Top Benefits of Mulethi for Skin and How to Use It Correctly

If you have ever stared at your skin in the mirror and wondered why it seems dull, uneven, or constantly irritated despite using multiple products, you're not alone. Many people chase glowing skin by switching serums and creams week after week, hoping to find that one ingredient that finally works. Yet sometimes the real solution isn't a costly laboratory formula — it's a traditional remedy that has been used for generations. One of those powerful, underrated ingredients is mulethi, also known as licorice root.

While most of us recognize mulethi as a herb used to soothe sore throats, its skin-enhancing powers are equally impressive. For centuries, mulethi has been used in Ayurveda for skin brightening, reducing pigmentation, calming inflammation, and restoring natural radiance. Today, science backs these benefits too, especially because mulethi is rich in glabridin, liquiritin, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds.

If you've been searching for a natural way to even out skin tone, reduce marks, control tanning, and get a healthy radiant glow, mulethi may be exactly what your skin needs. Let's explore all the benefits of mulethi for skin and how to use it correctly for the best results.

Key Takeaways

1. Mulethi is a powerful natural skin-brightening ingredient that reduces pigmentation, dark spots, tanning, and dullness through compounds like glabridin and liquiritin.

2. It is effective for acne-prone and sensitive skin because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which calm breakouts, redness, and irritation while helping fade acne marks.

3. Mulethi offers multiple anti-aging benefits, including antioxidant protection, improved collagen support, and reduced fine lines, helping the skin appear firmer and more radiant.

4. There are several effective ways to use mulethi for skin, such as masks, aloe blends, honey packs, toners, and infused oils, and results typically improve with consistent use over 3–6 weeks.

5. Mulethi is generally safe for most skin types, but a patch test is recommended, and people should ensure they use pure, additive-free mulethi in the form best suited to their needs, whether powder, extract, or serum.

What Is Mulethi?

Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), commonly called licorice root, is a sweet-tasting medicinal herb widely used in Ayurveda and Unani medicine. Traditionally known for soothing the respiratory system, mulethi also holds strong skin-healing potential.

The key skin-benefiting compounds in mulethi include:

• Glabridin – reduces melanin production and pigmentation
• Liquiritin – gently removes existing dark spots
• Flavonoids and antioxidants – protect skin from sun damage and premature aging
• Anti-inflammatory agents – calm itching, redness, and irritation

These properties make mulethi an excellent ingredient for individuals struggling with pigmentation, uneven skin tone, acne marks, dullness, inflammation, and sun damage.

Top Benefits of Mulethi for Skin

1. Fades Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots

Pigmentation can result from acne, sun exposure, hormonal imbalance, or skin injury. Glabridin in mulethi helps block excess melanin production, while liquiritin gradually breaks down existing discoloration. With consistent use, skin tone becomes more even and dark patches begin to lighten. [1]

2. Brightens Dull Skin

Environmental stress, lack of sleep, and pollution can make skin look lifeless. Mulethi contains antioxidants that fight free radicals and boost skin repair. This results in visibly brighter, fresher, and healthier-looking skin without harsh bleaching agents.

3. Helps Treat Acne and Reduces Marks

Mulethi has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce acne-causing bacteria and calm irritated breakouts. When applied regularly, it helps speed the fading of acne scars and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. [2]

4. Soothes Sensitive and Inflamed Skin

If your skin gets red, itchy, or irritated easily, mulethi can act as a natural calming remedy. It is gentle enough for sensitive skin and helps reduce inflammation associated with eczema, dermatitis, and sunburn. [3]

5. Provides Sun Protection Support

While mulethi cannot replace sunscreen, it does help defend the skin against UV-induced damage. Its antioxidants protect collagen, reduce tanning, and minimize oxidative stress caused by sun exposure. [4]

6. Slows Signs of Aging

Fine lines, dullness, and age spots often result from oxidative stress. Mulethi fights free radicals and supports collagen maintenance, which helps skin appear firmer, smoother, and more youthful.

How to Use Mulethi for Skin: Effective Methods

Mulethi can be used in different forms depending on your skin type and concern. Here are the most effective ways to use it correctly:

1. Mulethi Face Mask for Brightening

Ideal for: dullness and tanning

How to prepare:

• 1 tablespoon mulethi powder
• 1 tablespoon raw milk or rose water
• Mix into a smooth paste and apply evenly to the face. Leave on for 15 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water.

Benefits: brightens skin tone, reduces tanning, and adds natural glow.

2. Mulethi and Honey Pack for Sensitive or Acne-Prone Skin

Ideal for: acne, redness, and irritated skin

How to prepare:

• 1 tablespoon mulethi powder
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Apply for 10–12 minutes and rinse gently.

Benefits: reduces inflammation, calms acne, and hydrates the skin without clogging pores.

