Licorice Root

Best

Antioxidant

Licorice Root at a glance

  • Has antioxidant and soothing properties
  • Helps fight dark spots
  • Also called Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract

Licorice Root description

Licorice root, also known as licorice root extract or _Glycyrrhiza glabra_ root extract, comes from a flowering plant well known for its inclusion as a flavoring agent in foods, beverages, and medicines. It has also been used for centuries in traditional folk medicine. Modern research shows these ancient practices have a solid foundation: Licorice root has several active compounds that can benefit skin, most prominently glycyrrhetinic acid. In addition to having antioxidant benefits, licorice root helps soothe irritated and reddened skin and helps fight dark spots. The independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel has found licorice root safe as used in cosmetics, in amounts up to 4%.

Licorice Root references

  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review, Website, Accessed August 2024
  • Complementary Therapies in Medicine, May 2023, ePublication
  • Cosmetics, January 2022, pages 1-19
  • Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, November 2021, pages 1-15
  • Current Issues in Molecular Biology, September 2021, pages 1,171-1,187
  • Textbook of Natural Medicine, July 2020, pages 641-647

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.