6 Licorice Root Benefits for Skin
Key Takeaways:
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Licorice root may visibly improve dark spots, redness, and skin tone with consistent use.
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It works both topically and internally to support skin balance and calm irritation.
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Not all licorice is created equal. Stick to real extracts or clinically backed formulas.
At Dose, we’re all about ingredients that pull real weight, and licorice root checks out. It’s been used for centuries in traditional medicine and is on the rise as a skin care remedy.
So what’s actually behind the hype? Let’s talk about what licorice root does, how it works, and what to know before adding it to your routine.
Why Does Skin Health Matter?
Your skin is your largest organ and the first line of defense against the outside world, shielding you from UV rays, temperature swings, and everyday environmental stressors.
On any given day, your skin helps regulate body temperature, maintains hydration by keeping water in and unwanted elements out, and houses a microbiome that can influence everything from immunity to how products absorb.
It even produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight and acts as a sensory network, letting you feel heat, cold, and that perfect cozy sweater.
Healthy skin isn’t just about appearances, either. When your barrier is strong and balanced, it can better support overall wellness, reduce moisture loss, minimize irritation, and keep you comfortable.
What Exactly Is Licorice Root?
Licorice root comes from the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, a sweet, fibrous root that’s been used for thousands of years in traditional wellness practices, teas, and tinctures.
Inside the root are dozens of bioactive compounds, but two of the most talked-about are glycyrrhizin and glabridin. Glycyrrhizin gives licorice its sweet taste and has been studied for its soothing properties, while glabridin is a natural flavonoid that appears in many topical and ingestible formulations.
Licorice root is used in herbal supplements, teas, powders, and extracts. Sometimes, it’s included for flavor, but often, it’s there to support digestion, respiratory comfort, or internal balance.
Can Licorice Root Help Your Skin?
Yes, and the research keeps piling up. Here’s what this root may be able to do for your skin.
1. Brightens the Look of Dark Spots
Licorice root’s standout compound, glabridin, can dial down the enzyme that triggers excess melanin. Used consistently, licorice-powered formulas may help soften the appearance of sunspots or post-blemish marks, letting your natural tone come through more evenly.
2. Calms Stressed-Out Complexions
Skin acting cranky after too much exfoliation or a windy day? Licorice root carries naturally soothing constituents that help take the edge off visible redness and tight, uncomfortable sensations. It’s a gentle way to press pause on reactivity without piling on heavy occlusives or strong actives.
3. Shields Against Everyday Oxidative Stress
City smog, blue-light marathons, and UV exposure can all generate unstable compounds that chip away at your glow.
Licorice root has a range of plant antioxidants that may help neutralize unwanted elements before they can dull or roughen the surface. Think of it as a daily buffer that keeps your complexion looking fresh, not frazzled.
4. Helps Lock In Lightweight Hydration
Early studies suggest licorice root can support the outermost skin barrier, reducing water loss throughout the day.
Paired with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, it helps skin stay comfortably supple without feeling greasy, which is handy when colder weather or indoor heat tries to pull moisture away.
5. Supports Skin From Within
Consuming licorice root in teas, tinctures, or capsules may support skin health from the inside out. Some research suggests that certain compounds in licorice root can help maintain internal balance by supporting digestive comfort and hormonal regulation.
Since both gut health and hormone levels can show up on your skin (think: breakouts, dullness, or reactivity), internal support may translate to a calmer, clearer-looking complexion over time.
6. Minimizes the Look of Pores Over Time
Licorice root won’t physically shrink your pores, but some of its bioactive compounds have been studied for their ability to regulate oil production and refine texture.
When skin’s oil levels are more balanced and surface stress is dialed down, pores tend to appear less prominent. That can mean smoother-looking skin without layering on mattifying primers or stripping cleansers.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?
Licorice root is well-tolerated for most people, especially when used in skincare products at standard concentrations. If you’re trying a new product with licorice root, start slow and patch test first.
Some forms of licorice root — especially those with high levels of glycyrrhizin — can affect fluid balance and blood pressure when consumed in large amounts or over long periods. Many supplements use “deglycyrrhizinated licorice” (DGL), which removes the compound but keeps other beneficial elements.
