Licorice Root Extract for Skin

If you have eczema-prone or sensitive skin, then there is a chance that you may have heard about Licorice Root extract. Perhaps a friend, or a dermatologist even, may have extolled the virtues of using a licorice root extract moisturizer to help soothe your irritated skin. 

But is Licorice Root extract for skin beneficial? Should you use products that contain it? This blog will answer all your questions related to licorice root extract. 

What is Licorice Extract?

Licorice Root Extract is a plant extract that has been shown to have skin-soothing properties that can aid eczema and other skin conditions. This natural plant extract, often referred to as Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, has many qualities that work at a molecular level to make it efficient for soothing sensitive, red skin.

Licorice Root Extract for skin, you say? Why? In short, we use it because of its redness-reducing properties when used on the skin. As the name implies, this natural ingredient comes from a plant root and has been used for thousands of years for its healing properties when consumed orally. 

The FDA also considers it safe to include in food products like chewing gum, baked goods, vitamins, soft candy, and even in beverages (in certain amounts) [2]. Let’s delve deeper into its origin, effectiveness, and safety.

History of Licorice Root

The use of licorice root is as old as ancient Egypt. Where it was often used as a medicine and made into a sweet drink for the pharaohs. It was often added to teas and herbal mixtures to help soothe various skin conditions. 

In ancient Egypt, licorice root was highly valued in royal courts and often became a part of the pharaoh’s skincare routine due to its skin-clearing and soothing properties. Licorice root contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-irritant properties, due to which it was also famous among the Chinese. It has been used for ages as a key ingredient in Chinese traditional medicine. In China, people often apply it directly to the skin as a paste to soothe itching and redness and manage skin conditions like eczema and acne. 

Licorice root also made a significant impact on the lives of the Romans and Greeks. It was used to reduce skin swelling and was an important ingredient in early cosmetics. By the Middle Ages, it became popular in Europe as a herbal medicine for various health and skin issues. 

So clearly, it’s not just our generation; but licorice root has been cherished for centuries. 

How is the Licorice Root Extract Obtained?

According to the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries, the Licorice Root plant has the scientific names Glycyrrhiza glabra and Glycyrrhiza inflata. The roots of these two plants are wild-harvested in Asia, the Middle East, and South Europe.

These tend to be 3 to 4 years old before they can be harvested and processed to obtain the essence that we include in our products.

The extract of Licorice Root is produced by boiling the roots and subsequently evaporating most of the water, and then other manufacturing processes are applied to produce a more pure extract of the Licorice Root that can be found in premium cosmetics like Happy Cappy.

Interestingly, unprocessed licorice extract is not commonly used directly in cosmetics because it lacks potency and has a strong smell [1].

Other Names for Licorice Root Extract

Licorice root, often spelled as Liquorice, once processed, is called by many scientific names. The version of it we use in Happy Cappy Products is called Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate. We chose this version of Licorice Root Extract for the skin because it is not absorbed through the skin [2]. 

Even the versions below that are absorbed by the skin are considered safe, but we wanted to go the extra mile. You may also see Licorice Root Extract referred to as Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Potassium Glycyrrhetinate, Glycyrrhizic Acid, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Ammonium Glycyrrhizate, and others.

Is Licorice Root Extract Safe?

This natural plant extract has a firm place in Japanese cosmetics. In fact, it is referred to as a “Quasi Drug” there. What is a Quasi Drug? In Japan, they have 3 categories of Drug: medical drug, quasi drug, or cosmetic [3]. 

This is perhaps similar to the American system of cosmetics, OTC, and prescription. An example of an OTC in the United States is ibuprofen, It is a safe medication most of us have used for reducing pain and fever.

This root extract enjoys the designation of Quasi Drug in Japan, and they’ve enjoyed the proven positive effects of Licorice Root Extract for skin use so much that they gave it the equivalent of a United States OTC designation. 

Benefits of Licorice Root Extract 

Licorice root extract has various benefits for the skin, which is why it has been used for centuries. Here are a few of those prominent benefits: 

Moisturizes the Skin

Glycyrrhizic acid is found in licorice root extract, which is believed to contain skin moisturizing properties that can help keep the skin hydrated. It helps keep the skin hydrated by attracting and retaining moisture in it. 

