Collection: Skincare Products Containing Licorice Root Extract

What Is Licorice Root Extract and How Does It Affect the Skin?

Licorice Root Extract is a powerful active ingredient derived from the roots of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, known in skincare as "nature's gentlest brightener." Used in traditional medicine for centuries in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, licorice root stands out in modern dermocosmetics for its properties in reducing dark spots, evening out skin tone, providing anti-inflammatory effects, and offering antioxidant protection.

The power of licorice root in skincare comes from its three key active components: glabridin, which regulates melanin production; glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic acid), which has strong anti-inflammatory effects; and liquiritin, which regulates pigment distribution. This trio creates a synergistic effect to reduce dark spots, soothe redness, and brighten the skin—all while being much gentler than powerful brighteners like Vitamin C or hydroquinone.

The NewLab Skincare Products Containing Licorice Root Extract

The NewLab uses licorice root extract in two different brightening-focused products: a brightening serum for dark spots for the face and a specially formulated roll-on for underarm darkening.

Brightening Face Serum for Spotted Skin — Niacinamide 5% + Alpha Arbutin 2%

A powerful anti-dark spot serum that combines three different brightening mechanisms in a single formula. Licorice Root Extract regulates melanin production with glabridin and evens out skin tone. Niacinamide 5% blocks melanin transfer—reducing the transport of pigment from melanocyte cells to keratinocytes, thus preventing spots from appearing on the skin's surface. At the same time, it strengthens the skin barrier and reduces the appearance of pores. Alpha Arbutin 2% inhibits the tyrosinase enzyme, lightening the appearance of sun spots, age spots, and acne marks. Peptide Complex supports collagen production to improve overall skin texture. Hyaluronic Acid deeply moisturizes the skin.

Active Ingredients: Licorice Root Extract, Niacinamide 5%, Alpha Arbutin 2%, Peptide Complex, Hyaluronic Acid

Triple brightening strategy: Licorice root + alpha arbutin stop melanin production at different points, while niacinamide prevents the transfer of produced melanin to the skin surface. These three actives work together to target both the formation and appearance of spots.

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Underarm Whitening Roll-On with Arbutin, Niacinamide, and Licorice Root Extract 50 ml

An underarm whitening roll-on specifically formulated to combat underarm darkening. The same triple brightening strategy found in the face serum (licorice root extract + arbutin + niacinamide) is presented here in a formula adapted for the underarm area. Its aluminum, alcohol, and paraben-free formula does not irritate the skin. It provides long-lasting protection against body odor while simultaneously providing brightening care. Thanks to its lightweight texture that leaves no yellow or white stains on clothes, you can get dressed without waiting for it to dry.

Active Ingredients: Arbutin, Niacinamide, Licorice Root Extract

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Scientific Mechanisms of Action of Licorice Root Extract

1. Tyrosinase Inhibition — Slowing Down Melanin Production: The first and most critical step in melanin production is the activation of the tyrosinase enzyme. Glabridin directly inhibits this enzyme, slowing down melanin synthesis at its source. Research has shown that glabridin is comparable in strength to known brighteners like hydroquinone and kojic acid in inhibiting tyrosinase—but with a much lower risk of irritation. This makes licorice root extract safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

2. Preventing Melanin Transfer: Melanin is not just produced; it is transferred from melanocyte cells to keratinocytes (skin surface cells). The niacinamide in The NewLab formula slows down this transfer process—while licorice root extract reduces melanin production, niacinamide prevents the produced melanin from being carried to the surface. Two different mechanisms work together to multiply the brightening effect.

3. Anti-Inflammatory Effect — Preventing Inflammation-Induced Spots: Inflammation in the skin (acne, sunburn, irritation) often leads to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)—dark spots after inflammation. Glycyrrhizin suppresses inflammation, preventing this pigmentation process at the source. This mechanism plays a critical role in reducing the formation of dark marks after acne.

