If you're looking for a natural way to fade dark spots, even out your skin tone, and soothe irritation, licorice root extract might be the ingredient your skincare routine is missing. Widely used in K-beauty, licorice root benefits beyond brightening—it also calms redness, hydrates the skin, and protects against environmental stressors.
So, what exactly is licorice, why is it so popular, and how can you integrate it into your routine? Let’s dive in.
What Is Licorice Root Extract?
Licorice root extract comes from the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, also known as sweet root. This perennial herb belongs to the pea family (Fabaceae) and is native to southern Europe and parts of Asia. Cultivated for thousands of years for its medicinal properties and natural sweetness, licorice is now widely used in skincare for its soothing, brightening, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Why Is Licorice So Popular in K-Beauty?
If there’s one thing Korean skincare is known for, it’s its gentle yet effective approach to brightening and evening out the skin. Unlike harsh chemical brighteners, licorice extract is a natural alternative that works without irritation, making it perfect for sensitive skin.
Many K-beauty products, including serums, toners, and essences, incorporate licorice root extract to provide a radiant glow while keeping the skin barrier healthy.
Our Top Picks for K-beauty Skincare with Licorice Root Extract
- Melting Cleansing Balm | $12.99
- Firming Serum | $13.20
- Reboot Niacinamide Serum | $30
- Reboot Collagen Serum | $30
- Dermaplaning Kit | $17.95
- Moisturizing Hand and Foot Masks | $22.68
Licorice Root Extract Benefits Based on Skin Type
So why should you add licorice extract to your skincare routine? Here are some of the top benefits:
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Skin brightening – Helps fade hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and acne scars.
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Anti-inflammatory – Soothes irritated skin, reduces redness, and alleviates acne, eczema, and rosacea.
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Antioxidant protection – Helps preserve collagen and elastin fibers
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Oil control – Regulates sebum production
These properties make licorice root extract versatile and effective in K-beauty formulations, addressing a wide range of skin concerns while maintaining overall skin health.
Based on each skin type, these are the benefits of incorporating licorice extract into skincare.
Dry Skin
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Hydrates and soothes dry, irritated skin
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Supports the skin's barrier function, helping to keep it hydrated
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Anti-inflammatory effects can reduce redness and irritation
Oily/Combination Skin
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Mild astringent properties help balance the skin's oil levels
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Controls excess oil production and minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores
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Antimicrobial properties can help prevent and treat acne
Sensitive Skin
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Potent anti-inflammatory properties soothe sensitive and inflamed skin
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Reduces rashes, redness, and irritation
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Beneficial for conditions like eczema, rosacea, and other inflammatory skin issues
Acne-Prone Skin
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Antimicrobial properties help fight acne-causing bacteria
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Helps control oil production
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Anti-inflammatory effects reduce redness and inflammation associated with acne
Hyperpigmented Skin
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Skin-brightening compounds like glabridin and liquiritin inhibit melanin production
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Helps fade dark spots, treat discoloration, and even out skin tone
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Effective for addressing hyperpigmentation issues like melasma and sun damage
For all skin types, licorice extract offers antioxidant protection against environmental damage and free radicals, potentially slowing signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles.
How Do People Use Licorice Extract in Skincare?
Licorice root extract is commonly found in a variety of Korean skincare products, including:
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Serums – Lightweight but powerful, serums with licorice extract help target hyperpigmentation.
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Toners – Hydrating and brightening, licorice-infused toners prep the skin for the next steps in your routine.
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Essences – These help deliver deep hydration while improving skin tone.
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Moisturizers – Lock in hydration and maintain skin brightness.
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Spot Treatments – Focused treatments that fade stubborn dark spots over time.
How to Integrate Into Your Routine Based on Skin Type
Dry Skin
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Use a hydrating toner with licorice extract once or twice daily
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Apply a licorice-infused serum once daily
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Use a rich moisturizer containing licorice extract twice daily
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Apply a hydrating sheet mask with licorice 1-2 times weekly
Oily/Combination Skin
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Use an oil-controlling toner with licorice extract twice daily
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Apply a lightweight serum with licorice extract once daily
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Use a gel-cream formula with licorice once or twice daily
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Spot-treat oily areas with licorice extract as needed
Sensitive Skin
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Apply a gentle toner with licorice extract once daily
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Use a fragrance-free serum with licorice extract every other day
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Apply a soothing moisturizer with licorice extract once or twice daily
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Use a calming sheet mask with licorice once weekly
Acne-Prone Skin
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Use an oil-controlling toner with licorice extract twice daily
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Apply a licorice-infused serum targeting acne once daily
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Use a lightweight moisturizer with licorice extract once daily
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Spot treat blemishes with licorice extract as needed
Hyperpigmented Skin
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Use a brightening toner with licorice extract twice daily
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Apply a concentrated licorice serum once or twice daily
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Use a brightening moisturizer with licorice extract twice daily
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Spot treat dark spots with licorice extract twice daily
For all skin types, it's generally safe to use licorice extract products 1-2 times daily. When using licorice extract topically, follow the instructions on your skincare product for frequency and amount. Introduce new products gradually and patch test to ensure your skin tolerates licorice extract well. Consistency is key for seeing results, with maximal effects typically observed within 4 to 8 weeks.
