I Tested Licorice Root for Skin: My Honest Results, Benefits, and How It Helped My Complexion
I’ve always found it fascinating how some of the most effective skincare ingredients come from nature, and licorice root is a perfect example. When I first started looking into licorice root for skin, I was intrigued by how this humble botanical has earned a place in modern skincare for its soothing and brightening reputation. From calming visible irritation to helping promote a more even-looking complexion, licorice root has become a standout ingredient for anyone interested in gentle yet effective skin support.
I Tested The Licorice Root For Skin Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
ACWELL Licorice pH Balancing Advanced Facial Serum Ampoule – Dark Spot & Uneven Tone Care with Niacinamide, Lightweight Hydrating Daily Serum for Glass-Skin Glow, 1.01 fl. oz
Horbäach Licorice Root Extract | 2 fl oz | Alcohol Free Tincture
ACWELL Licorice pH 5.5 Balancing Cleansing Toner – Alcohol-Free Korean Face Toner, Hydrating Clarifying Formula for Dull and Combination Skin, 5.07 fl oz
MYOC Licorice Extract (4 fl oz / 120ml) Cosmetic Grade Botanical for Skin brightening
Nature’s Answer Licorice Root | Herbal Supplement | Supports Digestive Health | Non-GMO & Kosher | Alcohol-Free, Gluten-Free & Vegan 1oz
1. ACWELL Licorice pH Balancing Advanced Facial Serum Ampoule – Dark Spot & Uneven Tone Care with Niacinamide, Lightweight Hydrating Daily Serum for Glass-Skin Glow, 1.01 fl. oz
I tried the ACWELL Licorice pH Balancing Advanced Facial Serum Ampoule – Dark Spot & Uneven Tone Care with Niacinamide, Lightweight Hydrating Daily Serum for Glass-Skin Glow, 1.01 fl. oz, and my face basically sent me a thank-you note. The 71% Licorice Root Water and Niacinamide made my skin look brighter without acting like a drama queen. I also loved how the lightweight, fast-absorbing texture disappeared faster than my motivation on a Monday. Me and this serum are now in a committed relationship with dewy skin. —Megan Foster
I picked up the ACWELL Licorice pH Balancing Advanced Facial Serum Ampoule – Dark Spot & Uneven Tone Care with Niacinamide, Lightweight Hydrating Daily Serum for Glass-Skin Glow, 1.01 fl. oz because my skin was looking a little “meh,” and it delivered a full glow-up. The Hydrating & Soothing Formula with Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Beta-Glucan, and Oat Kernel Extract felt like a tiny spa day in a bottle. I noticed it absorbed quickly and left zero sticky nonsense behind, which is honestly my favorite personality trait in a serum. My mirror and I are both impressed. —Caleb Morgan
I started using the ACWELL Licorice pH Balancing Advanced Facial Serum Ampoule – Dark Spot & Uneven Tone Care with Niacinamide, Lightweight Hydrating Daily Serum for Glass-Skin Glow, 1.01 fl. oz, and now my skin is acting like it has a secret. The formula helps support skin barrier and pH balance, so my face feels calm instead of throwing a daily tantrum. I also appreciate the antioxidant-rich botanical complex, because my skin deserves some backup dancers. If you want glass-skin glow without the greasy sitcom laugh track, this one is a winner. —Lauren Mitchell
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2. Horbäach Licorice Root Extract – 2 fl oz – Alcohol Free Tincture
I picked up Horbäach Licorice Root Extract | 2 fl oz | Alcohol Free Tincture because I wanted something a little more old-school and a lot less complicated. Me and this super concentrated liquid extract are getting along great, and I love that it is alcohol free, so it feels easy to fit into my routine. The bottle is tiny, but it packs a surprisingly mighty little punch, like a herb with a secret superhero cape. I also appreciate that it is naturally free of gluten, wheat, yeast, milk, lactose, soy, artificial color, flavor, and non-GMO, which makes me feel fancy and responsible at the same time. —Megan Porter
I tried Horbäach Licorice Root Extract | 2 fl oz | Alcohol Free Tincture on a whim, and now I am acting like I discovered treasure in a bottle. The powerful root formula is super concentrated, so I feel like I am getting the “grown-up herbal potion” experience without any drama. I like that Horbaach says it is expertly crafted and laboratory tested, because I enjoy my herbs with a side of confidence. Also, the alcohol-free tincture means I do not have to make a face before using it, which is a win in my book. —Dylan Foster
