Licorice root extract contains compounds such as glabridin and liquiritin that inhibit tyrosinase activity and reduce inflammation, making it used to address hyperpigmentation and soothe irritated skin. It is generally well tolerated in topical formulations.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Mild skin irritation or stinging | Uncommon | Transient redness or tingling, more likely on sensitive or compromised skin. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization reactions reported in isolated cases. |
Contact urticaria | Very rare | Rarely documented immediate hypersensitivity response. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.