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What Is Licorice Lotion?

Megan Shoop
Megan Shoop

Licorice lotion is a moisturizing lotion that is infused with licorice oil. The licorice plant, which is native to Western Asia, contains very sweet, strong-smelling oil in its roots. When added to ordinary skin creams, licorice oil reportedly soothes a number of skin irritations, both seasonal and hereditary. Some manufacturers sell licorice lotion, but several versions of it can easily be made with household ingredients.

In addition to the skin-softening effects that most lotions promote, licorice lotion may reduce the symptoms of eczema, rosacea, dry winter skin, and uneven pigmentation. Licorice oil features a compound called glycyrrhizinate that soothes redness, inflammation, and restores moisture to the skin. It may also reduce pigmentation unevenness caused by rosacea or the type sometimes found in people with darker complexions.

Oil extracted from licorice root is an ingredient in licorice lotion.
Oil extracted from licorice root is an ingredient in licorice lotion.

For the licorice lotion to work properly, one must apply it often. Recommendations include twice daily for eczema and once daily for mild rosacea. Those looking to even skin tone should only apply licorice-infused products once every day. The oil is a natural skin bleach and may cause additional pigmentation problems if applied too often.

In all of these cases, one may not see results for several days to a few weeks. Those treating dry skin may feel the soothing effects almost immediately, but probably will not see the symptoms clear for up to two weeks. Skin coloration may not even out for up to two months, even with regular use of licorice lotion. One can use the lotion whenever skin irritations or problems flare up, and regular use of the lotion may make flare-ups less common.

Licorice lotion may help reduce the symptoms of eczema and rosacea.
Licorice lotion may help reduce the symptoms of eczema and rosacea.

Though a few skin care companies carry licorice-infused moisturizers, these may also contain ingredients that cannot be applied to sensitive skin. Rubbing alcohol intensifies scents and keeps the lotion from spoiling, but may irritate already dried or wind-burned areas. Some people interested in using licorice lotion may simply dislike the idea of using a product full of chemicals.

People suffering from eczema may benefit from use of licorice lotion.
People suffering from eczema may benefit from use of licorice lotion.

Fortunately, several recipes exist for making homemade licorice lotion. The simplest involves stirring about a teaspoon (about 4 ml) of licorice extract into about a pint (about 1/2 L) of undyed, alcohol-free aloe vera lotion. The aloe carries the scent and dilutes the oil while helping to soften skin. Aloe vera is also antibacterial and may help the licorice oil fight any skin infections.

Licorice lotion may be used twice daily for eczema.
Licorice lotion may be used twice daily for eczema.

Another common recipe involves stirring the same amount of licorice extract into the same amount of shea or cocoa butter. Naturally-derived butters also help soften the skin and make it pliable. These butters also usually remain on top of the skin for a longer period, protecting it while the licorice extract has a chance to work.

Discussion Comments

fBoyle

Licorice lotion is great for hyper-pigmentation and age spots! I have age spots on my hands and they have become considerably lighter since I started using licorice lotion. I'm so happy I discovered it.

ZipLine

I thought that licorice in lotion was only for the scent. I didn't realize that licorice actually has benefits for skin.

I'm using licorice lotion because I love the scent of licorice. The lotion keeps my skin very soft and hydrated. I also had a mild case of dermatitis on my hands a few months ago that has disappeared. I though that all this was due to the other ingredients in the lotion, but it's probably the licorice.

I'm going to quit using it for a few days and observe my skin. If my skin becomes dry, itchy and flaky, I'll know that the licorice lotion is working.

bluedolphin

My sister is into natural remedies and treatments and she makes her own licorice lotion to use on her skin. She combines various ingredients like licorice oil, lanolin and aloe vera to make a moisturizing lotion for sensitive skin. She claims that the lotion is good for everything from skin allergies to dry circles under the eyes. I personally have never tried licorice lotion and I think that my sister is exaggerating a little bit.

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    • Oil extracted from licorice root is an ingredient in licorice lotion.
      By: Hayati Kayhan
      Oil extracted from licorice root is an ingredient in licorice lotion.
    • Licorice lotion may help reduce the symptoms of eczema and rosacea.
      By: robert mobley
      Licorice lotion may help reduce the symptoms of eczema and rosacea.
    • People suffering from eczema may benefit from use of licorice lotion.
      By: Lovrencg
      People suffering from eczema may benefit from use of licorice lotion.
    • Licorice lotion may be used twice daily for eczema.
      By: Jingling Water
      Licorice lotion may be used twice daily for eczema.
    • Licorice lotion may be used to treat uneven pigmentation.
      By: Konstantin Yuganov
      Licorice lotion may be used to treat uneven pigmentation.
    • Licorice lotion may help soothe a number of skin irritations.
      By: Ocskay Mark
      Licorice lotion may help soothe a number of skin irritations.