Licorice Root Extract
A natural brightening and anti-inflammatory ingredient derived from Glycyrrhiza glabra root. The key actives — glabridin, liquiritin, and glycyrrhizin — inhibit melanin production, reduce inflammation, and soothe irritation. Licorice root is one of the most effective and gentle brightening ingredients available, with lower irritation risk than vitamin C or hydroquinone.
Concentration & Usage
Concentrations vary; glabridin at 0.1-0.4% is the most active brightening component. Full extract at 1-4%. Apply morning and/or night. Safe for all skin types. Often combined with niacinamide and arbutin for enhanced brightening.
Application
Topical (serum, cream, toner). Very stable in formulation. Compatible with most active ingredients.
Shop Licorice Root Extract
99%+ purity · third-party lab tested
Mechanism of Action
Glabridin competitively inhibits tyrosinase by binding copper active site (CuA, CuB), blocking tyrosine to L-DOPA hydroxylation and DOPA to dopaquinone oxidation. Also inhibits tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP-1). Liquiritin disperses existing melanin via melanosome transfer inhibition and autophagy pathway upregulation in keratinocytes. Glycyrrhizin inhibits COX-2 and 5-lipoxygenase, reducing prostaglandin and leukotriene production. Multi-mechanism brightening: tyrosinase inhibition, melanin dispersal, anti-inflammation. Unlike hydroquinone, no melanocyte cytotoxicity — suitable for long-term use and all skin tones. Glabridin has free radical scavenging antioxidant activity. Glycyrrhizin's 11-beta-HSD inhibition has minimal systemic effect with topical use.
Regulatory Status
Cosmetic ingredient. Available OTC worldwide. Traditional medicine ingredient in many cultures.
Risks & Safety
Common
Very well-tolerated.
Serious
None documented topically. Oral licorice (glycyrrhizin) can elevate blood pressure, but topical use does not have this effect.
Rare
Allergic contact dermatitis.
Compare Licorice Root Extract With
Research Papers
10Published: April 30, 2024
AI Summary
Medical aesthetic procedures for facial antiaging with laser and energy-based devices (EBDs) are rapidly increasing, but standards integrating skincare before, during, and after these treatments are lacking. The algorithm for integrated skin care for facial antiaging treatment with EBDs aims to stim
Published: March 31, 2024
AI Summary
The most rapidly increasing medical aesthetic procedures for facial antiaging comprise nonenergy and injectable treatments. Currently, standards for skin care before, during, and after nonenergy and injectable treatments are lacking.
Published: September 14, 2005
AI Summary
Application of glycyrrhetinic acid prior to TPA treatment reduces this enhanced ODC activity, [3H]-thymidine incorporation in DNA and oxidative stress. These results suggest that glycyrrhetinic acid, an antioxidant, is a potential chemopreventive agent that can inhibit DMBA/TPA-induced cutaneous oxidative stress and tumor promotion.
Published: November 3, 2020
AI Summary
Many cosmeceutical products are thought to work through inhibition of tyrosinase, a key enzyme of melanogenesis. We discuss the mode of action and provide an up-to-date review of the underlying evidence base for the top 10 cosmeceutical products for hyperpigmentation and melasma.
Published: August 12, 2025
AI Summary
For this reason, nanostructured emulgel based on phytochemical ingredients called "phytonanoemulgel" could represent an option for a natural, safe, and effective skincare product. The licorice phytonanoemulgel based on gums demonstrated optimal physicochemical parameters, suitable rheological characteristics, and good stability over time, thus r...
Published: September 4, 2023
AI Summary
The coating agents, topical analgesics, and topical steroids are usually used as treatment methods. In this study, a systemic review on the therapeutic effect of topical licorice on RAS management was performed.
Published: May 27, 2019
AI Summary
In the UV-erythema test VEL-091604 cream significantly reduced inflammation compared to placebo and was as effective as 1% hydrocortisone acetate. The clinical study with atopic subjects revealed a significant and rapid reduction of the lesional SCORAD severity score in the test areas after 1 and 2 wk.
Published: September 29, 2011
AI Summary
To explore the antiangiogenic property of isoliquiritigenin (ISL) on in vivo and in vitro models.
Published: November 7, 2022
AI Summary
In this study, we developed a novel acquisition and processing method to identify light-controlled radical scavengers in plant extracts and evaluate their antioxidant activity under light irradiation based on in situ UV-LED NMR spectroscopy.
Published: January 31, 1985
AI Summary
Abstract too short to summarize.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Licorice Root Extract used for?
A natural brightening and anti-inflammatory ingredient derived from Glycyrrhiza glabra root. The key actives — glabridin, liquiritin, and glycyrrhizin — inhibit melanin production, reduce inflammation, and soothe irritation. Licorice root is one of the most effective and gentle brightening ingredients available, with lower irritation risk than vitamin C or hydroquinone.
What are the side effects of Licorice Root Extract?
Common: Very well-tolerated. Serious: None documented topically. Oral licorice (glycyrrhizin) can elevate blood pressure, but topical use does not have this effect. Rare: Allergic contact dermatitis.
How is Licorice Root Extract administered?
Licorice Root Extract is administered via topical (serum, cream, toner). very stable in formulation. compatible with most active ingredients..
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