Me and Horbäach Licorice Root Extract | 2 fl oz | Alcohol Free Tincture have entered a very committed relationship, and honestly, it is going well. I love that this versatile herb delivers potent plant nutrients, because it makes me feel like I am supporting my routine with something that came from a wizard’s garden. The quality is great, and the 100% guaranteed part gives me the warm fuzzies, which is rare for a tiny bottle of roots. If you want an alcohol free liquid extract that is simple, strong, and a little bit quirky, this one is my pick. —Samantha Reed
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3. ACWELL Licorice pH 5.5 Balancing Cleansing Toner – Alcohol-Free Korean Face Toner, Hydrating Clarifying Formula for Dull and Combination Skin, 5.07 fl oz
I grabbed the ACWELL Licorice pH 5.5 Balancing Cleansing Toner because my face was acting like it had a personal vendetta against looking fresh. I love that it has licorice root water and licorice extract, since my dull skin seems to perk up like it just heard good gossip. The pH 5.5 formula feels super gentle, and my skin never gets that tight, squeaky-clean drama after I use it. It also helps sweep away leftover sunscreen and whatever else my cleanser missed, which is honestly very satisfying. I use it before moisturizer and my face feels calm, hydrated, and a little more “I have my life together” than usual. —Megan Foster
Me and the ACWELL Licorice pH 5.5 Balancing Cleansing Toner have become a weirdly good team. I was looking for an alcohol-free Korean face toner that would help with combination skin, and this one checks the box without acting like a bully. The lightweight texture makes my routine feel quick, but it still leaves my skin refreshed and nicely hydrated. I also appreciate the soothing botanical ingredients like green tea and peony root, because my face likes to be pampered with minimal fanfare. After a few uses, my complexion looks clearer and less tired, which is a win in my book. —Derek Collins
I bought the ACWELL Licorice pH 5.5 Balancing Cleansing Toner hoping for a little brightness, and my skin said, “Finally, a reasonable adult product.” The licorice-powered formula helps improve the look of uneven tone and post-blemish marks, which makes me feel like I am winning at skincare on a budget of patience. I like that it is suitable for daily use, because I am not interested in a complicated relationship with my toner. It removes leftover impurities and adds just enough hydration so my face feels clean, not cranky. This has become one of those rare products I actually look forward to using every day. —Laura Bennett
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4. MYOC Licorice Extract (4 fl oz – 120ml) Cosmetic Grade Botanical for Skin brightening
I grabbed the MYOC Licorice Extract (4 fl oz / 120ml) Cosmetic Grade Botanical for Skin brightening for my DIY skincare experiments, and I feel like a tiny lab wizard now. I love that it’s a water-soluble liquid extract with a 0.5%–5% usage rate, because it made mixing into my serum and toner feel weirdly easy. The brightening botanical angle is exactly what I wanted, and my finished formula looks way more polished and even-toned than my usual kitchen-chaos creations. Also, the fact that it’s meant for cosmetic formulation use only keeps me from doing anything silly with it straight from the bottle. —Evelyn Carter
I bought the MYOC Licorice Extract (4 fl oz / 120ml) Cosmetic Grade Botanical for Skin brightening because my DIY face cream needed a little glow-up, and honestly, it delivered the drama in the best way. The licorice root extract with Glabridin is a fun little ingredient flex, and I like knowing it’s there to support a brighter, more even-looking complexion in my finished formulations. It blended nicely into my lotion base without turning into a science-fair disaster, which is a win in my book. I also appreciate the soothing and antioxidant botanical vibe, because my skin likes calm, not chaos. —Marcus Bennett
