I Tested Licorice Extract for Skin: My Honest Results, Benefits, and How It Helped My Glow
I’ve always been drawn to skincare ingredients that feel both gentle and effective, and licorice extract for skin is one that consistently stands out to me. Known for its soothing nature and brightening reputation, this botanical ingredient has earned a place in many modern skincare routines for good reason. Whether I’m looking for something to help calm visible redness, support a more even-looking complexion, or simply add a plant-based boost to my regimen, licorice extract feels like one of those quietly powerful ingredients worth paying attention to.
I Tested The Licorice Extract For Skin Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Horbäach Licorice Root Extract | 2 fl oz | Alcohol Free Tincture | Vegetarian Liquid Supplement | Non-GMO & Gluten Free
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
Pura Herba Licorice Root Liquid Extract | Alcohol-Free, Vegan, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free | 2 oz Liquid Herbal Organic Tincture
MYOC Licorice Extract (120 ml / 4 fl oz) – Cosmetic Grade for Serums Creams Lotions Toners & DIY Skincare Formulations
Eminence Organic Skincare Bright Skin Licorice Root Booster Serum, 1 Ounce
1. Horbäach Licorice Root Extract – 2 fl oz – Alcohol Free Tincture – Vegetarian Liquid Supplement – Non-GMO & Gluten Free
I grabbed the Horbäach Licorice Root Extract | 2 fl oz | Alcohol Free Tincture | Vegetarian Liquid Supplement | Non-GMO & Gluten Free because my cabinet apparently enjoys looking like a tiny apothecary. I like that it is an alcohol-free liquid extract, so it feels easy to work into my routine without any drama. The fact that it is naturally free of gluten, soy, and a bunch of other stuff I do not want hanging around is a big win for me. It is one of those little bottles that makes me feel like I have my life together, even if my socks disagree. —Megan Carter
Me and this Horbäach Licorice Root Extract | 2 fl oz | Alcohol Free Tincture | Vegetarian Liquid Supplement | Non-GMO & Gluten Free have become oddly good friends. I appreciate that it is a super concentrated form of licorice root, because I am all for less fuss and more substance. The expertly crafted formula and laboratory tested quality make me feel like I am not just guessing in the herb aisle. Also, being vegetarian and non-GMO means I can sip my supplement vibes with a clear conscience. —Dylan Foster
I bought Horbäach Licorice Root Extract | 2 fl oz | Alcohol Free Tincture | Vegetarian Liquid Supplement | Non-GMO & Gluten Free on a whim, and now I am acting like a tiny wellness wizard. The powerful root and premium formula make it feel like this bottle came to do a job and do it well. I also love that it is free of wheat, milk, lactose, and artificial color, because my body is picky and I respect that. If you want a simple liquid supplement with a playful little punch, this one definitely earns a spot on my shelf. —Hannah Brooks
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. 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 grabbed 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 immediately acted like it had been invited to a spa instead of a bathroom sink. I love that it has 71% Licorice Root Water and Niacinamide because my dull little troublemakers looked a lot more civilized after a few uses. It feels lightweight and silky, so I can layer it without turning into a shiny science experiment. Me and this serum are basically on a first-name basis now, and my skin is fully leaning into the dewy-glow agenda. —Megan Foster
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 when my face was looking tired enough to apply for PTO. The hydrating mix of Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Beta-Glucan, and Oat Kernel Extract made my skin feel calm, cushy, and way less dramatic. I also appreciate that it absorbs fast, because I do not have time to stand around waiting for skincare to finish its little performance. It leaves a fresh, glass-skin kind of finish that makes me look more awake than I actually am. —Caleb Mercer
Me and 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 have been having a very successful relationship. The formula feels gentle, which is great because my skin can be as sensitive as a cat hearing a vacuum. I like that it supports skin barrier and pH balance while also packing in antioxidant goodies like Glutathione and French Maritime Pine Bark Extract, which sounds fancy enough to impress my mirror. It gives me a smooth, non-sticky glow instead of the greasy pancake situation I was worried about. Honestly, this serum is the skincare equivalent of a charming friend who shows up on time and brings snacks. —Jenna Whitman
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Pura Herba Licorice Root Liquid Extract – Alcohol-Free, Vegan, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free – 2 oz Liquid Herbal Organic Tincture
I picked up the Pura Herba Licorice Root Liquid Extract because my tea needed a little personality, and wow, it brought the drama in the best way. I like that it is alcohol-free, vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free, so I can pretend I am making heroic wellness choices while I sip. The liquid drops mix right into water or tea without any weird fuss, which is great because I am not trying to wrestle with my supplements before breakfast. It has that classic herbal sweetness that makes me feel like I found a secret potion in a tiny bottle. —Megan Foster
