Licorice Root Extract: The Ultimate Guide to Skin, Health & Sourcing

You’ve probably heard of licorice candy, but have you met its powerful, health-boosting cousin, licorice root extract? This golden-hued herbal extract is making waves everywhere, from the world of Korean skincare to herbal supplement aisles.

But with so much information out there, it’s easy to get confused. Is it good for your skin? Can it raise your blood pressure? And where can you find a reliable herbal extract supplier?

We’re breaking it all down. As a leading plant extract manufacturer on the GMP production line, Aiherba is here to give you the straight facts—no fluff, just science-backed insights.

So, What Exactly Is Licorice Root Extract?

Let’s get this out of the way first: Licorice extract is NOT the same as black licorice candy. The candy gets its strong, divisive flavor from anise oil, while the real, potent stuff comes from the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant. For centuries, it’s been a superstar in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is now a sought-after cosmetic raw material and dietary supplement.

Our licorice root extract powder at Aiherba is sourced responsibly and manufactured to the highest purity standards, ensuring you get all the benefits without the contaminants.

The Incredible Benefits of Licorice Extract: More Than Just a Pretty Face

This root is a true multi-tasker. Here’s what the science says:

For Your Skin (The Real MVP):

Is licorice extract good for skin? Absolutely! It’s a gentle giant.
Does licorice extract lighten dark spots? Yes! Its active compound, glabridin, inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase, which is responsible for producing melanin. This makes it a fantastic, natural alternative to harsh chemicals for fading hyperpigmentation and post-acne marks.
How long does it take for licorice to lighten skin? Consistency is key. With daily use in a well-formulated serum or cream, you can often see initial brightening results in 4-8 weeks.
Is licorice anti-aging? You bet. It’s packed with antioxidants that fight free radicals, and it helps soothe inflammation, which can break down collagen. This combo helps smooth fine lines and plump the skin.
What does licorice root extract do for the face? In short: it brightens, calms redness, fights acne-causing bacteria, and protects against environmental damage. It’s a cornerstone in many Korean skincare products for these exact reasons.

For Your Overall Health:

Does licorice cleanse the liver? Some studies suggest it has hepatoprotective properties, meaning it can help support and protect the liver from damage.
Does licorice make your bowels move? Traditionally, it has been used as a mild laxative, but this is one of its stronger effects and should be used with caution.
Is licorice good for losing weight? The evidence here is not strong. While it might support metabolic health, it’s not a magic weight-loss pill.

The Important Stuff: Usage, Dosage, and Who Should Avoid It

This is the most critical section. With great power comes great responsibility.

Who Should NOT Take Licorice Root Extract?

This isn’t for everyone. You should avoid it or use it only under strict medical supervision if you:

Have High Blood Pressure: Can liquorice raise blood pressure? Yes, 100%. A component called glycyrrhizin can cause water retention and elevate blood pressure. This is its most well-known side effect.
Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding: It is generally considered unsafe during pregnancy.
Have Heart, Kidney, or Liver Conditions: It can worsen electrolyte imbalances.
Are on Certain Medications: See the interaction section below.

What Meds Does Licorice Interact With?

Licorice can be a risky mix with several common medications. What not to mix with licorice extract includes:

Blood Pressure Medications: It can counteract their effects.
Blood Thinners (like Warfarin): It may increase the risk of bleeding.
Diuretics (Water Pills): It can cause severe potassium loss.
Corticosteroids: It can amplify their side effects.

Disclaimer: Always talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you have a health condition or are on medication.

Daily Dose & How to Use It

As a Supplement: There is no universally agreed-upon dose. For extracts low in glycyrrhizin (often called “deglycyrrhizinated licorice” or DGL), follow the manufacturer’s instructions, typically 200-800mg per day. DGL is often used for digestive comfort.
On Your Face for Wrinkles: Don’t apply the pure powder directly! Look for serums, creams, or face masks where licorice root extract is listed high in the ingredients. A percentage of 1-2% licorice root extract is often effective for seeing skin brightening and anti-aging benefits.

Your Licorice Extract Questions, Answered! (FAQ)

Q: Is licorice extract a steroid?
A: No, it is not a steroid. However, its anti-inflammatory effects are sometimes compared to a mild corticosteroid, but it works through completely different, natural pathways.

Q: Does licorice extract regrow hair? Is licorice good for hair?
A: There’s some early evidence that its anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe a dry, flaky scalp (like from dandruff or psoriasis), which can create a healthier environment for hair growth. However, claiming it directly regrows hair is a stretch. As for a drink for hair regrowth, no strong evidence points to licorice tea being effective for this.

Q: What does black licorice do to the human body?
A: Eating a lot of real black licorice (made with actual licorice root) can have the same blood pressure-raising and potassium-lowering effects as the supplement. This is why you might see news stories warning people against overconsumption.

Q: Why was black licorice taken off the market?
A: It hasn’t been widely “taken off the market.” However, there have been specific FDA warnings and temporary product pulls when certain candies contained very high, pharmaceutically-active levels of glycyrrhizin that posed a health risk.

Q: Is licorice extract safe?
A: When used topically in cosmetics or taken orally as a supplement in recommended, short-term doses, it is generally safe for most healthy adults. The key is to be aware of the glycyrrhizin content and your personal health status.

Q: What is licorice root extract in Korean skincare?
A: It’s a beloved ingredient for its gentle brightening and calming properties. Korean beauty brands often prioritize gentle, effective ingredients, and licorice fits the bill perfectly for achieving a clear, radiant complexion.

Sourcing High-Quality Licorice Extract: A Guide for Businesses

If you’re a brand looking to create the next best-selling supplement or skincare product, your licorice root extract supplier matters.

At Shaanxi Aiherba Biotech Co., Ltd., we specialize in factory-direct supply of premium plant extract powders. Our GMP production line guarantees purity, potency, and consistency for every batch.

Why Source from Us?

Customized Specifications: Need a specific percentage of glabridin? We can do that. Looking for organic plant extract options? Let’s talk. We cater to your customized herbal extract needs.
Bulk and Wholesale Pricing: As a direct manufacturer, we offer competitive prices for bulk orders, whether you need 1 kg or 1,000 kg.
Free Samples: We believe in the quality of our products. We offer free sample herbal extract for qualified businesses to test.
Wide Application: Our extracts are perfect for dietary supplements, food additives, beverage additives, and of course, cosmetic ingredients.

Ready to Formulate with the Best?

Don’t just take our word for it. Experience the Aiherba difference.

Contact Us Today:
Website: aiherba.com
Email: sales@aiherba.com / info@aiherba.com

Let’s discuss your procurement process and how our high-efficacy licorice root extract can elevate your product line.

Selected Summary:
Licorice root extract is a versatile and powerful ingredient with proven benefits for skin brightening, anti-aging, and overall wellness. However, its oral consumption requires caution due to potential effects on blood pressure and medication interactions. For businesses, partnering with a reliable, GMP-certified plant extract manufacturer like Aiherba ensures access to safe, effective, and high-quality raw materials for a range of applications.

References:

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). “Licorice Root.”
Journal of Dermatological Science. “Inhibitory effect of licorice extracts on melanogenesis.” (1998).
International Journal of Molecular Sciences. “Biological Properties of Licorice-Derived Compounds.” (2023).