Is Licorice Root Extract Safe During Pregnancy? #

Licorice root extract (glabridin) is a popular brightener used to soften dark spots and calm redness. In our ingredient classification, topical licorice root is medium risk in pregnancy, meaning it’s best treated as a “use with caution” active rather than an everyday default. If you’re using it, keep the rest of your routine simple, no need to stack strong peels, and make sunscreen non‑negotiable.

Quick verdict #

• Medium risk: use with caution (especially higher-strength leave-on formulas).
• Avoid oral licorice unless your clinician prescribes it.
• For melasma, pair with sunscreen first, then consider niacinamide and/or azelaic acid (if clinician-approved).

Safe-leaning routine anchors (brand - name - safety score - notes) #

• Bambu Earth Rosewater Cleanser (score 100) - calming daily cleanse before licorice serums.
• Apotheke Pure Castille Facial Wash (score 100) - simple base; dilute if dry.
• La Vallée Sun Protect Face SPF 50 (score 100) - daily protection to prevent pigment rebound.
• Mesoestetic Mesoprotech Moisturising Sun Protection SPF 50+ (score 100) - mineral filter; great for melasma.
• Doctor Rogers RESTORE® Restore Healing Balm (score 100) - seal moisture after actives if skin feels dry.

How to use licorice root gently #

• Apply once daily (AM or PM) after cleansing; follow with moisturiser and SPF in the morning.
• Do not combine with strong peels or retinoids in pregnancy.
• If using azelaic acid, alternate days or use one AM, one PM to avoid overloading.

Routine blueprint #

• AM: Gentle cleanser -> Licorice serum or moisturiser -> Moisturiser -> Tinted mineral SPF 50.
• Midday: Reapply SPF; hat and shade to control visible light exposure.
• PM: Gentle cleanser -> Niacinamide or azelaic acid (if approved) -> Moisturiser; skip heavy peels.

When to avoid or pause #

• If you experience irritation, itching, or unexpected redness, pause and moisturise.
• If the product mixes licorice with high-dose acids; choose simpler formulas.
• If you have a history of sensitivity to botanicals, patch test first.

FAQs in plain language #

• Is licorice stronger than hydroquinone? No. It is milder and slower but gentler for pregnancy routines.
• Can licorice root be used with vitamin C? Yes, if your skin tolerates it; apply vitamin C in the morning with SPF.
• Will licorice root alone clear melasma? Unlikely alone; you still need diligent mineral SPF and often azelaic acid.

References to share with your clinician #

• American Academy of Dermatology on melasma care: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/melasma
• DermNet on botanical lighteners: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/hyperpigmentation
• ACOG on skin changes in pregnancy: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/skin-conditions-during-pregnancy

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