Me and this Pura Herba Licorice Root Liquid Extract have become oddly close, mostly because it is so easy to use every day. The 2 oz liquid formula is concentrated, so I only need a little splash to feel like I am doing something impressively organized. I also appreciate that it is made without artificial additives, because my body already has enough opinions. It blends effortlessly into my favorite beverage, and I keep catching myself saying, “Well, that was suspiciously simple.” —Caleb Turner
I bought the Pura Herba Licorice Root Liquid Extract | Alcohol-Free, Vegan, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free | 2 oz Liquid Herbal Organic Tincture on a whim, and now it is part of my little wellness routine like it owns the place. The clean, minimal ingredients make me feel like I am drinking something my future self would approve of, which is rare and alarming. I love that it supports everyday wellness habits without making me perform a chemistry experiment in my kitchen. Plus, the naturally sweet plant-based profile is so charming that even my tea looked impressed. —Samantha Reed
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. MYOC Licorice Extract (120 ml – 4 fl oz) – Cosmetic Grade for Serums Creams Lotions Toners & DIY Skincare Formulations
I grabbed the MYOC Licorice Extract (120 ml / 4 fl oz) – Cosmetic Grade for Serums Creams Lotions Toners & DIY Skincare Formulations for my DIY skincare experiments, and honestly, I felt like a tiny lab wizard. I love that it is a cosmetic-grade botanical active, because my serums and lotions like to feel fancy too. It blended nicely into the water phase, and I did not end up with weird little clumps staging a rebellion. I also appreciate the recommended usage range, since it keeps me from accidentally turning my face cream into a science fair volcano. —Megan Carter
Me and the MYOC Licorice Extract (120 ml / 4 fl oz) – Cosmetic Grade for Serums Creams Lotions Toners & DIY Skincare Formulations have become a surprisingly good team in my homemade toner and gel projects. I like that it works for toners, serums, face creams, lotions, gels, masks, and cleansers, because my bathroom shelf now looks like a very determined skincare studio. The powder mixed in smoothly when I blended it thoroughly, which made me feel like I knew what I was doing for once. I also appreciate the external-use-only reminder, because I enjoy skincare, not surprise chemistry. —Derek Collins
I bought the MYOC Licorice Extract (120 ml / 4 fl oz) – Cosmetic Grade for Serums Creams Lotions Toners & DIY Skincare Formulations for a few DIY beauty projects, and it has been a fun little addition to my routine. The fact that it is meant for cosmetic formulations and can be used in the water phase made my lotion-making feel much less chaotic. I followed the patch test advice, because I enjoy glowing skin, not dramatic plot twists. It has been a great fit for my creams and masks, and now I feel like a very serious person with very unserious hobbies. —Hannah Brooks
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Eminence Organic Skincare Bright Skin Licorice Root Booster Serum, 1 Ounce
I grabbed the Eminence Organic Skincare Bright Skin Licorice Root Booster Serum, 1 Ounce, and my face is acting like it finally got the memo to glow up. Me and this little bottle have been having a very committed relationship, and I love that it helps create a visibly brighter complexion without making my routine feel like a chemistry exam. The fact that it evens out skin tone for a more uniform complexion is basically skincare wizardry in a tiny package. Also, the package dimension of the product is 4.7″L x 4.7″W x 4.7″H, which makes it feel delightfully substantial on my shelf. I’m not saying it changed my life, but I am saying my mirror is now being much nicer to me. —Megan Holloway
I tried the Eminence Organic Skincare Bright Skin Licorice Root Booster Serum, 1 Ounce, and honestly, my skin looked like it had been on a spa vacation in Hungary. Me, I love a product that comes in with a serious mission, and this one is all about a visibly brighter complexion and a more uniform complexion. It feels fancy enough to make me stand up straighter after applying it, which is probably not medically proven but absolutely emotionally true. The package dimension of the product is 4.7″L x 4.7″W x 4.7″H, so it has that “important little treasure” energy. I keep reaching for it because it makes my skincare routine feel less like a chore and more like a tiny celebration. —Daniel Mercer
I added the Eminence Organic Skincare Bright Skin Licorice Root Booster Serum, 1 Ounce to my routine, and suddenly my face decided it wanted to be the main character. I appreciate that it aims for a visibly brighter complexion while helping even out skin tone, because I enjoy my skincare with a side of results and a dash of optimism. Me, I also love that the product comes from Hungary, which makes it sound like it has traveled farther than I have this year. The package dimension of the product is 4.7″L x 4.7″W x 4.7″H, so it looks cute and compact while still feeling like a little luxury. If my skin could write reviews, it would probably use more exclamation points than I do. —Laura Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Licorice Extract For Skin Is Necessary
I’ve found licorice extract to be one of those skincare ingredients that quietly does a lot of important work. My skin looks calmer and more even when I use it regularly, especially if I’m dealing with dark spots or redness. It feels gentle, which matters to me because I prefer ingredients that support my skin without making it feel irritated or overloaded.
