Ingredient review
Licorice Root Oil
INCI: Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Oil
Licorice root oil is a gentle, antioxidant-rich oil that helps calm irritation and even out skin tone without clogging pores.
In plain English
Licorice root oil is pressed from the roots of the licorice plant. It contains natural compounds like glabridin and licochalcone that can soothe redness, fight free radicals (unstable molecules that damage skin), and help fade dark spots over time. Because it's an oil, it also moisturizes and softens the skin. It's generally very gentle and unlikely to cause breakouts, making it a good choice for sensitive or reactive skin types.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
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
Useful, but context matters
Licorice Root Oil 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 Oil.
- 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
A natural oil extracted from the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) plant, rich in bioactive compounds like glabridin, licochalcone A, and glycyrrhetinic acid.
How it works
In skincare, licorice root oil works by inhibiting tyrosinase (an enzyme involved in melanin production) to help brighten dark spots, and by reducing inflammatory signals in the skin to calm redness and irritation. Its antioxidant content also neutralizes free radicals from UV and pollution exposure.
Pros
Gentle on sensitive skin
Licorice root oil is very low risk for irritation or clogged pores, making it suitable for reactive or acne-prone skin types.
Multi-benefit brightener
It can help fade dark spots and even out skin tone while also soothing redness, offering two benefits in one ingredient.
Cons and cautions
Limited potency
As an oil, the concentration of active brightening compounds may be lower than in standardized extracts, so results may be subtle.
Potential allergen
Though rare, some people may be allergic to licorice root, especially if they have a history of plant allergies.
Best for
- People with sensitive or redness-prone skin
- Those looking to gently brighten dark spots or uneven tone
Use caution if
- Individuals with known allergy to licorice or plants in the Fabaceae family
- Pregnant or nursing women should consult a doctor before using concentrated extracts
Usage tips
Safety summary
Licorice root oil is considered very safe for topical use with low irritation and comedogenic risk. Allergic reactions are rare. Pregnant women should consult a doctor before using high-concentration products.
Research notes
Studies on licorice root compounds (glabridin, licochalcone) show anti-inflammatory and tyrosinase-inhibiting effects in vitro and in small human trials. However, most research uses standardized extracts rather than the whole oil, so direct evidence for the oil is more limited.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.5% to 5% in leave-on products
- Regulatory status
- Licorice root oil is generally recognized as safe for cosmetic use in the US and EU, with no specific concentration restrictions.
- Common uses
- Serums, Moisturizers, Face oils, Soothing treatments
- Environmental note
- Licorice is widely cultivated, but overharvesting of wild licorice can be a concern. Look for sustainably sourced or organic options.
Good to know
- Licorice root oil is different from licorice extract (water-based) — the oil is richer in fatty acids and more moisturizing.
- It has a mild, earthy scent that may not appeal to everyone.
Common questions
What is Licorice Root Oil in beauty products?
Licorice root oil is pressed from the roots of the licorice plant. It contains natural compounds like glabridin and licochalcone that can soothe redness, fight free radicals (unstable molecules that damage skin), and help fade dark spots over time. Because it's an oil, it also moisturizes and softens the skin. It's generally very gentle and unlikely to cause breakouts, making it a good choice for sensitive or reactive skin types.
What does Licorice Root Oil do in a beauty product?
In skincare, licorice root oil works by inhibiting tyrosinase (an enzyme involved in melanin production) to help brighten dark spots, and by reducing inflammatory signals in the skin to calm redness and irritation. Its antioxidant content also neutralizes free radicals from UV and pollution exposure.
Is Licorice Root Oil safe for most people?
Licorice root oil is considered very safe for topical use with low irritation and comedogenic risk. Allergic reactions are rare. Pregnant women should consult a doctor before using high-concentration products.
Who should be careful with Licorice Root Oil?
Individuals with known allergy to licorice or plants in the Fabaceae family Pregnant or nursing women should consult a doctor before using concentrated extracts
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.