Liquorice (licorice) extract is a botanical derived from Glycyrrhiza species, valued in skincare for its skin-brightening, soothing, and antioxidant properties, largely attributed to compounds such as glabridin, liquiritin, and glycyrrhizin. It is commonly used to reduce hyperpigmentation, calm irritation, and address redness.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild skin irritation or stinging | Uncommon | Transient tingling or redness, more likely in sensitive skin or higher concentrations. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization to plant-derived constituents can cause localized itching, rash, or swelling. |
| Contact urticaria | Very rare | Isolated reports of hives following topical exposure in predisposed individuals. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.