Additionally, it can also aid in the prevention of excess water loss or transepidermal water loss (TEWL) from the skin. Because of these benefits, licorice root is often used as an ingredient in moisturizers for dry skin. 

Soothes Irritation 

Licorice root extract is also believed to contain anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated skin. It contains bioactive compounds such as glycyrrhizin, flavonoids, and licochalcone, which, when worked together, can help reduce redness, irritation, and swelling on the skin.

Reduces Inflammation

Another benefit of licorice root extract is that it can help reduce inflammation in the skin. It works by blocking cytokines and prostaglandins in the skin that are often the culprit for redness and irritation.

This is why it is often believed to be a helpful ingredient in soothing the symptoms of skin conditions like eczema and rosacea.

Strengthens the Natural Skin Barrier

Licorice root extract can also help strengthen the skin’s natural barrier by enhancing its ability to retain moisture and protect against external irritants. It helps prevent the breakdown of the skin barrier, excess moisture loss, and environmental damage. 

It also supports the synthesis of lipids, such as ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids, that are essential for forming a strong skin barrier. For people with eczema or rosacea who often experience a compromised skin barrier, licorice extract can help calm irritation and promote faster skin healing and repair. 

Besides its benefit of reducing irritation, it has been used in Japan to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and even to prevent skin sagging [1]! Studies have also shown Licorice Root Extract helps reduce redness and skin damage caused by UV ray exposure [4].

Licorice Root Extract for Eczema

We know that licorice root extract can be very beneficial for the skin and was often used in old times to soothe eczema. But what do the modern researchers have to say about it? Can licorice root extract for eczema actually work?

A research published on PubMed, conducted on 60 patients with atopic dermatitis, showed that licorice root extract can be considered as an effective treatment option for managing the skin condition. 

Another study on eczema patients showed that 93% of those using glycyrrhetinic acid or licorice root extract saw visible improvement as compared to 93% of those using cortisone. So we can conclude that licorice root extract can be beneficial for people experiencing an eczema flare-up, especially due to its skin-soothing properties. 

Happy Cappy and Licorice Root Extract  

Licorice Root Extract offers a range of benefits for skin. We at Happy Cappy have carefully chosen the safest form of licorice extract and decided to include an effective ingredient in our Medicated Shampoo for Seborrheic Dermatitis, Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, Body Wash for Eczema, and Eczema Moisturizing Cream because of its ability to soothe irritated skin, provide comfort, and protect your skin.

Conclusion

Licorice root extract has been used for centuries due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant properties to manage different skin conditions. It has various benefits for the skin which is often added to skincare products.

Licorice extract can help reduce redness, itching, and irritation and helps strengthen the skin’s natural barrier. Even scientific studies support its benefits, showing that it can help manage skin conditions such as eczema or atopic dermatitis while enhancing the skin’s health. 

If you are also searching for clinically tested skin care products for sensitive, eczema-prone skin, then explore Happy Cappy Products, infused with licorice root extracts that can help soothe and hydrate your skin. 

References

1. “Exporting liquorice extract for cosmetics to Europe.” CBI Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Updated December 19, 2017. https://www.cbi.eu/market-information/natural-ingredients-cosmetics/liquorice-extract/
2. “Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Potassium Glycyrrhetinate, Disodium Succinoyl Glycyrrhetinate, Glyceryl Glycyrrhetinate, Glycyrrhetinyl Stearate, Steryl Glycyrrhetinate, Glycyrrhizic Acid, Ammonium Glycyrrhizate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Disodium Glycyrrhizate, Trisodium Glycyrrhizate, Methyl Glycyrrhizate, and Potassium Glycyrrhizate.” IJT 26(Suppl. 2):79-112, 2007. https://online.personalcarecouncil.org/jsp/CIRList.jsp?id=2761
3. Wonect Team. “Japanese Skincare: Understanding Quasi Drugs and Cosmetics.” Wonect.Life. Published October 24, 2017. Updated April17, 2019. https://wonect.life/understanding-quasi-drugs-cosmetics/
4. Yutaka Ogura, et al.: Pharmaco Metrics, 9 (6): 833-894, 1975.

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Dr. Eddie Valenzuela

Dr. Eddie Valenzuela is an award winning pediatrician and the founder and CEO of Pediatric Solutions, LLC.

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