Licorice Root Extract
Some licorice-derived compounds are studied for uneven pigmentation.
Key facts
Licorice Root Extract at a glance.
Helps with
Uneven pigmentation
Results
Assess at 8–16 weeks
Skin tolerance
Contact allergy possible
Routine fit
Follow the product schedule
At a glance
Top things to know about Licorice Root Extract
- What it is. Botanical pigment-targeting mixture.
- What it does. Some licorice-derived compounds are studied for uneven pigmentation.
- What limits the claim. 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.
- Choosing a formula. Consider as an optional pigment ingredient; independent clinical evidence is limited.
More details: strength, timing and precautions
| Bottom line | Consider as an optional pigment ingredient; independent clinical evidence is limited. |
|---|---|
| Type | Botanical pigment-targeting mixture |
| What it does | Some licorice-derived compounds are studied for uneven pigmentation. |
| Best for | Melasma; Uneven Skin Tone |
| Studied concentrations | Extracts are not standardized; the cited small study used a liquiritin cream. |
| When to use | On the schedule specified for the product or prescribed treatment. |
| Time to results | Usually assessed over 8–16 weeks |
| Irritation | Botanical extracts can cause allergy or stinging; check the complete formula. |
| 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. |
| Available | Prescription or cosmetic status depends on the active, formula and country; check the label. |
Often used for
What Licorice Root Extract is used for
Melasma
A small study investigated a specific liquiritin cream.
Uneven Skin Tone
Possible pigment benefit is based on small compound-specific studies.
Rosacea
The cited pigment study did not test rosacea.
Vitiligo
The reviewed sources do not establish this ingredient as a treatment for this concern.
Acne
The reviewed sources do not establish this ingredient as a treatment for this concern.
HOW IT WORKS
How Licorice Root Extract works
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.
Types
Types of Licorice Root Extract
Whole licorice extracts
Extracts contain mixtures of compounds that vary with the plant species and extraction process.
Named licorice compounds
Glabridin, liquiritin and glycyrrhizin are different constituents. Glycyrrhetinic acid and glycyrrhizate salts are related ingredients. They are not interchangeable names for one standardized brightening ingredient, and a whole-extract percentage does not state the amount of a particular constituent.
Strengths
Licorice Root Extract strengths
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.
Forms
Licorice Root Extract forms
Serum
A light liquid or gel that spreads in a thin layer. Can suit layering; it may not provide enough moisture on its own.
Cream
Richer and more moisturizing; often suits dry skin. The full formula still affects comfort.
Products
Product examples
Anua Azelaic Acid 3 Cica Skin Clarifying Toner
How to use it
When to use
On the schedule specified for the product or prescribed treatment.
How to apply
Apply only as directed to the appropriate pigment area; a changing or unexplained lesion needs diagnosis.
Moisturizing
Use a simple moisturizer if needed; for rich oils or balms, start with a small amount.
Tolerance
Botanical extracts can cause allergy or stinging; check the complete formula.
If it is not working
Reassess after roughly 8–12 weeks, or sooner for worsening symptoms. Persistent pigment, acne or a rash may need a different treatment.
Sun protection
Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher each morning, especially when treating uneven pigmentation.
What to expect
First few weeks
Assess tolerance first; pigment change is usually slower.
4–8 weeks
Some studied regimens begin showing pigment improvement.
8–12 weeks
A useful review point for benefit and irritation.
3–6 months
Many melasma trials assess results over three to four months; recurrence is common.
6–12 months
Long-term use depends on the active; follow a monitored plan rather than extending treatment automatically.
What it pairs with
| Ingredient | Use | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Moisturizer | As needed | Choose a simple formula that improves comfort. |
| Sunscreen | Each morning | Use a tested broad-spectrum product; do not mix other skincare into it. |
| Other active treatments | Introduce separately | Compatibility does not prove an added benefit. Seek a treatment plan when combining medicines. |
Alternatives
Alternatives
Niacinamide
Better studied than licorice. Similar gentleness and a similar mild effect on redness and pigment, usually cheaper.
Azelaic acid
Considerably more effective on both marks and redness, at the cost of a tingle for the first couple of weeks.
Vitamin C
Brightens and adds antioxidant protection, but it is less stable and more irritating at the strengths that work.
Hydroquinone
Far more powerful on melasma, prescription-only in the United States, and used in courses rather than indefinitely.
Cysteamine
Much stronger on melasma and available without a prescription in some places, but unpleasant to use because of the smell.
Green tea extract and centella
A similar soothing role, and the same difficulty knowing what is actually in the bottle.
Safety and cautions
Common reactions
Botanical extracts can cause allergy or stinging; check the complete formula.
When to stop
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.
Important limits
Do not use a cosmetic product as a substitute for diagnosis of an unexplained, changing or persistent skin problem.
Pregnancy
Not stated in existing content
Questions
Questions you might be asking.
What should I choose licorice root extract for?
Consider as an optional pigment ingredient; independent clinical evidence is limited.
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.
Sources
Sources and further reading
Research updated 2026-10-25. Evidence grades reflect confidence in a specific benefit, not its size.
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