Ingredient review
Licorice Root Juice
INCI: Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Juice
Licorice root juice is a gentle, natural ingredient that helps calm redness and even out skin tone without harsh side effects.
In plain English
Licorice root juice is the liquid pressed from licorice roots. In skincare, it works as a soothing and brightening ingredient. It contains natural compounds that can help reduce the look of redness and dark spots over time, and it's generally very gentle on the skin.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Strong fit for many routines
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- natural
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Easy yes for most routines
Licorice Root Juice is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Licorice Root Juice.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
Licorice root juice is the raw liquid obtained by pressing the roots of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant. It contains active compounds like glabridin and glycyrrhizin, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, licorice root juice helps calm irritated skin by reducing the activity of enzymes that cause inflammation. It also inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase, which is involved in melanin production, helping to fade dark spots and even out skin tone over time.
Pros
Gentle on sensitive skin
Licorice root juice is naturally soothing and rarely causes irritation, making it a good choice for those with reactive or redness-prone skin.
Helps even skin tone
By gently inhibiting melanin production, it can gradually reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation without harsh bleaching.
Cons and cautions
Slow results
Compared to stronger brighteners like vitamin C or prescription treatments, licorice root juice works more subtly and may take weeks to show visible improvement.
Effectiveness depends on formulation
The concentration and stability of the juice in a product can vary, so not all products with this ingredient will deliver the same benefits.
Best for
- People with sensitive or redness-prone skin
- Those looking to gently brighten dark spots or post-acne marks
Use caution if
- Individuals with a known allergy to licorice or plants in the Fabaceae family
Usage tips
Safety summary
Licorice root juice is considered very safe for topical use with a low risk of irritation or allergic reaction. It is non-comedogenic and suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin.
Research notes
Studies support the anti-inflammatory and tyrosinase-inhibiting effects of licorice root compounds, particularly glabridin. However, most research is on isolated compounds rather than the whole juice, and more human trials are needed to confirm efficacy in cosmetic formulations.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1% to 10% in leave-on products
- Regulatory status
- Licorice root juice is generally recognized as safe for use in cosmetics by the U.S. FDA and is listed in the EU CosIng database as a skin-conditioning agent.
- Common uses
- Serums, Moisturizers, Toner, Masks, Eye creams
- Environmental note
- Licorice root is typically harvested from wild or cultivated plants. Sustainable sourcing practices are important to avoid overharvesting and habitat disruption.
Good to know
- Licorice root juice is different from licorice extract—juice is less processed and may contain more water-soluble compounds.
- It is often combined with other soothing ingredients like green tea or aloe in calming formulations.
Common questions
What is Licorice Root Juice in beauty products?
Licorice root juice is the liquid pressed from licorice roots. In skincare, it works as a soothing and brightening ingredient. It contains natural compounds that can help reduce the look of redness and dark spots over time, and it's generally very gentle on the skin.
What does Licorice Root Juice do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, licorice root juice helps calm irritated skin by reducing the activity of enzymes that cause inflammation. It also inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase, which is involved in melanin production, helping to fade dark spots and even out skin tone over time.
Is Licorice Root Juice safe for most people?
Licorice root juice is considered very safe for topical use with a low risk of irritation or allergic reaction. It is non-comedogenic and suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin.
Who should be careful with Licorice Root Juice?
Individuals with a known allergy to licorice or plants in the Fabaceae family
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.