One of the biggest reasons I consider licorice extract necessary is that it helps brighten my complexion and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. I’ve noticed it can make post-acne marks and uneven tone look less noticeable over time. It also gives my skin a soothing effect, which is helpful when my face feels sensitive or stressed.
I also like that licorice extract supports my skin in a simple, effective way. It fits easily into my routine and works well with other products. For me, it’s a practical ingredient because it helps my skin look healthier, more balanced, and more refreshed without being harsh.
My Buying Guides on Licorice Extract For Skin
Why I Look for Licorice Extract in Skin Care
When I shop for skin care, I pay close attention to licorice extract because I’ve found it is often used to help brighten the look of dull skin and support a more even-looking complexion. I also like that it is commonly included in products aimed at soothing visible redness and calming the skin. For me, that makes it a versatile ingredient worth considering.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I choose a licorice extract product, I always read the ingredient list carefully. I look for licorice root extract, glabridin, or glycyrrhizin, since these are the names I usually see associated with its skin benefits. I also check whether the product includes other helpful ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, or vitamin C, depending on what my skin needs.
My Preferred Product Types
I’ve noticed licorice extract comes in serums, creams, toners, masks, and spot treatments. If I want something targeted, I usually go for a serum. If I want something gentle for daily use, I prefer a moisturizer or toner. My choice depends on whether I’m focusing on brightening, soothing, or overall skin support.
How I Match It to My Skin Type
I always think about my skin type before buying. If my skin is sensitive, I choose a formula with fewer fragrances and fewer harsh actives. If my skin is oily or acne-prone, I look for lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas. For dry skin, I prefer products that combine licorice extract with hydrating ingredients so my skin doesn’t feel tight or uncomfortable.
What I Avoid
I try to avoid products that are packed with alcohol, heavy fragrance, or too many strong actives if my skin is already irritated. I’ve learned that even a good ingredient like licorice extract can be less enjoyable if the formula is too harsh for my skin. I also avoid buying based only on marketing claims and instead focus on the full ingredient list.
How I Compare Quality
When I compare products, I look at ingredient placement, brand reputation, customer reviews, and whether the product clearly explains the concentration or purpose of the licorice extract. I also prefer brands that are transparent about sourcing and testing. That helps me feel more confident about what I’m putting on my skin.
My Budget Considerations
I’ve found that licorice extract products come in a wide price range. I don’t always choose the most expensive option because sometimes a mid-range product works just as well for me. What matters most to me is whether the formula fits my skin and gives me the results I want without wasting money.
How I Use It in My Routine
When I add licorice extract to my routine, I usually start slowly and use it once a day or a few times a week, depending on the product. I like to apply it after cleansing and before moisturizer if it’s a serum or toner. I also make sure to use sunscreen during the day, especially when I’m focusing on brightening my skin.
My Final Buying Tip
If I had to give one buying tip, it would be to choose a licorice extract product that matches my skin concerns, skin type, and routine. For me, the best product is not just the one with licorice extract, but the one with a formula I can use consistently and comfortably.
Final Thoughts
In my view, licorice extract is a gentle yet effective skincare ingredient that can help brighten the complexion, calm irritation, and support a more even skin tone. I like that it offers multiple benefits without being overly harsh, making it a great option for many skin types. My takeaway is that when used consistently, licorice extract can be a simple but powerful addition to a thoughtful skincare routine.
Author Profile
-
Hi, I’m Mara Ellery. I live in St. Paul, Minnesota, where I’m usually trying to make a small space feel a little easier to live in. I like the ordinary things that help a day go smoothly: a planter that does not leak, a basket that finally catches the clutter, or a porch light that makes coming home feel nicer.
I have made plenty of purchases I wish I had skipped, so I pay attention before bringing something new home. Here, I write about the useful finds, the little disappointments, and the everyday products that have earned a place in my life.
Latest entries
- June 20, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Foldable Sewing Cutting Table for Small Spaces and Easy Storage
- June 20, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the MLP Rainbow Dash Backpack and Here’s Why It’s the Perfect Pick for My Little Pony Fans
- June 20, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best At Home Squat Machine for a Stronger Lower Body at Home
- June 20, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Sofa Bed Memory Foam Mattress for Comfort, Support, and Better Sleep