licorice root
What Is Licorice Root Extract?
Licorice Root Extract (Glycyrrhiza Glabra) is a long-respected botanical used for centuries in traditional medicine (known as athimathuram in Ayurveda and mulethi in traditional South Asian practices) and now widely embraced in modern licorice root skincare for its soothing and brightening benefits. Harvested from the root of the Licorice plant, it brings centuries of traditional wisdom to contemporary skincare formulations.
What Does Licorice Root Extract Do for Skin?
Licorice root benefits for skin span brightening, soothing, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Its standout active compound, glabridin, is believed to help inhibit excess melanin production, making licorice for skin pigmentation particularly effective in fading the appearance of dark spots, post-acne marks, and uneven tone. Licorice benefits for skin also include calming redness and irritation, protecting against oxidative damage from environmental stressors, and providing hydrating and skin-conditioning effects that support long-term barrier health. The benefits of mulethi and athimathuram benefits for skin recognised in traditional medicine are now confirmed by modern science, making it as relevant today as it has been for generations.
What Skin Types Is Licorice Root Extract Good For?
Licorice extract for skin is well suited to a broad range of skin types. Its anti-inflammatory and calming properties make it a gentle choice for sensitive, reactive, or rosacea-prone skin, while its brightening and pigmentation-fading qualities make it especially valuable for those dealing with uneven tone, dark spots, or post-acne marks. Skincare products with licorice root extract are also beneficial for blemish-prone skin thanks to licorice's natural ability to soothe and balance.
When Should You Use Licorice Root Extract in Your Skincare Routine?
Licorice extract skincare spans toning, treatment, and targeted spot care steps. The Glow Brighter Skin Refining Toner harnesses licorice root extract skin benefits to gently clarify and refresh at the toning step, while the Ageless Luminous Perfecting Serum and Ageless Plumping Renewal Serum deliver concentrated brightening and renewal at the serum step. The Clear Quick Fix Spot Treatment directs licorice's calming properties toward blemishes, while the Men Plus Energising Eye Cream uses it to de-puff and refresh the delicate eye area. The Full Coverage Concealer brings its soothing and balancing benefits into colour cosmetics.
Can Licorice Root Extract help with pigmentation?
Yes, the active compound glabridin is believed to inhibit excess melanin production, making licorice for skin pigmentation one of its most valued applications in brightening and dark spot treatments.
Is Licorice Root Extract safe for sensitive skin?
Yes, its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties make it one of the gentler brightening ingredients available, and a popular inclusion in formulas designed for reactive or rosacea-prone skin.
What is the difference between athimathuram, mulethi, and Licorice Root?
They are all names for the same plant - Glycyrrhiza Glabra. Athimathuram is the Ayurvedic name and mulethi the traditional South Asian name; the benefits of licorice extract for skin are consistent regardless of what it is called.
