Most of us recognize licorice for its sweet, sharp taste in candies and drinks—or maybe as a gentle remedy for heartburn and stomach issues. In skincare, though, licorice takes on a far more remarkable role: its extract acts as a potent active ingredient, celebrated for balancing skin tone, enhancing radiance, and visibly fading discoloration.
Licorice extract works as a skin brightener. Even better, with regular use it can deliver results that come close to professional treatments. Its anti-aging qualities help prevent fine lines, boost overall glow, and control excess melanin production—a key cause of dark spots. At the same time, it encourages cell renewal and speeds up the healing of minor skin damage, which makes it especially helpful for stressed or uneven complexions. When included in daily creams or serums, it provides steady, dependable brightening that’s gentle enough even for sensitive skin. Its brightening power has been compared to hydroquinone, one of the strongest hyperpigmentation ingredients, but with far fewer side effects and a much milder approach.
What is licorice extract?
Licorice extract comes from the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant. It’s rich in glycyrrhizin, a compound valued for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. This makes it particularly useful for calming redness, irritation, itching, and sensitivity.
Suitable for all skin types—even reactive or compromised skin—licorice extract helps counteract damage related to eczema, dermatitis, and allergic reactions. It’s also packed with antioxidants, especially glabridin, a flavonoid known for curbing excess melanin production.
What licorice extract does in skincare
– Lightens dark spots and discoloration
– Soothes redness and irritation
– Supports skin affected by eczema or dermatitis
– Provides antioxidant protection against premature aging
– Improves overall radiance and tone
The skincare benefits of licorice extract
Licorice extract tackles pigmentation in several ways. Its main action is reducing tyrosinase activity—the enzyme that triggers melanin production. By targeting pigmentation at the source, it helps prevent new dark spots from forming.
At the same time, licorice extract works directly on existing hyperpigmentation. Compounds like liquiritin help break up accumulated melanin, gradually fading visible discoloration. Beyond brightening, its flavonoids fight oxidative stress, calm inflammation linked to acne or sensitivity, and help balance sebum production—making it a multitasking ingredient for both aging and blemish-prone skin.
How to use licorice extract in your routine
For best results, licorice extract is most effective in a serum, where active ingredient concentrations are usually higher. As with any brightening product, it’s best to introduce it slowly, giving your skin time to adjust and reducing the chance of irritation.
Also, daily sunscreen is essential when using licorice extract. UV exposure can worsen hyperpigmentation, so sun protection helps maintain your results while boosting the extract’s brightening effects. Used consistently every day, licorice extract could be the ingredient you never knew you needed for clearer, calmer, and more glowing skin.
Curious about a beauty or wellness trend? We’d love to hear from you! Email Vogue’s senior beauty & wellness editor at beauty@vogue.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs Licorice Extract for a Radiant Even Complexion
Beginner Questions
1 What is licorice extract
Licorice extract is a natural ingredient derived from the root of the licorice plant Its not the candy flavor but a powerful skinsoothing compound used in skincare
2 How does it help my skin look radiant and even
It works in two main ways it gently inhibits an enzyme that produces excess melanin helping to fade discoloration It also has strong antiinflammatory properties to calm redness leading to a more uniform glowing complexion
3 Is it safe for all skin types
Yes its generally very gentle and suitable for most skin types including sensitive and acneprone skin Its soothing nature makes it a great alternative for those who find ingredients like vitamin C or retinoids too irritating
4 Can I use it if I have sensitive skin
Absolutely Licorice extract is often recommended for sensitive skin because it helps calm irritation and redness However as with any new product do a patch test first
5 Will it lighten my natural skin tone
No It does not bleach the skin It specifically targets areas of excess pigment to help them fade and match your surrounding skin tone enhancing your natural evenness
Advanced Practical Questions
6 Whats the best way to use licorice extract in my routine
Look for it in serums moisturizers or toners For targeting dark spots a serum applied directly after cleansing is often most effective It can be used both morning and night and pairs well with sunscreen and moisturizers
7 How long does it take to see results
Consistency is key You may notice a calming effect on redness quickly For visible brightening and fading of dark spots it typically takes 4 to 8 weeks of regular use
8 Can I use it with other brightening ingredients like vitamin C or niacinamide
Yes it pairs very well with them Using licorice extract with vitamin C or niacinamide can create a synergistic effect for more comprehensive brightening and antioxidant protection