If you are looking for skincare ingredients to brighten the skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation spots, look no further! Licorice root extract will be the one ingredient to implement into your routine.
Not only does licorice root extract help with dark spots, but it also provides hydration, skin barrier protection, and other excellent benefits.
Below, we will cover what licorice root extract is, its benefits, and which products and ingredients are safe to use.
What is licorice root extract?
Licorice root extract comes in many forms, including supplements, medicines, drinks, food, and skincare products. By consuming licorice root extract, there are a few cautions we should be aware of.
Although it is known that licorice root helps reduce blood potassium levels, soothes inflammation all over the body, and relaxes the muscles, over-consuming licorice root extract may result in abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, lethargy, and other symptoms.
Luckily, licorice root in skincare is safe and does not cause adverse side effects for the most part. Furthermore, licorice root may be in skincare products such as creams, lotions, serums, toners, and moisturizers. Many individuals use licorice extract due to its hydrating and dark spot-fighting properties!
What are the benefits of licorice root extract?
A few benefits of licorice root extract include controlling sebum production, protecting the skin against UV rays, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging, and reducing hyperpigmentation.
Amazingly, licorice root extract helps disperse an enzyme in the skin: tyrosinase. Tyrosinase is the enzyme that causes hyperpigmentation and dark spots to appear. By breaking up and spreading melanin production at the source, your skin will appear brighter and more even-looking!
Furthermore, licorice root helps strengthen and fortify the skin barrier, minimizing breakouts and acne. It also acts as a pregnancy-safe retinol alternative by helping to speed up collagen and cellular renewal without worrying about harsh retinol side effects!
Side effects of licorice root extract
As stated above, licorice root extract generally does not cause adverse reactions. Although, it is always best to do a patch test before adding any new ingredient to your skincare regimen.
In addition, licorice root is primarily safe for all skin types. Still, some individuals may experience specific side effects, such as dryness or irritation, if their skin does not react well.
Licorice root with other skincare ingredients
Licorice root pairs well with other skincare ingredients, such as vitamin C, niacinamide, and salicylic acid! By incorporating elements that work together, you will quickly achieve clear and glowing skin.
Vitamin C brightens the complexion by stimulating collagen production and reducing acne and blemishes, whereas licorice root extract helps improve elasticity and brightens the skin tone! These ingredients work together to fade dark spots while fighting off bacteria sitting on the skin and protecting the skin against free radicals.
Moreover, niacinamide minimizes pores, acne, and blemishes while soothing the skin and reducing hyperpigmentation. Paired with licorice root, this duo will fight off dark spots, sun spots, and acne-scarring by dispersing melanin throughout the skin!
Lastly, salicylic acid gently exfoliates and reduces clogged pores while fighting inflammation and breakouts. Both salicylic acid and licorice root help fade dark spots and hydrate the skin while minimizing acne and regulating oil production.
Best products that contain licorice root
So, now that we know the benefits of licorice root extract, which products are best?
Flora & Noor carries numerous products that are all 100% vegan, halal-certified, cruelty-free, and Leaping Bunny Certified. More specifically, Flora & Noor's Vitamin C Resurfacing Toner contains a mixture of licorice root, niacinamide, vitamin C, pomegranate, aloe vera, and more!
Furthermore, this toner gently exfoliates and nourishes the skin, reducing and smoothing out wrinkles and fine lines and protecting the skin barrier from free radicals.
Moreover, this toner helps fade away and prevent hyperpigmentation, especially with the fantastic mixture of niacinamide, vitamin C, and licorice root.
The last step of any skincare routine is to lock in previous skincare steps. The Super Glow Gel Moisturizer by Flora & Noor is hydrating and soothing and further reduces hyperpigmentation in the skin. As stated, vitamin C, licorice root, and niacinamide are great ingredients that nourish and achieve glowing, clear skin!
Best products that work alongside licorice root extract
The best products that work well with licorice root extract include the Vitamin C Collection by Flora & Noor, the Hydration Station Aloe + Green Tea Cleanser, and the Earth & Ocean Acne Fighting Mask.
Flora & Noor's Boost & Brighten Cleanser works to dissolve impurities sitting on the skin, minimizing pore size. It also brightens the skin tone by reducing discoloration and promoting collagen production. This cleanser is safe for all skin types, acting as a barrier defense from daily free radical exposure.
Next, the Bright Side Vitamin C Serum brightens the skin complexion with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, Gotu Kola, horsetail, and aloe vera. This serum boosts cellular renewal and soothes inflammation, reducing wrinkles, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation.
The Hydration Station Aloe + Green Tea Cleanser clears clogged pores and helps balance oil production. This cleanser is perfect for those with a combination of oily skin, working to purify pores and even out skin texture and tone!
Lastly, the Earth & Ocean Acne Fighting Mask helps slough away dead skin, debris, and impurities and absorb excess oil. This face mask promotes clearer and smoother skin by gently exfoliating and reducing clogged pores. In addition, it contains kelp, spirulina, kaolin clay, and aloe vera to fight off environmental stressors, soothe the skin, and reduce wrinkles and fine lines.
Final Thoughts
- Licorice root extract's primary purpose in skincare is to reduce and prevent hyperpigmentation. By reducing hyperpigmentation and dark spots, your skin will appear brighter and more even! If you are wondering about the difference between whitening vs brightening, our article explains more in depth.
- Furthermore, licorice root extract is entirely safe for all skin types, although it is better to do a patch test for any product before applying it all over the face. Licorice root extract's properties also mimic retinol, but it is much safer regarding minimal to no side effects.
- Additionally, licorice root pairs amazingly well with numerous ingredients such as vitamin C, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. These nourishing ingredients help hydrate and strengthen barrier protection while minimizing pores, blemishes, and dark spots!
- Flora & Noor's Vitamin C Resurfacing Toner and Super Glow Gel Moisturizer contain licorice root extract, making them perfect for those who want to reduce and prevent hyperpigmentation and scarring. Flora & Noor is also 100% halal certified and vegan, making all their products safe to use at any time of day and for all skin types!