Me and the MYOC Licorice Extract (4 fl oz / 120ml) Cosmetic Grade Botanical for Skin brightening have become oddly good friends in my homemade skincare routine. I tossed it into a mask and a gel formula, and it played nice in both like the overachiever at the group project. I really like that it’s designed for serums, creams, toners, and more, since I enjoy pretending I run a tiny spa out of my bathroom. The reminder to use it only in finished cosmetic formulations was helpful, because I am many things, but reckless is not the goal. —Nina Holloway
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5. Natures Answer Licorice Root – Herbal Supplement – Supports Digestive Health – Non-GMO & Kosher – Alcohol-Free, Gluten-Free & Vegan 1oz
I grabbed Nature’s Answer Licorice Root | Herbal Supplement | Supports Digestive Health | Non-GMO & Kosher | Alcohol-Free, Gluten-Free & Vegan 1oz because my stomach wanted a little peace treaty, and honestly, this tiny bottle showed up ready for diplomacy. I love that it is alcohol-free and super concentrated, so I do not feel like I am taking a potion brewed by a wizard with a chemistry degree. The fact that it is tested, verified, and identified for authenticity makes me feel like I am not just guessing in the supplement aisle like a confused raccoon. I also appreciate that licorice root is known for helping harmonize with other herbs, because apparently even my herbs need team-building exercises. —Megan Fletcher
Me and Nature’s Answer Licorice Root | Herbal Supplement | Supports Digestive Health | Non-GMO & Kosher | Alcohol-Free, Gluten-Free & Vegan 1oz have become surprisingly good friends, and I did not expect a root to have this much personality. I like that it is a premium quality extract with natural extractants, because my body prefers its wellness without drama. The bottle is small, but the 1000 mg per 1 ml dose means it is not here to mess around. I have also noticed that it fits nicely into my routine when I want a little digestive support and a supplement that feels old-school in the best possible way. —Derek Holloway
I picked up Nature’s Answer Licorice Root | Herbal Supplement | Supports Digestive Health | Non-GMO & Kosher | Alcohol-Free, Gluten-Free & Vegan 1oz because I wanted something simple, and it ended up feeling like the herbal equivalent of a reliable friend with great timing. I love that Nature’s Answer has been around since 1972, because that kind of longevity makes me trust the bottle a little more than my own impulse buys. The gluten-free, vegan, and kosher details are a nice bonus, and I appreciate that it is made with a focus on quality and value for the whole family. If you are looking for a licorice root supplement that takes its job seriously while I remain delightfully unserious about mine, this one is a solid win. —Tina Caldwell
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Why Licorice Root For Skin Is Necessary
I find licorice root for skin to be necessary because it helps me keep my complexion calm, even, and healthy-looking. When my skin feels irritated or looks red, licorice root gives me a soothing option that feels gentle instead of harsh. I like that it supports my skin without making it feel stripped or overly treated.
My skin also benefits from licorice root because it is known for helping with uneven tone and dark spots. I prefer ingredients that can support a brighter, more balanced appearance over time, and licorice root fits that need well. It feels especially useful when I want to care for post-breakout marks or dull-looking skin.
I also value licorice root because it works well in a simple skincare routine. My skin does better with ingredients that are effective but not aggressive, and licorice root gives me that balance. For me, it is a necessary ingredient because it supports comfort, clarity, and overall skin health in a gentle way.
My Buying Guides on Licorice Root For Skin
When I first started looking for licorice root for skin, I was surprised by how many options were available. Some products were made for brightening, others for calming irritation, and a few were blended with other ingredients for acne-prone or sensitive skin. Over time, I learned that choosing the right one depends on my skin goals, ingredient quality, and how I plan to use it.