4. Regulating Pigment Distribution: Liquiritin helps existing melanin clusters distribute more evenly, accelerating the fading of dark spots. This effect provides visible improvement in pigmentation disorders such as sun spots, age spots, and melasma.

5. Antioxidant Protection: Licorice root extract has a strong antioxidant effect thanks to its rich flavonoid content. It neutralizes free radicals caused by UV rays and environmental pollution, reducing oxidative skin damage. This protective effect both prevents the formation of new spots and delays premature aging.

Benefits of Licorice Root Extract for the Skin

Reducing Spots and Evening Skin Tone: This is where licorice root extract is most powerful. It gradually lightens the appearance of sun spots, age spots, acne marks (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), and melasma. Combined with alpha arbutin and niacinamide—as seen in The NewLab’s anti-dark spot serum—it creates a triple brightening strategy.

Safe Brightening for Sensitive Skin: Powerful brighteners like hydroquinone, kojic acid, and high concentrations of Vitamin C can cause irritation on sensitive skin. Licorice root extract achieves the same goal in a much gentler way—the risk of redness, peeling, or sensitivity is minimal. Therefore, it is one of the safest brightening actives for sensitive, thin, and reactive skin.

Soothing Redness and Reducing Inflammation: The powerful anti-inflammatory effect of glycyrrhizin lightens redness, burning sensations, and signs of irritation on the skin. It has a soothing effect on post-sun irritation, active acne inflammation, and rosacea-prone skin. It creates a comprehensive soothing routine when paired with 4C Cica and allantoin.

Preventing the Darkening of Post-Acne Marks: Dark marks left behind after acne heals are caused by inflammation (PIH). Licorice root extract reduces inflammation to prevent new marks from forming and accelerates the fading of existing ones. You can manage active acne and treat marks simultaneously by using it with salicylic acid.

Care Against Underarm Darkening: The gentle brightening effect of licorice root extract can safely be used on the sensitive underarm area. The NewLab underarm whitening roll-on provides daily care against darkening with the licorice root + arbutin + niacinamide trio.

Anti-Aging Support: With its antioxidant effect, it provides protection against free radicals and delays premature aging. It plays a supportive role in an anti-aging routine alongside Argireline, retinol, and multi-peptide products.

Best Combinations: Which Actives Should Licorice Root Extract Be Used With?

Licorice Root Extract + Alpha Arbutin + Niacinamide: The golden trio of brightening. The three actives target different steps of the melanin cycle: licorice root slows down production, arbutin inhibits tyrosinase, and niacinamide blocks transfer. The NewLab brightening serum features this triple formula.

Licorice Root Extract + Vitamin C: Double the brightening power. Vitamin C also provides tyrosinase inhibition and antioxidant protection—the effect of brightening and spot reduction is strengthened when paired with licorice root. You can provide day-long brightening support by using a Vitamin C serum in the morning and the anti-dark spot serum containing licorice root extract in the evening.

Licorice Root Extract + Retinol: Cell renewal + brightening. Retinol accelerates skin cell turnover, allowing old cells containing pigment to be shed, while licorice root extract prevents melanin accumulation in newly formed cells. Together, they provide very powerful results in treating dark spots. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory effect, licorice root also soothes potential irritation caused by retinol.

Licorice Root Extract + Hyaluronic Acid: Brightening + moisturizing. It meets the skin's moisture needs while focusing on spots. The NewLab serum contains both.

Licorice Root Extract + AHA (Glycolic Acid): Exfoliation + brightening. AHA removes the dead skin cell layer, allowing the active components of licorice root to penetrate the skin better and helping pigmented cells to be shed more quickly.

Licorice Root Extract + 4C Cica: Brightening + repair. If you want to strengthen the skin barrier and reduce inflammation while treating dark spots, this duo creates a powerful balance.

Licorice Root Extract + Sunscreen: The most critical step in spot treatment! UV rays trigger melanin production—no matter how effective brightening products are, permanent results cannot be achieved without sun protection. Protect your progress by using them with The NewLab’s sunscreen products.

