Licorice Root Extract
Extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra root containing glycyrrhizin and glabridin. One small double-blind trial supports its use in atopic dermatitis; data on brightening are weak
Evidence by route
Topical application
The best data concern atopic dermatitis: one double-blind trial of an extract gel against the base gel, 30 patients per group, 2 weeks, with clinical scores only (Saeedi 2003). For brightening there is only review-level evidence (Parvizi 2025), and the extract has not been studied in people with rosacea
- B
Soothing
In atopic dermatitis, 2% extract gel reduced erythema, edema and itch more than 1% gel (Saeedi 2003). A systematic review rated this trial at low risk of bias and noted the gel was reported superior to placebo, but found the evidence for any topical herbal extract in eczema insufficient (Thandar 2017)
- C
Brightening
A review of melasma trials names licorice the most studied plant (Parvizi 2025), but no verified randomized trial has tested the extract alone
- D
Rosacea-friendly
The extract has not been studied in people with rosacea; there is only a laboratory study without human subjects (Semenescu 2026)
- Saeedi M et al. The treatment of atopic dermatitis with licorice gel. J Dermatolog Treat. 2003;14(3):153-7. PMID 14522625
- Thandar Y et al. Topical herbal medicines for atopic eczema: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Br J Dermatol. 2017;176(2):330-343. PMID 27373699
- Parvizi MM et al. Clinical Trials Conducted on Herbal Remedies for the Treatment of Melasma: A Scoping Review. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025;24(2):e16741. PMID 39710951
- Semenescu I et al. Formulation and Biological Evaluation of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. Methanolic Extract: An Exploratory Study in the Context of Rosacea. Antioxidants (Basel). 2026;15(2). PMID 41750539
How to read tiers A–F
- BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations
- CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus
- DNo data, or very weak or conflicting data
Tolerability and safety
- Working concentrations
- An atopic dermatitis trial tested gels with 1% and 2% extract (standardized to 20.3% glycyrrhizic acid), and 2% worked better than 1% (Saeedi 2003). No effective concentration has been established for brightening
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Unknown
- Suitable for
- Sensitive, Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily
About this ingredient
Licorice root extract is made from the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra; extracts of G. uralensis are sold under similar names. It contains glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic acid) and flavonoids, glabridin among them. Studies of isolated glabridin or liquiritin, and of licochalcone A from another species, G. inflata, do not apply to the whole extract. In a laboratory study without human subjects, a hydrogel with 2% extract showed antioxidant and moderate antibacterial activity. It caused no irritation in the HET-CAM test and reduced vessel growth on chick embryo membrane (Semenescu 2026). In people, the best data concern atopic dermatitis. A double-blind trial compared gels with 1% or 2% extract with the base gel, 30 patients per group, for 2 weeks. Erythema, edema and itch fell more with 2% than with 1% (p<0.05) (Saeedi 2003). A systematic review rated the trial at low risk of bias but found evidence for any topical herbal extract in eczema insufficient (Thandar 2017). A review of melasma trials names licorice the most studied plant (Parvizi 2025), yet no verified randomized trial has tested the extract alone. It has not been studied in people with rosacea. Some patients in melasma studies had redness and skin allergy (Parvizi 2025). High oral doses of licorice raise blood pressure and lower potassium; absorption from topical products has not been measured. There are no data on use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions
Is Licorice Root Extract safe during pregnancy?
Safety data for Licorice Root Extract during pregnancy is insufficient. Best avoided when in doubt.
What skin types is Licorice Root Extract for?
Licorice Root Extract suits: sensitive, normal, dry, combination, oily.
What is Licorice Root Extract and what does it do in cosmetics?
Extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra root containing glycyrrhizin and glabridin.
What's the INCI name for Licorice Root Extract?
The INCI name is Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract. It may also appear as: Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract, Licorice Extract.
What concentration of Licorice Root Extract is effective?
An atopic dermatitis trial tested gels with 1% and 2% extract (standardized to 20.3% glycyrrhizic acid), and 2% worked better than 1% (Saeedi 2003). No effective concentration has been established for brightening
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