Date: 18/07/2025
Licorice Root: Brightening, Soothing, and Clarifying from Nature’s Apothecary
With a long-standing history in traditional medicine and growing acclaim in modern dermatology, licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is one of the most powerful multi-functional botanicals in skincare.
Known for its ability to fade hyperpigmentation, calm inflammation, and clarify the complexion, licorice root extract is a go-to ingredient in formulations targeting uneven tone, sensitivity, and dullness.
What Makes Licorice Root So Potent?
Licorice root contains several active compounds, the most significant being glabridin, which inhibits tyrosinase activity—the enzyme responsible for melanin production. This mechanism makes licorice a highly effective brightening agent for addressing dark spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and melasma (Fu et al., 2005).
Other key components include liquiritin, which helps disperse melanin already in the skin, and licochalcone A, a flavonoid with strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (Elsner et al., 2005). This unique combination enables licorice root to deliver visible clarity while strengthening skin resilience.
Proven Skin Benefits
- Reduces Hyperpigmentation: Glabridin has been clinically shown to lighten pigmentation and even skin tone without the irritation associated with harsher agents like hydroquinone (Saeki et al., 2013).
- Anti-Inflammatory & Calming: Licochalcone A reduces redness, calms rosacea-prone skin, and eases inflammation from acne and eczema.
- Antioxidant Protection: Licorice helps neutralize oxidative stress, preventing premature aging and strengthening the skin barrier.
- Oil Balancing: Studies show licorice extract helps regulate sebum production, making it suitable for acne-prone and oily skin types (Draelos, 2000).
Compatibility and Safety
Licorice root is generally non-irritating and well-tolerated by sensitive skin. It synergizes beautifully with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, green tea, and peptides to create brightening and calming blends.
Licorice Root in PureNeem Formulations
At PureNeem, we value licorice root as a clarifier, corrector, and soother.It appears in many of our formulations where it works alongside Ayurvedic botanicals and scientific actives to fade dark spots, calm irritation, and restore glow.
For us, licorice root isn’t just for brightening—it’s for balanced, harmonious skin.
Brighten & Soothe with Licorice
References
- Fu, B., Li, H., Wang, X., Lee, F. S., & Cui, S. (2005). Isolation and identification of flavonoid glycosides from licorice and a study of their structure–activity relationship. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 53(19), 7408–7413.
- Elsner, P., & Maibach, H. I. (2005). Cosmeceuticals and Active Cosmetics: Drugs vs. Cosmetics. CRC Press.
- Saeki, Y., Yamamoto, Y., Kawai, M., & Yamada, Y. (2013). Glabridin suppresses melanogenesis by inhibiting tyrosinase activity in B16 mouse melanoma cells. Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research, 26(5), 646–648.
- Draelos, Z. D. (2000). Skin lightening preparations and the hydroquinone controversy. Dermatologic Therapy, 13(3), 231–237.
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