Licorice Root Extract

Licorice Root Extract molecular structure

0-6 month old newbornsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for 0-6 month old newborns to use Licorice Root Extract?

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NO - AVOID
Danger Score: 8 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Licorice Root Extract avoid - not safe for 0-6 month old babies when used in topical products. Always consult your pediatrician for newborns.

ℹ️General Overview

For newborns and infants (0–6 months), licorice root extract is not low risk. The plant chemicals can affect hormones and blood pressure and may be absorbed through baby skin. Because babies are small and their skin is thin, topical licorice may cause unwanted effects.

What to Do

Avoid using creams, oils, or lotions with licorice root extract on infants under 6 months unless a pediatrician tells you it’s needed. If a product is recommended, use only a very small amount, on a very small area, for a short time. Do not use on broken or inflamed skin. For older children, do a small patch test first and stop if any redness or irritation appears.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for skin rash, swelling, unusual fussiness, poor feeding, yellowing of the skin (jaundice), rapid heartbeat, or signs of high blood pressure. These warnings come from toxicology reviews and clinical studies that found adrenal and cardiovascular effects and possible liver effects (see sources like: "Toxicological Effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice): A Review" (2017), "Bioactive Candy: Effects of Licorice on the Cardiovascular System" (2019), and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review for irritation). If you see any worrying signs, stop use and contact your pediatrician right away.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Hormones: Studies show licorice can change how human adrenal and sex hormones work. A toxicology review and clinical reports found strong evidence it affects adrenal hormones and some evidence it acts on estrogen and androgens (Toxicological Effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra; Bioactive Candy; Estrogenic activity study). This means it can alter normal hormone signals in children.
Confuse Hormones: Laboratory and review papers report that licorice compounds can act like or block natural hormones (estrogenic activity and plant anti-androgen reports). That means the plant chemicals can mimic or mix up the body’s hormone messages.
Fertility: There is moderate evidence from human reports and animal studies that licorice can affect reproductive systems, including male reproductive effects in animals (Toxicological Effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra). This could raise risks for future fertility with repeated exposure.
Organ Risk: Reviews and clinical reports link licorice to liver problems and possible heart effects (Toxicological Effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra; Bioactive Candy). Repeated use could harm organs like the liver or the cardiovascular system.
Immune system: Animal studies show licorice can cause immune or allergy-type effects at low to moderate doses (phytochemical and pharmacological review). This means it could trigger or worsen immune reactions in some children.
Absorbed: Because licorice has reported hormone and organ effects in people, the active compounds can reach the bloodstream after use. Human adrenal disruption evidence supports that topical exposure can lead to systemic effects.
Long-Term Risk: Multiple reviews link licorice to hormonal, reproductive, and liver effects with repeated or higher exposures (Toxicological Effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra; related clinical reviews). This points to possible harms over time if used often.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Licorice Root Extract

This ingredient may also be listed as:

licorice root extractglycyrrhiza glabraGLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA ROOT EXTRACTLICORICE, GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA, EXT.GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA EXTRACTGLYCYRRHIZA FLAVONOIDSGLYCYRRHIZA EXTRACTED POWDERGLYCYRRHIZA EXTRACTEXTRACT OF LICORICEEXTRACT OF GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRAGLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA (LICORICE) ROOT EXTRACT

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Products Containing Licorice Root Extract

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Licorice Root Extract or its alternative names.

Research Articles on Licorice Root Extract

Scientific research related to this ingredient:

These research articles provide scientific evidence about Licorice Root Extract safety and effects.

Common Questions About Licorice Root Extract

Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use Licorice Root Extract?

Licorice Root Extract is not recommended for 0-6 month old babies due to potential safety risks.

What are the hormones risks of Licorice Root Extract for newborns?

May mess with natural hormone development in babies and children. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the confuse hormones risks of Licorice Root Extract for newborns?

Acts like fake hormones in the body, confusing natural signals. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the fertility risks of Licorice Root Extract for newborns?

Some studies link this to future fertility or reproductive issues. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the organ risk risks of Licorice Root Extract for newborns?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the immune system risks of Licorice Root Extract for newborns?

Could weaken or confuse immune system. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the absorbed risks of Licorice Root Extract for newborns?

Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the long-term risk risks of Licorice Root Extract for newborns?

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain Licorice Root Extract?

Licorice Root Extract is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can infants start using products with Licorice Root Extract?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 0-6 month old babies. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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