Which Skin Types and Conditions Is Licorice Root Extract Suitable For?

All skin types: Licorice root extract is one of the best-tolerated brighteners in skincare. It can be safely used on dry, oily, combination, sensitive, and acne-prone skin.

Sensitive skin: Ideal for those who cannot tolerate powerful brighteners like hydroquinone or high concentrations of Vitamin C. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory effect, it brightens the skin while soothing it.

Post-acne marks: Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)—the dark marks left behind after acne heals—is one of the areas where licorice root extract is most effective.

Sun spots and age spots: Provides visible lightening with regular use in hyperpigmentation caused by UV damage.

Melasma: Can be used as supportive care for melasma, a hormonal pigmentation disorder (in conjunction with dermatological treatment).

Underarm darkening: A gentle brightener that can be safely used in the sensitive underarm area. The NewLab underarm whitening roll-on is formulated for this purpose.

How Is Licorice Root Extract Used?

Morning routine: Cleansing → Toner → Brightening serum containing licorice root extract → Moisturizer → Sunscreen (SPF50+). Sunscreen is the most critical step in spot treatment—the effect of the brightening serum only becomes permanent with sun protection.

Evening routine: Cleansing → Toner → Brightening serum → Moisturizer (cica cream or retinol). Since the skin's renewal process is active at night, brightening actives work more effectively.

Summer use: Licorice root extract does not sensitize the skin to the sun—unlike retinol and AHA, it can be safely used during summer months. The NewLab spot serum is suitable for year-round use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is licorice root extract, and what does it do?

Licorice root extract is a natural brightening active derived from the roots of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant. The glabridin it contains slows down melanin production to reduce spots, glycyrrhizin soothes inflammation in the skin, and liquiritin lightens existing pigmentation. It provides spot reduction, evening of skin tone, and safe brightening for sensitive skin.

Does licorice root extract lighten skin tone?

Licorice root extract does not "bleach" the skin—it does not change your natural skin color. Instead, it evens out the skin tone: it brightens dark-spotted areas such as sun spots, acne marks, and hyperpigmentation, creating a more even and radiant tone.

Can licorice root extract be used on sensitive skin?

Yes, the greatest advantage of licorice root extract is its gentle nature. It is the safest alternative for those who cannot tolerate brighteners like hydroquinone and high concentrations of Vitamin C. Its anti-inflammatory effect brightens the skin while soothing it.

Can licorice root extract be used with Vitamin C?

Yes, the two work perfectly together—both target melanin production through different mechanisms. You can provide day-long brightening support by using a Vitamin C serum in the morning and the brightening serum containing licorice root extract in the evening.

How long does licorice root extract take to work?

First effects (increased radiance, tone evening) begin to be observed in 4-6 weeks. Visible lightening of spots and evening of tone appear after 8-12 weeks of regular use. Using sunscreen speeds up the results and makes them permanent.

Can licorice root extract be used in the summer?

Yes, licorice root extract does not sensitize the skin to the sun—unlike retinol and AHA, it can be safely used in the summer. However, using sunscreen is mandatory for spot treatment all year round.

Is licorice root extract good for acne marks?

Yes, licorice root extract is one of the most effective actives in reducing post-acne dark marks (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). While its anti-inflammatory effect prevents new marks from forming, glabridin and liquiritin accelerate the fading of existing ones.

Is licorice root extract effective for underarm darkening?

Yes, the gentle brightening effect of licorice root extract can be safely used in the sensitive underarm area. The NewLab underarm whitening roll-on provides daily care against underarm darkening with its licorice root + arbutin + niacinamide trio.

Can licorice root extract be used during pregnancy?

Low-concentration licorice root extract in cosmetic forms is generally considered safe. However, as pregnancy is a sensitive period, it is recommended to consult your doctor before starting any new active ingredient.