Licorice Extract

TYPE OF INGREDIENT

Brightening agent

COMMONLY FOUND IN

Specialty skincare products for anti-aging and hyperpigmentation

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF LICORICE EXTRACT ?

Licorice extract can brighten or lighten the skin.

WHAT IS LICORICE EXTRACT ?

Licorice extract is a naturally occurring compound derived from licorice (Glycyrrhiza species), a perennial herb. It has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-platelet and anti-inflammatory properties. The major bioactive components of licorice stem from the root of the plant, some of which include liquiritin, liquiritigenin, isoliquirtigenin and glycyrrhizin. Isoliquirtigenin has been shown to inhibit melanogenesis (the formation of melanin pigment) and therefore could be used as a “natural” whitening agent in cosmetic products.

IS LICORICE EXTRACT SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND TONES?

Licorice extract is safe for all skin types and tones. It is also safe for pregnant women.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Licorice extract can be slightly irritating when applied to the skin, so sensitive skin types should try it on a test spot before committing to using it daily.

Sources:

Kang MH, Jang GY, Ji YJ, Lee JH, Choi SJ, Hyun TK, Kim HD. Antioxidant and Anti-Melanogenic Activities of Heat-Treated Licorice (Wongam, Glycyrrhiza glabra × G. uralensis) Extract. Curr Issues Mol Biol. 2021 Sep 18;43(2):1171-1187.

Chadwick, Melanie R. Licorice Extract for Skin: Benefits and How to Use. Byrdie.com.

Sonali Nanda, MD, MS

Author

Sonali Nanda, MD, MS, is a PGY-3 dermatology resident at the University of Oklahoma. She completed a master’s degree in narrative medicine at Columbia University. She earned a medical degree at the University of Virginia, and conducted a dermatology research fellowship at the University of Miami Department of Dermatology. She has produced numerous publications for high impact dermatology journals as well as contributed to LearnSkin, a website for dermatology education for professionals. Dr. Nanda is passionate about sharing dermatologic knowledge with the general population so they can take skin health and skin cancer prevention into their own hands. Her special interests include Mohs surgery and reconstruction, skin of color and hyperpigmentation, and lasers.