For those of us who have dark areas of hyperpigmentation, it is natural to  wish we had an eraser to instantly remove them! However, dark spots and uneven skin tone needs time, patience and the correct set of natural ingredients for a return to even skin tone without side effects. Licorice root is an amazing natural ingredient renowned for its ability to boost radiance, detox & soothe, as well as being extremely effective at ‘reducing hyperpigmentation’ of the skin.  Being chock full of antioxidants and melanin limiting phytoactives, Licorice root extract is proven to enhance skin’s quality and appearance over time.  

Sustainably Sourcing Licorice Root Extract

Licorice extract (also known as ‘Mulethi’ or ‘Yashtimadhu’ in Ayurveda) is obtained from the roots of the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra. Historically in ancient times, Egyptians believed that licorice root was a treatment  for literally all sorts of ailments. It has a sweet taste and aroma, and is a great detoxing agent.

Here at Puraveda Organics, we sustainably source this ‘sweet stalk’ plant from organic farms in Western Asia and Southern Europe. Licorice root extract is also a key ingredient of our ‘DevaBright Formula’ (containing Uva ursi/Bearberry, Licorice root and Kojic Acid) that is infused into two of our Award Winning products: SunProtect SPF 30+ and BioScience Peptide Complex.

Switching Over From ‘Hydroquinone’

While Hydroquinone (used for ‘Skin Bleaching’) is a quick and popular drugstore choice for fading dark spots, this potent toxic ingredient comes with numerous drawbacks like irritation, sensitization and redness. Repetitive application in the same area can even trigger melanin formation and cause further darkening of the skin!

Thanks to Ayurvedic science and our clean, effective beauty initiative, by opting for natural treatment with Licorice root extract you can achieve superior, longer lasting results than with Hydroquinone, but without side effects.

The Benefits of Licorice Root for Skin

Targets Hyperpigmentation & Evens Skin Tone

Hyperpigmentation (or dark spots and uneven skin tone) is an side/after effect of acne breakouts, sunburn, eczema flares, melasma and other skin conditions. This is due to an increase in melanin synthesis that is produced to help the skin heal faster.

‘Glabridin’ in Licorice root inhibits an enzyme called tyrosinase, which is responsible for producing melanin, thus helping to reduce dark spots naturally. Another phytoactive called ‘Liquiritin’ removes excess melanin pigment and reveals natural skin tone and boost radiance.

Soothes Skin

Licorice root enhances the efficiency of anti-inflammatory actives of a formula and thus allows faster healing of skin conditions like rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, skin rashes. Licochalcone and over 300 polyphenols in Licorice extract reduce skin irritation and soothe the skin. Licorice is also an excellent moisturizing agent that alleviates dry, sensitive skin.

Protects Against Sun

When Licorice root extract is used in combination with Zinc Oxide, Vitamin C and other protective botanicals, the skin is shielded from harmful UVA, UVB and UVC rays. Licorice also calms the skin against sunburn and itchiness.

Regulates Overproduction of Skin Oils

Licorice root is very beneficial for oily skin (kapha) in that it helps balance excess sebum production from oil glands. The Glycyrrhizin in Licorice has antibacterial properties that is very effective in treating acne.

By choosing organic and natural ingredients like Licorice root over toxic chemicals, you give your skin the best treatment against hyperpigmentation. We carefully hand select raw ingredients from sustainable and wild sources based on strict purity standards. To learn more about our company values and our good manufacturing practices, read our FAQs page.