Licorice Root: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects

March 9, 2023

Why You Need To Add Licorice In Your Skincare

If you have never heard of ‘licorice’ herb, trust me, you are missing out on something important. Licorice is a popular flavoring ingredient that is predominantly used in candles and sweets worldwide.

It is an integral part of those pungent candy that was either loved or hated by kids. But it goes beyond being a sweetener or an ingredient in medicines. Licorice is also used to treat dullness and give that much needed glow to our face.

If used regularly, licorice can improve skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation. So, for all those of you who are worried about your uneven skin tone, licorice is the right remedy.

Licorice has a lot of active ingredients that brighten your skin and make you glow from within. So, if you have lackluster skin, you may want to consider licorice as an ingredient in your skincare regimen.

Read further to know why you need to add licorice for a better skin.

CONTENT INDEX

What does licorice mean?
Health benefits of using licorice
Benefits of licorice for the skin
UnbottleCo products having licorice

Facts About Licorice Herb

Around the globe, licorice is used as a flavoring agent in candies and other sweets. It has a natural sweetness and distinctive flavor that blends really well when used in low content, along with aniseed oil. Licorice confections are primarily purchased by consumers in Europe, but are also popular in other countries such as Australia and New Zealand.

In traditional Chinese medicine, it is used as an ingredient to cure diseases. Licorice has a place even in Ayurveda.

Now, times have changed, and so has the use of licorice. It has now entered the skin care world and has become the people’s favorite as it gives instant glow and brightens the skin tone.

There are various health benefits of using licorice.

Licorice Health Benefits

Licorice provides a number of benefits. Its use dates back to Egypt where the licorice root was an integral part of their medicine. Even today, it is used as an ingredient for soothing the body. Licorice is filled with antioxidants along with anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus it can be used to treat harsh skin conditions, such as eczema and stubborn acne, when applied topically.

Licorice powder also has healing properties. When used on the body, it is known to reduce inflammation and treat conditions like ulcers, acid reflux and heartburn. Some people even use it to get relief from cold, cough and breathing related problems (asthma).

It is often added to candies and sweets due to its mouth-freshening properties and ability to fight cavities. But beware of its potential side effects.

Now, let us see how licorice helps our skin.

Benefits of Using Licorice

Reduces hyperpigmentation

The licorice plant is known for helping hyperpigmentation of the skin. Hyperpigmentation basically means production of excess melanin in certain spots on the skin, thus giving the skin an uneven tone and darker appearance.

Hyperpigmentation usually occurs due to the exposure of free radicals on the skin. When the free radicals come in contact with melanin-producing cells, they prompt them to produce extra pigment, and hence the darkened color. When we apply licorice root, it interferes with the melanin production and stops the release of free radicals. That is why gentle spot removers have licorice as an ingredient in them.

Sun protection

Another important reason for using licorice root is that it acts as a shield on the skin, and protects it from the harmful ultraviolet rays (UV) of the sun. This, in turn, prevents tanning. Licorice contains an active ingredient called glabridin which is used for removing dark patches and scarring from sun damage. Additionally, it also prevents acne scars.

Antioxidant properties

Licorice contains another secret ingredient – glycyrrhizin, which has antioxidant properties. This is why licorice extract is used to treat eczema, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

Glycyrrhizin also helps to fight redness, irritation and other allergic reactions. It also protects the skin from free radicals. We know that our skin is damaged by free radicals when we see evdence of hyperpigmentation.

Better alternative to retinol

For pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, there are a list of don’ts. One of them is avoiding strong skincare ingredients, such as retinol and hydroquinone. For them, licorice is a milder alternative, as it is safe for the skin. It is a great way to continue treating the skin during and after pregnancy.

Protects the skin

Licorice has another super ingredient – licochalcone A, which plays a key role in keeping the skin bright and maintaining an even tone. Not to mention, it protects the skin from the harmful rays of the sun due to its high levels of antioxidants — even after unprotected exposure to UV rays.

Licorice is mostly safe to use. However, there are some potential side effects when used in excess.

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Side Effects Of Licorice Root

Licorice products are generally safe to use. But if there is an overdose, it can lead to health risks. This is due to the sudden surge of glycyrrhizin that causes the stress hormone to increase.

It can even cause hypertension, arrhythmia, and potentially cardiac arrest.

Consuming too much licorice can cause potassium levels to drop. This may result in:

abnormal heart rhythms
high blood pressure
swelling
lethargy
congestive heart failure

Nevertheless, as long as we are mindful of using licorice root in smaller amounts as an ingredient in our skincare, there is nothing to worry about.

Our brand Tuco Intelligent has effectively used licorice root for the skin-brightening range!

Skin Brightening Face Cleanser Proven To Even Out Skin With Kakadu Plum & Licorice Root

Hi! I’m Tuco Intelligent® 's Bye Dull Skin Face Cleanser. Here are the botanical super-actives I have inside of me.

To treat:

Kakadu plum, rich in Vitamin C and boosts skin brightening
Licorice Root is proven to reverse hyperpigmentation

To prevent recurrence:

Lactic acid, a natural AHA that helps skin elasticity and lightens dark spots
Arginine PCA is a natural amino acid which captures skin moisture and keeps it hydrated all day long

Saffron Face Cream & Sunscreen