Black licorice candy is an acquired taste, but the plant’s root has a quieter reputation. For centuries, people have used it to address blotchy, irritated, and dull skin. Recent research is now able to explain its effectiveness in skin care.
This article covers the benefits of licorice root for skin, who can use it, how to apply it, and what to watch for.
Is Licorice Root Good for Your Skin?
Yes, for most skin types and common concerns. Licorice root extract comes from Glycyrrhiza glabra, a plant native to the Mediterranean and parts of Asia. On ingredient lists, it appears as "Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract." The root contains glabridin and liquiritin, which act on pigment, along with glycyrrhizin and flavonoids that calm inflammation and neutralize free radicals.
Because these compounds work in different ways, licorice is used in brightening serums, soothing creams, and clarifying treatments.
Does Licorice Root Fade Dark Spots?
Licorice contains glabridin and liquiritin, which help reduce hyperpigmentation through different mechanisms. Glabridin inhibits tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin production, while liquiritin helps disperse pigment already in the skin. Over time, licorice root can soften the look of dark spots, post-acne marks, and uneven patches.
The effect is gentler than prescription lighteners like hydroquinone, so expect gradual change rather than overnight results. Licorice also works best with daily sunscreen because UV light keeps triggering new pigment.
Brightens a Dull Complexion
Skin can look flat even without visible spots because pigment sits unevenly across the face. Licorice evens out the skin’s background tone, so light bounces back more uniformly. Most people describe the result as a rested look rather than a dramatic glow, and it often shows up as the first sign the extract is working.
Note: Find out more about glutathione, an alternative skin-lightening agent.
Calms Redness and Irritation
Glycyrrhizin and licochalcone A, a related compound, have soothing properties. Research links licochalcone A to decreased redness and irritation in sensitive skin. If your cheeks flush after a hot shower or your skin breaks out after a new product, licorice is a good ingredient to introduce in your skincare routine.
Offers Antioxidant Protection
Flavonoids in licorice root neutralize free radicals from UV light and pollution that break down collagen over time. This does not replace sunscreen; rather, think of it as backup for what SPF misses.
Supports Blemish-Prone Skin
Licorice is a mild antibacterial and reduces inflammation around breakouts. It also helps fade red or brown marks that linger after a pimple heals, often the more frustrating part. For oily skin, this combination makes it a useful addition to a clarifying routine.
Note: Learn how to get rid of blemishes overnight.
Who Can Benefit from Using Licorice Root for the Skin?
Licorice root is a versatile ingredient that suits many skin types, though some people see more change than others.
Skin Types
Licorice works across the spectrum but behaves slightly differently depending on your skin type.
- Oily and combination skin - Licorice calms inflammation and fades marks without feeling heavy.
- Sensitive and reactive skin - Its soothing compounds make it a gentler brightener than many alternatives, which helps if you struggle with reactive skin.
- Normal and dry skin - It blends easily into hydrating formulas and does not strip moisture.
- Mature skin - Antioxidant activity and pigment control target age spots and dullness that build up over the years.
Skin Conditions and Concerns
If you have one of the concerns below, licorice is worth including in your routine.
- Hyperpigmentation - Sun spots, age spots, and acne marks respond best to consistent use.
- Melasma - Licorice may support a treatment plan, but melasma usually requires strict sun protection and professional guidance.
- Redness - The soothing action can decrease flushing. If you have diagnosed rosacea, check with your dermatologist first.
- Breakouts – Licorice root’s calming and fading action suits blemish-prone skin.
The Best Licorice Root for the Skin
The best licorice product delivers the extract in a formula that respects your skin barrier. Raw powders and DIY masks are hard to dose and easy to overuse. A finished serum is a more reliable option. VIBRANT® skincare follows this philosophy, combining targeted active ingredients with barrier-conscious formulas that address concerns without compromising the skin’s protective layer.
VIBRANT Defense Blemish Clarifying Serum contains organic licorice root extract in a microbiome-friendly formula. Niacinamide and zinc PCA balance oil, while mandelic acid gently clears congested pores. It suits blemish-prone, oily, and combination skin. One bottle provides a three-month supply.
For individual blemishes, VIBRANT Spot On Blemish Spot Treatment also contains organic licorice root extract. It pairs the extract with Totarol, niacinamide, and zinc PCA to calm a pimple and soften the redness it leaves behind. It suits all skin types and applies directly to clean, dry skin 2 to 3 times a day, as needed.
How to Use Licorice Root for the Skin?
Licorice is easy to work into a routine, but timing and product form affect how well it performs.
Time of Day
You can apply a product containing licorice in the morning, evening, or both. A morning application pairs well with sunscreen, which helps prevent further pigmentation and supports licorice's brightening effects. At night, a licorice-infused serum can work alongside the skin's natural repair processes without interference from makeup or other daytime products.
If you are new to the ingredient, start with evening application.
Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply licorice after cleansing and toning, and before moisturizer. Apply serums first because their thin texture needs direct contact with the skin. In the morning, finish with sunscreen. Skipping it undoes much of the work.
Best Forms
Licorice comes in several formats, and each one delivers a different strength.
- Serums - These deliver the most concentrated, consistent dose, making them the best choice for dark spots.
- Spot treatments - Targeted formulas like VIBRANT Spot On are used on a single blemish or mark.
- Creams and cleansers - These offer a lighter dose with shorter contact time, so they serve as support rather than the main treatment.
- DIY powders and teas - Strength varies widely, and homemade mixes can cause irritation. Alcohol-heavy tinctures can dehydrate the skin.
Can I Use Licorice Daily on My Skin?
Yes, most people can. Licorice is considered one of the milder brightening ingredients, and daily use is how you get the best results. If your skin is sensitive, apply it every other night for the first week or two, then increase as your skin adjusts. Patch test on the inner forearm or behind your ear for 24 hours before applying a new product to your face.
How Long Does it Take to See the Benefits of Using Licorice Root for the Skin?
Timing depends on what you are treating. Soothing effects come first, and many people see less redness within one to two weeks. Overall brightness and a more even tone usually appear around the four-week mark. Dark spots take the longest since skin needs to shed pigmented cells and replace them. Most people see meaningful fading after eight to twelve weeks of daily use.
Older spots take longer, and melasma may only lighten partially. Give any product two full months before judging it.
Are There Any Side Effects of Licorice Root for the Skin?
Topical licorice is well tolerated, and side effects are uncommon. Still, a few points are worth knowing.
- Allergic contact dermatitis - Redness, itching, or swelling can occur in rare cases. People with known sensitivities to legumes should be cautious since licorice belongs to this plant family.
- Dryness or stinging - High-strength extracts and alcohol-based tinctures may irritate skin, especially when the barrier is compromised.
- Layering irritation - Combining licorice with strong retinoids or exfoliating acids at the same time can overload the skin.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding – Topical application carries a low risk, but ask your doctor before using any new active.
- Oral licorice - Supplements and large amounts of black candy contain glycyrrhizin, which may raise blood pressure and lower potassium levels. This applies to eating licorice, not applying it to your face.
Stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional if you notice swelling, hives, or persistent burning.
Note: Learn how chamomile, calendula, and cucumber can benefit your skin.
Conclusion
Licorice root brings gentle brightening, calming, and antioxidant support to a skincare routine. It works best when it is used daily, paired with sunscreen, and you give it a couple of months to show its full effect. Whether you are fading old marks, soothing redness, or managing breakouts, a well-formulated serum is the simplest way to get there.
Contact our skin experts for personalized skincare recommendations.