How To Work Licorice Root Into Your Routine
You know what licorice root is and what it can do for your skin, but how do you make it part of your daily rhythm without turning into a wellness wizard or blowing your skincare budget? Whether you're a minimalist or a maximalist, these tips make it easy (and effective) to incorporate this root into your routine.
Reach for a Serum That Lists It Early
If you’re sticking with topical skincare, ingredient order matters. Look for “licorice root extract” or “glabridin” in the top half of the list. This usually means there’s a meaningful amount in the formula, not just a sprinkle for label appeal.
A serum is your best bet because it delivers active ingredients directly to the skin before creams or oils lock them in.
Not sure where to start? Try a lightweight formula that also includes ingredients like niacinamide or tranexamic acid, as these work synergistically to brighten, calm, and even out tone.
Pair It With Barrier-Friendly Basics
Licorice root loves a solid support system. If your skin is dry, stressed, or feeling dull, sandwich your licorice serum between a humectant (like hyaluronic acid) and a barrier-repair moisturizer. That combo helps reduce moisture loss and keeps the soothing effects of licorice working longer.
This is especially useful during seasonal shifts or prone to redness and sensitivity.
Drink It
If you're into inside-out skincare, licorice tea or tinctures might be your move. Some compounds in licorice root have been shown to support hormonal balance and digestive comfort, which can influence how your skin shows up, especially when it comes to things like reactivity or breakouts.
That said, daily sips aren’t for everyone. Choose DGL licorice if you're going the tea or supplement route, and always keep portions in check. A few cups a week is plenty. And as always, if you have any health conditions or take medications, check in with your doctor first.
Try a Spot Treatment
Don’t want to commit to a full bottle just yet? Try mixing a pinch of licorice powder with aloe vera gel or yogurt to make a quick, targeted spot treatment. Apply to areas with visible dark spots, wait 10-15 minutes, and rinse. It’s a low-effort way to test how your skin reacts before investing in a long-term routine.
Skip the Guesswork With a Supplement
Want to support your skin without standing in the supplement aisle or memorizing a seven-step routine? That’s where Dose for Your Skin comes in.
It’s our zero-sugar, zero-calorie wellness shot designed to hydrate and nourish skin from the inside with bioavailable licorice extract, collagen-supportive Centella asiatica, antioxidant-rich amla, and 200x aloe vera extract.
The Bottom Line
Licorice root might not be the flashiest ingredient on your shelf, but it earns its spot with real science and real skin benefits. Whether you’re chasing brighter tone, calmer skin, or just a more balanced routine, it’s one of those quiet overachievers that delivers when used right.
At Dose, we’re all about making skin support simple, effective, and actually enjoyable. No powders, no pills — just clean, clinically-backed wellness shots designed to work with your body, not against it.
Ready to glow from the inside out? Explore the full lineup of Doses and find your daily ritual today.
FAQs
Does licorice candy offer the same benefits as licorice root?
Unfortunately, no. Most candy labeled “licorice” (especially the red stuff) doesn’t contain any actual licorice root.
Even black licorice candy is usually made with artificial flavoring unless it’s specifically labeled otherwise. So while it might scratch a nostalgic itch, it’s not going to support your skin (or anything else, really). Stick with root-based extracts, teas, or supplements if you're looking for the real deal.
How long does it take to see results from licorice root?
Like most things in skincare, licorice root isn’t an overnight fix, but it can make a real difference over time. Topical formulas with licorice extract may start to visibly calm redness within a few uses, but evening out dark spots or tone may take four to eight weeks of consistent use.
Ingestible options may take even longer, since they work internally to support balance and hydration. Give it time, and don’t skip days.
Is licorice root safe for kids?
Small amounts of licorice root in food or tea are generally considered safe for most children. However, when it comes to supplements or concentrated extracts, especially those with glycyrrhizin, it's best to steer clear unless a pediatrician gives the green light.
Kids’ systems process herbs differently, and their skin usually doesn’t need the same support. When in doubt, stick to age-appropriate skincare and save the licorice root for grown-up routines.
Sources:
Skin: Layers, Structure and Function | Cleveland Clinic
Skin temperature: its role in thermoregulation | PMC
Licorice Root: Usefulness and Safety | NCCIH
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) | PMC
Antioxidant activities of licorice-derived prenylflavonoids | PMC