The beauty industry has witnessed a notable shift towards natural and plant-based products in recent years. One such ingredient that has caught the attention of natural skincare enthusiasts is licorice root.

Licorice root, with its potent properties and numerous benefits, has emerged as a powerful player in the realm of natural skincare. Let’s take a closer look at the wonders of licorice root and how it can enhance your green skincare routine.

Overview of Licorice Root’s Natural Benefits

Licorice root, a natural ingredient with a long history of use, has gained attention for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Derived from the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, licorice root has been utilized for centuries. In ancient Chinese medicine, it was primarily used for treating conditions including lung, liver, circulatory, and kidney diseases. And, because of licorice root’s intense sweetness, it was also used to make black licorice candy at one time.

Today, licorice extract has become a highly beneficial ingredient for clean skin care products. It contains active compounds, including glycyrrhizin, flavonoids, and saponins, which contribute to its potential therapeutic effects.

One of the standout features of licorice root is its anti-inflammatory properties that come from the compound glabridin, making it an effective option for addressing skin irritation and acne.

Studies have shown other promising results as well, including the potential of licorice root to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation (aka discoloration and dark spots). 

Natural Licorice Root Products

It’s no surprise that licorice root, with its herbal skincare benefits, has become a key ingredient in numerous natural skincare products. If you’d like to start incorporating licorice root products into your skincare routine, here are all the top choices to consider. 

Cleansers

Licorice root-infused cleansers, like the Pur-Radiance cleanser from Purity Woods, offer a gentle yet effective way to cleanse your face while benefiting from its soothing properties. These cleansers can help remove impurities, excess oils, and makeup from pores without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. When cleansing, licorice root’s anti-inflammatory effects also calm irritated skin, making it an ideal choice for those with a sensitive or reactive skin type.

Toners

Toners formulated with licorice root can provide additional benefits beyond balancing the skin’s pH levels. Licorice root’s soothing properties help calm and prepare the skin for further skincare steps. And because licorice root has been shown to enhance the effectiveness of other ingredients, these toners may enhance the absorption of other products while providing a refreshing and revitalizing sensation.

 

Serums

Licorice root-infused serums are designed for the treatment of specific skin conditions. Whether you’re dealing with sun damage, skin texture, inflammation, or uneven skin tone, a serum can be a valuable addition to your skincare routine. Licorice root’s brightening, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties work to help reduce melanin production, even out the complexion, and promote a more radiant appearance. 

Moisturizers

Licorice root is a popular ingredient in natural moisturizers due to its hydrating and soothing properties. These creams provide essential nourishment to the skin while delivering licorice root’s benefits. Overall, they help restore moisture balance, may reduce redness, wrinkles, and unwanted lines, and promote healthy-looking skin. Look for moisturizer formulations without fragrance that combine licorice root extracts with other natural moisturizing ingredients to maximize hydration and nourishment.

Masks and Treatments

Licorice root-infused masks and treatments offer a concentrated dose of licorice root’s skincare benefits. These products are typically used as weekly or bi-weekly treatments to provide intensive care for specific skin types and concerns. Licorice root’s soothing and brightening properties may help rejuvenate the skin, reduce hyperpigmentation, and promote a more even skin tone.

Incorporating Licorice Root into Your Natural Skincare Routine

As you have seen, licorice root is available in various topical forms, including in cleansers, serums, eye cream, and can even be used for bath and body needs like soaps and lotions, allowing you to choose the format that best fits your skincare routine.

When selecting licorice root-infused products, it’s important to opt for cosmetics that contain a high concentration of licorice root extract or licorice root oil. These products harness the potent properties of licorice root and can be incorporated into your regular wellness routine to help soothe inflammation and promote overall skin health.

To effectively incorporate licorice root-infused products into your skincare routine, consider the following tips:

• Choose reputable brands: Look for brands that prioritize quality, have a reputation for using standardized extraction methods, and contain USDA Certified Organic ingredients. This ensures that the licorice root used in their products contains high-quality active compounds and has not been grown with pesticides. 
• Perform a patch test: Before using a new product, it’s always advisable to perform a patch test on a small area of your skin. This helps determine if you have any allergic reactions or sensitivities to the product. Apply a small amount of the product to the inside of your wrist or behind your ear, and monitor the areas for any adverse reactions for 24-48 hours.
• Follow recommended usage instructions: Each licorice root-infused product may have specific instructions for application and usage frequency. It is essential to follow these guidelines provided by the manufacturer to achieve optimal results. Using the product as directed ensures that you are obtaining the maximum benefits and minimizing the risk of potential side effects, like a reaction to sun exposure.

Experience the Natural Benefits of Licorice Root Extract

Licorice root can help you achieve youthful-looking skin and is a valuable addition to your skincare arsenal. If you want to experience its benefits for yourself, look into the Pur-Radiance cleanser from Purity Woods. 

This nourishing cleanser promotes healthy-looking skin and is USDA Certified Organic so you can be confident you’re getting the most natural form of licorice root available — and zero toxins. It features 21 pure botanical ingredients (besides licorice root) that cleanse and moisturize skin at the same time.

Learn more about the natural ingredients found in the Pur-Radiance facial cleanser and enjoy a natural glow!