Licorice Powder Benefits for Skin & How To Use It Correctly

Every few months, a new skincare trend takes over social media. Serums promise glass skin, masks claim instant glow, and exotic extracts appear overnight in beauty shelves. But sometimes, the most powerful skincare secret isn't hidden in a fancy bottle at all, it's tucked away in our kitchen.

If you've ever used mulethi (licorice) powder to soothe a sore throat, you might be surprised to discover that the same ingredient could also help fade dark spots, calm acne flare-ups, and restore a radiant complexion. For centuries, licorice has been celebrated in Ayurveda and herbal medicine and today, modern skincare is finally catching up to its impressive benefits. So, what makes licorice such a skin-loving powerhouse? Let's explore.

Key Takeaways

1. Licorice powder is a powerful natural skincare ingredient enriched with compounds like glabridin, liquiritin and glycyrrhizin that support brightening, soothing and anti-aging benefits.

2. It is highly effective for treating hyperpigmentation as it controls melanin production and also helps fade existing dark spots, acne marks and tanning over time.

3. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties make it ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin, helping calm redness, soothe irritated breakouts and prevent future acne without damaging the skin barrier.

4. Licorice offers strong antioxidant support, protecting the skin from pollution, UV damage and other free radicals, while also helping maintain collagen and a healthy skin barrier for youthful-looking skin.

5. With consistent use, licorice delivers a natural radiant glow by improving overall complexion gradually and gently, without bleaching, irritation or harsh exfoliation.

What Is Licorice Powder?

Licorice powder is made from the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant. It contains more than 300 naturally occurring compounds, among which the most valuable for skincare are:

• Glabridin — brightening and melanin-controlling effects
• Liquiritin — helps fade existing hyperpigmentation
• Glycyrrhizin — anti-inflammatory and soothing action
• Flavonoids — antioxidant and anti-aging support
  
  

Because of these compounds, licorice powder has earned a well-deserved place in modern skincare, especially for people struggling with discoloration, sensitivity or acne marks.

Top 5 Benefits of Licorice Powder for Skin

1. Fades Dark Spots and Evens Skin Tone

Licorice is one of the most effective natural ingredients for reducing hyperpigmentation — including acne marks, melasma, tanning, and sun spots.

• Glabridin helps prevent excess melanin production by blocking tyrosinase (the enzyme responsible for pigmentation).
• Liquiritin helps disperse existing melanin deposits, which means it doesn't just prevent spots — it can lighten old ones too.

A 2021 laboratory study demonstrated that licorice extract significantly inhibited tyrosinase activity and reduced melanin production in melanocyte cells, suggesting strong skin-lightening potential. [1] Additionally, a recent clinical trial using a serum based on licorice root extract reported noticeable skin-brightening in participants over several weeks. [2]

2. Soothes Redness and Irritated Skin

If your skin is easily irritated or sensitive to active ingredients, licorice is a gentle yet powerful calming agent. Glycyrrhizin has natural anti-inflammatory effects and helps reduce redness, burning and itching. It is helpful for people with conditions like eczema, dermatitis, rosacea or post-acne inflammation.

A clinical trial on patients with atopic dermatitis showed that a 2% topical licorice gel significantly reduced redness, swelling, and itching within two weeks compared to a milder formulation. [3]

3. Helps Reduce Acne and Skin Infections

Licorice has natural antimicrobial properties, which makes it especially valuable for people with acne-prone skin. Instead of aggressively stripping the skin like many over-the-counter acne treatments, licorice works gently while still reducing acne-causing bacteria.

It also has a calming effect on inflamed breakouts. If you struggle with painful pimples, redness or swelling, licorice can help soothe irritation while supporting the skin's recovery process. Another great advantage is its ability to prevent recurrence. By keeping bacteria and inflammation under control, licorice can reduce the frequency of future breakouts.

Unlike harsh formulas that weaken the skin barrier, licorice powder for skin helps maintain its strength. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds support overall skin health and keep the complexion clear and balanced over time.

4. Antioxidant Protection and Anti-Aging Support

The skin is constantly exposed to environmental stress factors such as sunlight, pollution and lifestyle-related triggers. These contribute to the formation of free radicals that damage skin cells and accelerate premature aging. Licorice provides strong antioxidant protection that neutralizes free radicals and reduces oxidative stress before it leads to fine lines, dryness or dullness.

Another benefit of licorice powder for skin is its ability to improve the skin barrier. When the barrier remains strong, the skin retains moisture better, stays supple and becomes less reactive. Some compounds in licorice are also known to support collagen, which plays a key role in maintaining firmness and smooth texture.

With regular use, licorice can help the skin look refreshed and youthful while slowing the appearance of early aging signs.

5. Gives a Natural Shiny Glow

Licorice improves the skin gradually by calming inflammation and reducing discoloration rather than relying on strong exfoliation or bleaching. Over time, the complexion becomes more even and the skin tone looks brighter without any dryness or irritation.

The skin begins to look fresher and healthier with a natural glow that does not appear artificial. Because licorice nourishes and balances the skin instead of stripping it, it is suitable even for people with sensitive skin who struggle with aggressive brightening ingredients.

The shiny skin that licorice provides comes from supporting the skin's natural equilibrium rather than altering its true complexion, resulting in a glow that looks authentic and long-lasting.

How to Use Licorice Powder for Skin?

There are several easy and effective ways to apply licorice to your skincare routine:

Tips for Best Results

To make the most of licorice powder in your skincare routine, keep the following points in mind for safe and effective results:

• Always do a patch test first
• Apply sunscreen daily, especially if treating pigmentation
• Do not combine licorice masks with retinol, strong acids or hydroquinone on the same day
• Use 2–3 times per week for noticeable visible results

Final Thoughts

In a market crowded with strong actives and chemical-based formulations, licorice powder stands out as a gentle yet highly effective skincare ingredient. It supports the skin rather than overwhelming it, offering brightening benefits without bleaching and soothing properties without stripping away moisture. This balance makes licorice suitable for a wide range of skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.

When used consistently, licorice can visibly improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation, acne marks and redness. It also contributes to an overall brighter and more even complexion, helping the skin look healthier and more refreshed. Beyond clarity and radiance, licorice also supports the strength of the skin barrier and provides antioxidant protection that plays a role in maintaining youthful-looking skin over time.

FAQ's on Licorice for Skin -

Q1 - Is licorice powder good for the skin?

Licorice powder is beneficial for the skin thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-brightening effects. It can help reduce hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone, while also soothing redness, providing protection against sun damage, and potentially minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Q2 - Does licorice powder remove tan?

Yes, licorice powder can help lighten sun tan by reducing melanin production and soothing sun-induced pigmentation. Its key compound, glabridin, supports skin brightening and helps even out skin tone. However, the results are gradual, and consistent use—along with proper sun protection—is important for best outcomes.

Q3 - Can we apply mulethi (licorice) powder on our face daily?

You can use mulethi (licorice) powder on your face daily, but it's best to apply it as a short-term mask for about 10–20 minutes rather than leaving it on all day or overnight. For everyday use, skincare products formulated with licorice extract are safer and gentler, as raw powder in DIY masks can sometimes cause dryness or irritation if overused. Always do a patch test first to make sure your skin doesn't react.

Q4 - How many days does licorice take to lighten skin?

You can expect to notice visible improvement in about 4–6 weeks, with more noticeable results after around 8 weeks of consistent use.

Q5 - Is licorice anti-aging?

Licorice can be considered an anti-aging ingredient because of its antioxidant and skin-protective properties, which help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Its anti-aging benefits come from its ability to fight free radicals, shield the skin from UV damage, and lessen hyperpigmentation.

References