At A Glance:

• Both licorice root and calendula are well studied, common herbs that are used for skincare.

• Benefits of licorice include reduction of hyperpigmentation, anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidant protection, and soothing effects.

• Calendula benefits for skin include soothing irritation and redness, wound healing acceleration, and antimicrobial properties.

• Together, these two herbs are a powerful duo to help skin heal naturally.

Why Licorice Root and Calendula Are A Great Combo

Skin care enthusiasts and natural product lovers often seek ingredients that offer gentle yet effective solutions for common skin concerns. Licorice root and calendula stand out as two botanical treasures with a long history of use in skin care. When combined, they create a powerful duo that supports skin health, soothes irritation, and enhances radiance. This post explores the licorice root benefits for skin, calendula benefits for skin, and why these two ingredients work so well together.

What Licorice Root Brings to Skin Care

Licorice root extract for skin has gained popularity due to its unique properties that address various issues. Derived from the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, licorice contains active compounds like glabridin and liquiritin, which contribute to its skin benefits. Not only do glabridin and liquiritin help reduce hyperpigmentation, but they also have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumoral properties. 

Key Licorice Benefits for Skin

• Brightening and Evening Skin Tone: Licorice root helps reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, which plays a role in melanin production. This makes it effective for fading dark spots, sun damage, and discoloration.

• Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Licorice root’s anti-inflammatory properties calm redness and irritation, making it suitable for sensitive or inflamed skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea. Studies show it can also helps burn wounds heal faster.

• Antioxidant Protection: Licorice root for skin protects against environmental stressors like pollution and UV rays by neutralizing free radicals, which can accelerate skin aging.

• Moisturizing and Soothing: It supports the skin barrier, helping to retain moisture and soothe dryness. A licorice based gel was used to treat atopic dermatitis in a clinical trial. After two weeks it was demonstrated that the licorice gel helped reduce redness, itching, and irritation.

Common Licorice Uses for Skin

Licorice root is found in serums, creams, masks, and toners. It is typically used in products targeting uneven skin tone, dullness, and sensitivity. A unique and popular product from Ora’s Amazing Herbal is their Licorice Love Face Cleansing Powder. This can be used as a waterless cleanser, a face mask, or a poultice for inflamed skin.

The Benefits of Calendula for Skin

Calendula, also known as marigold, is a flower prized for its healing and soothing properties. Calendula oil for skin is extracted from the petals and is rich in flavonoids, carotenoids, and essential fatty acids.

Why Calendula Works for Skin Care

• Soothes Irritation and Redness: Calendula oil skin benefits include reducing inflammation and calming irritated skin, making it ideal for sensitive or damaged skin. A clinical trial was performed showcasing the effectiveness of calendula in soothing radiation therapy skin damage on breast cancer patients.

• Promotes Healing: It accelerates wound healing and supports skin regeneration, which helps with minor cuts, burns, and acne scars. Calendula has been studied for its ability to help accelerate the healing of burns.

• Hydrates and Nourishes: Calendula deeply moisturizes the skin, improving texture and softness.

• Antimicrobial Properties: It helps protect the skin from bacterial infections, which is useful for acne-prone skin.

Popular Calendula Skin Care Products

Calendula is commonly found in balms, creams, facial oils, and cleansers designed for sensitive or dry skin types. Calendula is a staple ingredient in all of Ora’s facial serums, body oils, beard oils, body butters, and salves.

Why Licorice Root and Calendula Make a Great Combination

Both licorice root and calendula offer soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits, but they complement each other in unique ways that enhance skin care results.

• Enhanced Soothing and Anti-Inflammatory Action: Licorice root’s ability to reduce redness pairs well with calendula’s calming and healing effects. Together, they provide comprehensive relief for irritated, inflamed, or sensitive skin.

• Improved Skin Tone and Texture: Licorice root targets uneven pigmentation while calendula supports skin repair and hydration. This combination helps achieve a more even, radiant complexion with a smoother texture.

• Protection and Repair: Both herbal ingredients contain antioxidants that protect skin from environmental damage. Calendula’s wound-healing properties combined with licorice’s barrier support helps skin recover faster. 

• Versatility for Different Skin Types: This duo works well for dry, sensitive, and combination skin. Licorice root benefits for skin include brightening without irritation, while calendula nourishes and soothes without clogging pores.

How to Use Licorice Root and Calendula Together in Skin Care

To enjoy the benefits of both ingredients, look for products that combine licorice root extract for skin with calendula oil. These can include:

• Serums that brighten and calm the skin.

• Moisturizers that hydrate and reduce redness.

• Face masks that soothe irritation and improve tone.

• Cleansers that gently remove impurities without stripping moisture.

Practical Tips for Choosing Products with Licorice and Calendula

• Check ingredient lists for Glycyrrhiza glabra extract (licorice root) and Calendula officinalis oil or extract.

• Choose products with natural, minimal additives to avoid irritation.

• For hyperpigmentation concerns, look for higher concentrations of licorice root extract.

• For sensitive or dry skin, prioritize products rich in calendula oil for extra hydration support.

• Use sunscreen daily, as brightening ingredients like licorice can make skin more sensitive to sun exposure.

Final Thoughts on the Licorice Root and Calendula Combo for Skin Benefits

Licorice root and calendula offer a natural, effective way to support skin health. Their combined benefits include soothing inflammation, brightening skin tone, protecting against damage, and promoting healing. Whether you want to reduce redness, fade dark spots, or simply nourish your skin, this botanical duo provides a gentle yet powerful solution.

Explore skin care products featuring both licorice root extract for skin and calendula oil for skin to experience their benefits firsthand. Your skin will thank you with a clearer, calmer, and more radiant appearance.

About the Author: Dorothy Miguel is a licensed massage therapist, certified Chinese herbalist, and Chinese medicine specialist.  She graduated from Myotherapy College of Utah in 2010, then got her bachelor's and master's degrees from the Academy for Five Element Medicine.  She is the owner of Happy Cat Pain & Stress Relief in Tallahassee, FL. As a mom of two kids with special needs, she is passionate about helping busy moms recharge their internal batteries and become more resilient to stress.

About Ora’s Amazing Herbal: Ora’s Amazing Herbal creates natural, herbal infused skincare for the whole family. We strive to empower women through self care, one minute at a time (because let’s be honest, as moms- often a minute is all we have)! Our current line includes salves, powders, body oils, body butters, face oil serums, powder facial cleansers, beard & hair oils, lip balms, and herbal steams. We also have a natural baby care line which includes gentle newborn and baby salves, powders, and baby oil. We use high quality, non-gmo, fair trade oils and organic herbs to create skin care that is both pure and effective. Our products are crafted in small batches in New Jersey and are free from talc, grain, lanolin,chemical preservatives, synthetic dyes & fragrances, parabens, and animal testing. We also have a huge focus on sustainability, eco-friendly packaging, and kindness to the world around us. If you’d like to learn more, please check out our website: OrasAmazingHerbal.com.