5 Skin Benefits of Licorice Root You Need to Know

Along with a hoard of priceless gold found in King Tut’s tomb in Egypt in 1922 was a monumental supply of licorice. Native to Asia, licorice has been prized for over 4,000 years for its ability to treat everything from bronchitis to hair loss. It’s also a go-to ingredient for bright, calm, even-toned skin and it pairs brilliantly with other topical brighteners like vitamin C, alpha arbutin, niacinamide and kojic acid.
 
Here’s why licorice is a shortcut to naturally bright, healthy skin.

1. Got dark spots? Licorice can help fade and brighten
Licorice is a powerful tool against dark spots, sun damage, melasma, scarring and uneven, dull skin. Key compounds, liquiritin and glabridin, work in a two-pronged attack to inhibit tyrosinase (the enzyme needed to produce melanin), and reduce excess melanin in the skin. The result? It effectively fades discoloration, evens and brightens.

2. A safer way to treat discoloration
Banned in the EU and in many other countries, hydroquinone is still a standard hyperpigmentation treatment in the US. Studies have shown that glabridin is 16 times more effective than hydroquinone at fading discoloration. And unlike hydroquinone, which can trigger irritation, scarring or rebound pigmentation, licorice delivers results without the drawbacks.

3. Feeling sensitive? This calms skin fast
Superb for soothing stressed skin, licorice’s anti-inflammatory compounds glycrrhizin and licochalcone calm redness, itchiness, irritation and inflammation. It's an effective balm for bug bites, and skin conditions like dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis.

4. Licorice can help slow signs of aging
Up to 80% of skin aging is caused by environmental damage like UV and pollution that create free radical damage in the skin, which can trigger lines and wrinkles. Licorice has powerful antioxidant properties; it helps neutralize  free radicals and keep skin looking smooth, plump and youthful.

5. Breakouts? Here’s how licorice keeps them in check
Oily, congested skin? Licorice helps banish breakouts by balancing excess oil that can lead to blocked pores and inflammation. On top of that its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties purify and soothe red, irritated skin.