The botanical name for licorice is Glycyrrhiza glabra, and while "licorice extract" is the general term you'll usually see on a label, some formulas get more specific and name the exact plant part used, like licorice root or seed extract.
Licorice earns its place in skincare largely through its antioxidant activity, which helps counter oxidative stress, a major contributor to skin aging. One compound in particular, glycyrrhetinic acid, has been studied extensively for its anti inflammatory strength, which is why licorice extract shows up so often in products aimed at sensitive or redness prone skin. That same calming effect is also linked to a reduction in dark spots and uneven tone over time.
Licorice Extract References
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, November 2021, pages 1-15 | Journal of Phamaceutical Care, August 2020, pages 186-195 | Biological Chemistry, April 2024, pages 407-415 | Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters, November 2022, ePublication | Mediators of Inflammation, January 2021, pages 1-17 | International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2019, pages 325-331 | International Journal of Toxicology, March 2007, pages 79-112
Our team reviews ingredient research and uses up-to-date evidence to rate ingredients based on the categories below.
Best
Ingredients with the most rigorous and convincing evidence. These are the standouts backed by consistent findings across independent, peer reviewed clinical research.. When we call an ingredient Best, it has earned that distinction through genuine, reproducible proof that it improves skin.
Good
Reliable, well tolerated ingredients that do their job without complaint. They may not carry the headline benefits of a Best rated active, but they hydrate, stabilize a formula, or support the ingredients around them in ways that make a real difference in how a product performs and feels.
Average
Ingredients that are perfectly safe and serve a clear function, typically as an emollient, thickener, or filler, but do not offer any meaningful skin benefit beyond that basic job. Not a red flag, just not a reason to choose one product over another.
Bad/Worst
Ingredients with documented potential to irritate skin, disrupt the barrier, or trigger sensitization in some users, often synthetic fragrance, drying forms of alcohol, or certain essential oils. Not automatically a dealbreaker for every skin type, but worth knowing about before you commit to a product.
