.

How it works

Licorice Root Extract mechanism diagram. Contains several active compounds: Glabridin and liquiritin have different actions. May help uneven pigmentation: Extracts and clinical evidence vary. — Open full-size diagram
Diagram explanation and sources
Contains several active compounds: Glabridin and liquiritin have different actions. May help uneven pigmentation: Extracts and clinical evidence vary.
Schematic illustration; not a measurement of skin penetration. Effects vary with ingredient identity and formulation.
Source 1

Tranexamic Acid mechanism diagram. Affects plasmin-related signaling: May reduce signals that stimulate pigment production. May help uneven pigmentation: Delivery and the formula influence topical results. — Open full-size diagram
Diagram explanation and sources
Affects plasmin-related signaling: May reduce signals that stimulate pigment production. May help uneven pigmentation: Delivery and the formula influence topical results.
Schematic illustration; not a measurement of skin penetration. Effects vary with ingredient identity and formulation.
Source 1 · Source 2

Using both in one routine

Built from where each one usually sits in a routine. Introduce one at a time.

Morning

Step 1

Cleanser

Step 2

Licorice Root ExtractMorning or night

Step 3

Tranexamic AcidMorning or night

Step 4

Moisturizer

Step 5

Sunscreen

Night

Step 1

Cleanser

Step 2

Licorice Root ExtractMorning or night

Step 3

Tranexamic AcidMorning or night

Step 4

Moisturizer

Strengths and forms

Concentrations

Licorice root extract contains multiple compounds, including liquiritin and glabridin. Whole-extract percentages do not reveal the dose of these individual compounds.

Choosing a strength: Look for the named extract or purified compound and evidence for the finished product.

Higher strengths: There is no established universal percentage range or proof that higher whole-extract concentrations improve pigmentation.

Formula matters: A small study of liquiritin cannot establish a recommended strength for every licorice extract, species, or formulation.

Topical tranexamic acid studies have used different delivery systems, including 1.8% liposomal lotion and 5% creams or solutions. Oral treatment and procedure-assisted delivery are separate medical decisions.

1.8%

5%

Studied liposomal lotion

One melasma trial tested this delivery system. Its percentage cannot be directly compared with an ordinary serum.

Studied topical formulas

Several melasma studies used topical formulas at this strength. Evidence does not establish one best concentration for all pigment concerns.

Choosing a strength: Look for evidence on the finished topical product. Do not use injectable or oral products as DIY skincare.

Higher strengths: A stronger topical percentage has not been shown to guarantee better results. Oral use requires separate evaluation of risks, including clotting risk.

Formula matters: Liposomal delivery, other brightening ingredients and procedures can change the treatment. A microneedling study is not evidence for the same result from a home serum.

Forms

Serum · Cream

Serum · Tablet · Injection

When you’ll see results

Approximate windows, not promises.

● Licorice Root Extract

● Tranexamic Acid

First few weeks

First few weeksAssess tolerance first; pigment change is usually slower.

First few weeksAssess tolerance first; pigment change is usually slower.

4–8 weeks

4–8 weeksSome studied regimens begin showing pigment improvement.

4–8 weeksSome studied regimens begin showing pigment improvement.

8–12 weeks

8–12 weeksA useful review point for benefit and irritation.

8–12 weeksA useful review point for benefit and irritation.

3–6 months

3–6 monthsMany melasma trials assess results over three to four months; recurrence is common.

3–6 monthsMany melasma trials assess results over three to four months; recurrence is common.

6–12 months

6–12 monthsLong-term use depends on the active; follow a monitored plan rather than extending treatment automatically.

6–12 monthsLong-term use depends on the active; follow a monitored plan rather than extending treatment automatically.

Safety and sensitive skin

Common reactions

Botanical extracts can cause allergy or stinging; check the complete formula.

Can sting or cause redness; do not substitute tablets or injections for a cosmetic product.

When to stop

Stop for persistent burning, swelling, blistering or a new rash. Seek urgent care for breathing difficulty or a severe allergic reaction.

Stop for persistent burning, swelling, blistering or a new rash. Seek urgent care for breathing difficulty or a severe allergic reaction.

Sensitive or inflamed skin

Choose a simple formula and test a small area first. Avoid actively inflamed or broken skin unless the product is specifically directed for it.

Choose a simple formula and test a small area first. Avoid actively inflamed or broken skin unless the product is specifically directed for it.

Important limits

Do not use a cosmetic product as a substitute for diagnosis of an unexplained, changing or persistent skin problem.

Do not use a cosmetic product as a substitute for diagnosis of an unexplained, changing or persistent skin problem.

Pregnancy

Data are limited; ask the clinician managing your pregnancy.

Melasma is common in pregnancy, so this comes up constantly. Oral tranexamic acid is not a casual pregnancy decision, and the topical version has little pregnancy-specific data. Ask the doctor managing your pregnancy, since they know your full picture.

How it works

In the skin

On the skin. The finished product delivers licorice root extract in a particular vehicle.

Entering skin. No single molecular mass. The 500 Da guideline cannot be applied to this whole ingredient family or mixture.

Conversion. No activation step is established as necessary for its intended topical role.

Skin response. Compounds such as liquiritin and glabridin have different pigment-related actions; they are not interchangeable extracts.

Additional effects. Proposed pathways do not establish a measured depth of delivery or clinical benefit beyond the studies cited.

On the skin. The finished product delivers tranexamic acid in a particular vehicle.

Entering skin. Below the 500 Da guideline; delivery still depends on the formula, solubility, stability and skin condition. Size does not prove effectiveness or penetration depth.

Conversion. No activation step is established as necessary for its intended topical role.

Skin response. May affect plasmin-related signalling involved in pigmentation; a small molecular size does not guarantee delivery.

Additional effects. Proposed pathways do not establish a measured depth of delivery or clinical benefit beyond the studies cited.

Getting in

No single molecular mass. The 500 Da guideline cannot be applied to this whole ingredient family or mixture.

Below the 500 Da guideline; delivery still depends on the formula, solubility, stability and skin condition. Size does not prove effectiveness or penetration depth.

Product examples

Licorice Root Extract

Anua Azelaic Acid 3 Cica Skin Clarifying Toner

Tranexamic Acid

Anua Dark Spot Correcting Serum — 10% niacinamide and 4% tranexamic acid — a well-chosen pair of pigment actives at a fair price.
Naturium Tranexamic Topical Acid — 5% tranexamic acid with kojic acid and niacinamide, for $20. Well built, and no serum fixes melasma alone.

Common questions

Licorice Root Extract:What should I choose licorice root extract for?

Consider as an optional pigment ingredient; independent clinical evidence is limited.

Licorice Root Extract:How strong is the evidence?

A 20-woman split-face study tested a specific liquiritin cream for four weeks with sun protection. It does not establish that all licorice extracts treat melasma or rosacea.

Tranexamic Acid:What should I choose tranexamic acid for?

Consider a topical pigment option; the evidence is mixed and formula-specific.

Tranexamic Acid:How strong is the evidence?

A small vehicle-controlled 5% trial did not show superiority over vehicle. A larger active-comparator study found improvement in both groups but did not prove equivalence to hydroquinone.

Sources

Sources and further reading

Dermapedia on YouTube