Evidence supporting the use of: Licorice
For the health condition: Acne

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has gained attention in dermatology, including for acne, due to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. The key component, glycyrrhizin, and other flavonoids in licorice extract have demonstrated the ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory mediators and suppress bacterial growth, including Propionibacterium acnes (now Cutibacterium acnes), which plays a role in acne pathogenesis.

Several in vitro studies and small clinical trials suggest that topical licorice extract can reduce redness, swelling, and bacterial load in acne-affected skin. For example, a 2014 randomized controlled trial found that a topical gel containing 2% licorice extract was as effective as 1% clindamycin gel in reducing mild to moderate acne lesions over four weeks. Licorice’s active compounds, such as glabridin and licochalcone A, are also known to suppress melanin synthesis, potentially helping with post-acne hyperpigmentation.

Despite promising preliminary data, the overall quality and quantity of clinical evidence remain limited. Most studies have small sample sizes, short durations, and variable formulations. No large-scale, long-term trials have established licorice as a primary or stand-alone acne treatment. Thus, while there is some scientific support for licorice’s role in acne management, the evidence is not robust and more research is needed before it can be considered a proven therapy.

More about Licorice
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Other ingredients used for Acne

Ajoene
Aloe vera
alpha-pinene
berberine
bisabolol
black cumin
burdock
bасора
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
cucumber
turmeric
curcumin
DIM (diindolylmethane)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
evening primrose oil
garlic bulb
green tea
hemp oil
honeysuckle
L-cystine
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
lavender
licorice root
monolaurin
niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
oregon grape
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
phenolic compounds
scrophularia root
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
tomato
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin E
seaweed
zinc
shen-chu
neem tree
paederia foetida
tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
chrysanthemum
morinda
oriental arborvitae
trace minerals
anemarrhena asphodeloides
fulvic acid
herbal blend (proprietary)
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
15,16-Dihydrotanshinone I
Ash
Apple Cider Vinegar
Alpha-terpineol
Azelaic acid
Allicin
Abrus
Andrographolide
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Allantoin
Asteracea
Argan nut oil
Anemarrhena
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Banyan
Bee products
Bassia scoparia
Coconut
Caryophyllene
Calendula
Chlorophyllin
Carvacrol
Curcuminoid
Chinese Raisintree
Curcumen
Centipeda
Curcuma
Chinatree
Castile Soap
Copaiba Oil
Clerodendrum indicum
Cannabichromene
Cannabigerol
Dianthus
Eclipta
Essential Oil Blend
Evening Primrose Oil
Ethyl Linoleate
Eugenol
Estrogen
Fatty acids
Gallic Acid
Glycolic acid
Glyceryl monolaurate
Glabridin
Honey
Heal-All
Hydrocolloid
Henna
Himalaya Berry
Hemp
Isatis
Immortelle
Indian Fagonia
Jojoba Oil
Kigelia africana
Kokilaksha
Lactobacillus plantarum
Litsea
Lactic Acid
Lactobacillus
Labdanum
Melia
Monoterpenes
Mangostin
Momordica
Mahonia
Marking Nut Tree
Nigella Seed
Propolis
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
Phlorotannins
Probiotics
Pansit-pansitan
Peptides
Sophora
Sesquiterpenes
Shikonin
Self-Heal
Soapberry
Stellaria dichotoma
Sulfur
Smoketree
Terpenoids
Thymoquinone
Terpinen-4-ol
Triterpenes
Thymol
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Tagetes
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Viola
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Wrightia tinctoria
Witch Hazel
Xanthorrhizol

Products containing Licorice

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.