Licorice Root Extract
A botanical source of glabridin and liquiritin, natural tyrosinase inhibitors that also have steroid-like anti-inflammatory action.
Glabridin inhibits tyrosinase activity and UVB-induced pigmentation; liquiritin disperses existing melanin. Glycyrrhetinic acid provides cortisol-like anti-inflammatory effects.
- Brightens
- Soothes
- Fades dark spots
- Reduces redness
- Multi-functional botanical
What the evidence supports.
- All skin types
- Sensitive
No notable contraindications reported.
Mid-routine serum or treatment step.
Concentration range in well-formulated products: 1%–5%
Year-round.
Licorice root tea has been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
No specific deficiency signals tracked for this ingredient.
Excellent multi-tasker for sensitive pigmentation clients. Pairs especially well with centella for rosacea + PIH overlap.
- Yokota et al. 1998, glabridin inhibited tyrosinase in vitro and reduced UVB pigmentation
The research behind Licorice Root Extract.
Every claim on this page traces to published research. Findings below are drawn from randomized trials and systematic reviews, each links to the study on PubMed.
International Journal of Dermatology, 2004
British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
International Journal of Dermatology, 1991
Inflammation and Allergy Drug Targets, 2014
No flagged conflicts. Still, patch-test new actives.
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