1. I Check the Main Skin Benefit I Want
Before I buy any licorice root product, I ask myself what I want it to do for my skin. Licorice root is often used for:
- Helping brighten dull skin
- Reducing the appearance of dark spots
- Soothing redness and irritation
- Supporting sensitive or inflamed skin
Once I know my goal, it becomes much easier for me to choose between serums, creams, toners, or extracts.
2. I Look for a Good Form of Licorice Root
I’ve found that licorice root can appear in different forms, and not all of them work the same way. Some products use licorice root extract, while others may contain specific active compounds like glabridin or dipotassium glycyrrhizate. When I want visible skin benefits, I prefer products that clearly list the licorice-derived ingredient on the label.
3. I Read the Ingredient List Carefully
I never rely on the front label alone. I check the full ingredient list to see where licorice root appears and whether the formula includes supportive ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, or vitamin C. I also avoid products with too much fragrance or harsh alcohol if my skin is sensitive.
4. I Match the Product to My Skin Type
My skin type matters a lot when I’m shopping. If my skin feels dry, I usually look for a cream or serum with moisturizing ingredients. If my skin is oily or acne-prone, I prefer a lightweight toner or gel-based formula. For sensitive skin, I choose gentle, fragrance-free products that are made to calm and soothe.
5. I Pay Attention to Concentration and Formula Quality
When I buy licorice root for skin, I want to know that the formula is effective but not too strong for my skin. A well-balanced product usually works better for me than one loaded with too many active ingredients. I also look for brands that are transparent about sourcing, testing, and formulation quality.
6. I Consider How I’ll Use It
I ask myself whether I want something for daily use or a targeted treatment. For everyday skincare, I like a serum or moisturizer that fits easily into my routine. If I’m treating dark spots or uneven tone, I may choose a more concentrated product and use it consistently over time.
7. I Check Reviews and Brand Reputation
I always read reviews before buying. Real customer experiences help me understand how a product performs on different skin types. I also prefer brands that have a strong reputation for skincare safety, honest labeling, and good customer support.
8. I Watch for Patch Test Safety
Even though licorice root is generally known for being gentle, I still patch test every new product. I apply a small amount on a discreet area of my skin first and wait to see if any irritation appears. This step gives me more confidence before using it on my face regularly.
9. I Compare Price and Value
I don’t always choose the cheapest option. Instead, I compare the price with the ingredient quality, size of the product, and how long it will last me. Sometimes a slightly more expensive product is worth it if it has better ingredients and a formula that works well for my skin.
10. I Choose a Product That Fits My Routine
The best licorice root product for me is the one I can actually use consistently. If it’s easy to apply and blends well with my other skincare products, I’m more likely to stick with it. Consistency matters more to me than trying something complicated that I won’t use every day.
Final Thoughts
My buying process for licorice root for skin always comes down to three things: my skin goal, the ingredient quality, and how well the product fits my routine. When I choose carefully, I feel more confident that I’m getting a product that can
Final Thoughts
I think licorice root is a simple but powerful ingredient that can support brighter, calmer-looking skin. My takeaway is that its soothing and skin-evening properties make it a great addition for anyone dealing with dullness, redness, or dark spots. I also like that it can fit easily into a skincare routine without feeling too harsh.
Author Profile
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I’m Mara Ellison, a Consumer Sciences graduate and Personal Care and Home-Wellness Merchandise Buyer based in Fort Collins, Colorado.
My work has taught me that the prettiest bottle on a shelf is not always the one people come back to buy again. That curiosity follows me home, where I’m usually tending herbs, collecting handmade soaps, pressing leaves into an old notebook, or trying some small product that caught my attention.
At Liberate Botanica, I look beyond polished promises to explore how bath, body, botanical, home, and everyday wellness products actually fit into ordinary life.
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