Licorice (Glycyrrhiza) powder is a botanical extract containing actives such as glabridin and licochalcone A, used in skincare to reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase and to soothe inflammation. It is commonly included in products targeting melasma, dark spots, and redness.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Contact dermatitis / skin irritation | Uncommon | Localized redness, itching, or stinging, particularly in sensitive skin or with high concentrations. |
Allergic contact sensitization | Rare | Hypersensitivity reactions reported in predisposed individuals; patch testing advised if reactive. |
Photosensitivity-related reactions | Rare | Occasional reports, though licorice is more often studied for soothing rather than provoking photoreactions. |
Systemic effects (e.g., pseudoaldosteronism) | Very rare | Associated with oral glycyrrhizin ingestion, not typical topical cosmetic use; negligible risk from skincare. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.