Licorice Root Extract

Licorice Root Extract molecular structure

adults • Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for adults to use Licorice Root Extract?

✅
YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 3 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Licorice Root Extract is generally considered safe for adults when used in topical products. Adults generally have higher tolerance.

ℹ️General Overview

For adults: Usually low risk when used as directed on small areas of healthy skin. There are some human and animal studies showing effects on hormones, and possible liver or heart effects if the ingredient gets into the body in larger amounts.

✅What to Do

Use products with licorice root extract as directed. Avoid applying to large areas of skin, broken or irritated skin, or using daily for long periods. Stop use and wash the area if you get redness, itching, swelling, or other unusual symptoms. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have liver disease, high blood pressure, or take heart or hormone-related medicines before using products with this ingredient.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for skin irritation or allergic reactions and stop use if they happen (source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review). Be aware that reviews and studies (for example: 'Toxicological Effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice): A Review' 2017 and 'Bioactive Candy: Effects of Licorice on the Cardiovascular System' 2019) report that licorice compounds can affect the adrenal/hormone system and may cause liver or heart issues at higher or systemic exposures. For that reason, avoid heavy or prolonged topical use and avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless your healthcare provider says it is OK.

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 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:

A Review of the Pharmacological Efficacy and Safety of Licorice Root from Corroborative Clinical Trial Findings.

PMID: 31874059PubMed ↗

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

Common Questions About Licorice Root Extract

Is this safe for adults to use Licorice Root Extract?

Yes, Licorice Root Extract is generally considered safe for adults based on current research.

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

May mess with natural hormone development in babies and children.

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

Acts like fake hormones in the body, confusing natural signals.

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

Some studies link this to future fertility or reproductive issues.

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

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use.

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

Could weaken or confuse immune system.

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

Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream.

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

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure.

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 adults using products with Licorice Root Extract?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for adults. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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