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Plant extract that has skin-soothing properties. In addition, licorice root may be effective in improving the look of an uneven skin tone. 

One of its components, known as glabridin, is a potent antioxidant and skin-soothing ingredient, which is why licorice often shows up in products meant for sensitive, reddened skin.

Top 4 Skin Benefits of Licorice Root Extract

Growing up, my mom would make this natural tea from the Licorice root, whenever we had a sore throat. She would ground up the licorice root into a coarse powder or just boil the whole root in a kettle full of hot water.

To this day, I still have a fond memory of drinking the licorice tea. It tasted way better than other teas we usually had.

We liked it so much that we would sometimes lie about having a scratchy throat, hoping she would make that special tea.

Little did we know at that time that this so-called Licorice root has so many hidden skin and health benefits, other than providing calming relief to the throat.

The general health benefits of licorice roots have been well documented in different cultures over the centuries.

In this article, we will highlight the top 4 skin benefits from this root.

Skin Benefits of Licorice Roots:

1. Soothe and Hydrate Skin

Consistent application of skincare that contains licorice extract can keep your skin moisturized.

Licorice root contains powerful antioxidants that can neutralize free radicals from external environmental (sun, pollution) and internal (e.g., energy production) stressors.

Also, the presence of “licochalcone” is ideal for individuals with oily skin because licochalcone has shown to control oil content on the skin. 

Because of these calming properties, licorice root is often incorporated in serum. 

2. Natural Remedies for Skin Disorders

Glycyrrhizin, an active in the licorice root,  has a strong anti-inflammatory activity that is similar to cortisol and steroids. Steroids are commonly used drugs in treating inflammatory dermatologic conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis.

For centuries, Licorice root has been used to treat a wide variety of inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis and other conditions characterized by inflammation and itch.

Licorice root has been used both orally and topically for these skin conditions. Although it is a very safe herb and has minimal side effects, one must not overeating or drinking licorice root which can lead to high blood pressure.

3. Fade Dark Spots

Hyperpigmentation or dark spots can be common after an acne breakout, an eczema flare or a sunburn. 

Licorice root extract is a common ingredient used in many skin care products to lighten the discoloration or pigmentation.

Glabridin, an active ingredient in Licorice root, has shown to possesses anti-inflammatory effects and inhibits tyrosinase, a key enzyme that is responsible for making the pigmentation. 

Liquiritin is another active ingredient, which does not inhibit tyrosinase but it helps to disperse and remove melanin and pigments in the skin.

In one clinical study conducted in 20 Egyptian women, the investigators showed that use of skin care cream containing liquiritin was both safe and effective in the treatment of melasma.

Taking advantage of this property, licorice root is used in many skincare products aiming to deliver radiant and brightening effects. 

4. Natural Sun Protection

Skin-care products that contain the licorice extract have the potential to alleviate the discomfort and inflammation associated with sunburn.

New basic research shows that licochalcone A, a molecule present in licorice root, can suppress cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) expression after intense sun exposure.

Both COX2 and PGE2 are inflammatory enzymes that play a role in triggering an inflammatory reaction and responsible for the painful sensation associated with sunburn.

Hence, when mixed with other natural anti-inflammatory plants and herbs, such as aloe vera and crushed cucumbers, these mixtures from licorice root can provide significant comfort relief for a bad sunburn and help to maintain both moisturization content of the skin.

Because of all the skin and health benefits associated with licorice root, we included it in our herbal skincare products,