3. Mulethi and Aloe Vera for Pigmentation

Ideal for: dark spots, uneven skin tone, and acne marks

How to prepare:

• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
• 1 teaspoon mulethi powder
• Apply to pigmentation-prone areas and leave on for 20 minutes before rinsing.

Benefits: helps fade scars and dark patches with consistent use.

4. Mulethi Water / Toner

Ideal for: everyday maintenance and glow

How to prepare:

• Boil 1 teaspoon mulethi in 1 cup of water
• Let it cool and strain
• Apply using a cotton pad or spray bottle 3–4 times a week.

Benefits: refreshes and tones the skin while gradually improving texture and brightness.

5. Mulethi-Infused Oil for Dry or Mature Skin

Ideal for: dryness, fine lines, and dullness

How to prepare:

• Add 1 teaspoon mulethi powder to warm sweet almond oil or jojoba oil
• Let it rest for 48 hours and strain
• Massage the oil onto the face at night.

Benefits: boosts elasticity, adds glow, and deeply nourishes dry skin.

How Often Should You Use Mulethi for Skin?

Consistency matters more than frequency. Here is a safe usage guide:

Most people begin noticing improvement within 3–6 weeks of regular use.

Who Should Avoid Mulethi on Skin?

While mulethi is generally gentle and safe, avoid it if you:

• Have an allergy to licorice root
• Have highly reactive skin and experience redness after use
• Are using strong medical topical treatments unless advised by a dermatologist

Before applying mulethi for the first time, do a patch test on a small area of the skin and wait 24 hours to ensure there is no irritation.

Mulethi for Skin: Powder vs. Extract vs. Serum — Which Is Better?

All forms work well, but each has a specific advantage:

Whichever form you choose, just make sure it is:

• Pure and free from additives
• Made from high-quality mulethi root
• Suitable for your skin type

Tips to Get the Best Results from Mulethi

To maximize benefits, follow these tips:

• Always apply sunscreen daily when using any brightening ingredient
• Avoid mixing mulethi with harsh exfoliants or strong acids in the same routine
• Keep the skin moisturized to support healing and glow
• Use consistently instead of switching quickly to other solutions

Mulethi works gently and naturally, so gradual improvements are normal.

Conclusion

Mulethi is one of the most powerful traditional ingredients for skin health, especially for fading pigmentation, treating acne marks, soothing inflammation, and restoring radiance. Its natural brightening and calming properties make it suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin. Whether used in DIY masks, aloe blends, toners, or oils, mulethi can deliver visible improvements with consistent use. The key to success is patience, regular application, and choosing the right form for your skin needs. If you are looking for a natural, effective, and affordable way to achieve a clearer and more glowing complexion, mulethi deserves a place in your skincare routine.

FAQ's on Mulethi Benefits for Skin -

Q1 - How to use mulethi for skin whitening?

To use mulethi powder for skin whitening, mix it with yogurt, honey, or rose water to make a smooth paste. Apply it to clean skin and leave it on for 15–20 minutes before rinsing off. It helps brighten dark spots and even out skin tone for a natural glow. Always do a patch test before using it on the face.

Q2 - Can mulethi remove tan?

Yes, mulethi (licorice root) is highly effective for removing tan and brightening the skin. It helps by reducing melanin production, fading dark spots, and soothing sun-damaged skin, making it a gentle and natural alternative to chemical bleaching. With consistent use, it promotes a more even and radiant complexion. Mulethi works best in face packs when mixed with ingredients like rose water, yogurt, or milk, but the results are gradual rather than instant.

Q3 - Can I use mulethi on my face daily?

For topical use, concentrated mulethi (licorice) powder should not be applied to the face every day. It's best to use it as a face pack 2–3 times a week to prevent dryness or irritation. However, diluted and ready-to-use skincare products such as toners, serums, or moisturizers containing mulethi extract are safe for daily use.

Q4 - Does mulethi help in acne scars?

Yes, mulethi (licorice root) can help reduce acne scars by lightening hyperpigmentation, calming inflammation, and evening out skin tone. Its active compounds, glabridin and liquiritin, inhibit melanin production and soothe redness, which helps fade marks over time. It works well when used as a mask with turmeric or mixed with water or rose water. Just make sure to use pure mulethi powder and always do a patch test first.

Q5 - Which mulethi powder is best for skin whitening?

For skin whitening, the most effective mulethi (licorice) is pure, finely ground powder that can be mixed with natural brightening ingredients like rose water, milk, turmeric, or sandalwood to make DIY face packs. This combination helps target dark spots, sun damage, and uneven skin tone. Mulethi contains glabridin, which inhibits melanin production and provides some UV protection. For the best results, choose a high-quality brand like Indus Valley or look for products where mulethi is blended with niacinamide or Vitamin C.

References