For centuries, nature has provided the best skincare solutions, with herbs and roots playing a vital role. One such timeless remedy is mulethi powder, also known as licorice root powder, a staple in Ayurveda known for its powerful healing and rejuvenating properties.
While mulethi is well-known for soothing sore throats and aiding digestion, its skincare benefits are just as impressive.
Rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and skin-brightening agents, it helps combat hyperpigmentation, acne, dryness, and aging. Unlike chemical products, mulethi is a natural solution for clear, even-toned, and radiant skin.
In this blog, we will explore the many ways mulethi powder can transform your skincare routine and help you achieve naturally beautiful skin.
What is Mulethi Powder?
Mulethi, or Glycyrrhiza glabra, is a perennial herb native to regions of Asia and Europe. Its root has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and is often ground into a fine powder for various applications.
Packed with bioactive compounds such as glycyrrhizin, flavonoids, and antioxidants, mulethi powder boasts a plethora of skincare benefits that have captivated skincare enthusiasts worldwide.
Mulethi Powder Benefits For Skin
1. May Lighten Skin Tone
Skin lightening creams work by reducing melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, making the complexion appear brighter. These products are also known as whiteners for naturally dark skin and skin brighteners for enhancing overall tone.
Mulethi is a powerful natural ingredient for skin lightening. It helps fight free radicals, reduces UVB-induced pigmentation, and blocks tyrosinase (the enzyme responsible for melanin production) without affecting DNA. Its anti-inflammatory properties further support skin protection and brightening.
A 2023 study tested Belight3TM, a plant-based supplement containing polyphenols and vitamin C, for its skin-lightening effects. Lab results showed it inhibited 85% of tyrosinase activity. In a 12-week clinical trial involving 58 Asians (ages 45–65), it significantly lightened skin and dark spots compared to a placebo, proving its effectiveness and safety.
Belight3TM is formulated with a blend of grape seed extract, grape pomace extract, licorice root extract, and vitamin C, making it a promising oral solution for achieving a brighter, more even complexion.
While research on its topical use for skin lightening is limited, mulethi powder may be as effective—or even more—than oral consumption due to its direct, localized effect.
Whether taken as a supplement or applied to the skin, it’s best to consult a dermatologist to avoid side effects. Always do a patch test before topical use.
2. May Help Reduce Hyperpigmentation
Mulethi extracts may help improve skin pigmentation. Melanin, produced by melanocyte cells through melanogenesis, determines skin color. Factors like UV exposure, genetics, and melanocyte size affect melanin production.
Imbalances can lead to hyperpigmentation (dark patches like freckles, melasma, or post-inflammatory marks) or hypopigmentation (conditions like vitiligo and post-traumatic light spots).
Flavonoids in mulethi, especially glabridin, can inhibit tyrosinase—an enzyme responsible for melanin production—potentially reducing hyperpigmentation.
A study tested a sheet mask infused with licorice extract, used for 20-30 minutes per application over 8-10 weeks. Results showed that it reduced pigmentation, improved skin brightness, and lightened melasma, with better effects seen over prolonged use.
Other active compounds in licorice, such as glabrene, isoliquiritigenin, licuraside, isoliquiritin, and licochalcone A, have also been shown to inhibit tyrosinase activity, further supporting mulethi’s role in reducing hyperpigmentation and promoting an even skin tone.
3. May Offer Anti-Ageing Benefits
Licorice extract offers powerful anti-aging and anti-wrinkle benefits. It may help boost collagen production, reduce oxidative stress, and inhibit enzymes like MMP-2 that break down skin structure.
Studies show its antioxidant and elastase-inhibiting properties help improve skin elasticity, reduce fine lines, and prevent wrinkle formation.
Key compounds like prenylflavonoids and caffeoyl esters, act as superoxide scavengers and elastase inhibitors, making mulethi a natural anti-aging solution for firmer, more youthful skin.
A lab study tested a blend of five plant extracts, including mulethi, and found it reduced inflammation, boosted collagen production, strengthened the skin barrier, and showed anti-aging effects by increasing telomerase activity and regulating key skin-protective genes, even after γ-irradiation sterilization.
4. May Help Fight Acne and Pimples
Mulethi is rich in antioxidants and has antimicrobial properties, which may provide anti-acne benefits. It works by inhibiting the growth of acne-causing bacteria and reducing excess oil production.
For example, a study found that licorice flavonoids help treat acne by regulating metabolism of amino acids, lipids, and fatty acids in the skin and serum. In another study, DNA sequencing showed that licorice flavonoids help balance skin microbes, restoring a healthier skin environment.
Glycyrrhetinic acid, a compound from licorice, has strong anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties.
A study found that glycyrrhetinic acid may help treat acne by targeting key proteins, reducing inflammation, limiting oil production, and protecting skin cells.
However, these effects have only been observed in animal studies, highlighting the need for further research in humans.
5. May Soothe Irritated Skin
Licorice soothes irritated skin with its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Compounds like glycyrrhizin and licochalcone A help reduce redness, swelling, and itching by calming the skin and blocking inflammatory pathways.
A computer-based study analyzed licorice compounds for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin benefits. It identified nine key compounds that penetrate the skin and target enzymes linked to inflammation and aging. The findings suggest licorice may help reduce wrinkles and irritation, improving skin health.
While promising, further research on animals and humans is necessary to validate these findings.
Additionally, licorice contains polysaccharides with strong water retention properties, making it an excellent natural moisturizing agent that may help prevent the itchiness of dry skin.
6. May Protect Against UV Damage
UV radiation damages the skin, leading to sunburn, tanning, immune suppression, photoaging, and even cancer, which weakens connective tissue.
UV-B rays are the most harmful, causing oxidative stress and cell damage. However, plant-based antioxidants may help protect the skin by reducing the risk of photoaging and UV-related skin damage.
Studies show that licorice compounds like glycyrrhizinic acid and licochalcone A provide photoprotective effects through multiple mechanisms, including reducing collagen breakdown, inhibiting free radical production, and inflammation-related reactions.
And a lab study developed an anti-aging skincare formulation using glycyrrhizic acid from licorice. glycyrrhizic acid was loaded into nanoparticles and tested for safety and effectiveness. Results showed it was non-toxic, protected against UVB-induced aging, and interacted with MMPs, highlighting its potential as a topical anti-aging treatment.
Mulethi Powder Benefits For Hair
7. May Promote Hair Growth
Mulethi isn’t just great for your skin—it may also work wonders for your hair!
Androgenetic alopecia is a genetic condition, causes hairline recession in men and hair thinning in women, often affecting self-esteem. A key culprit behind this is dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that shrinks hair follicles and leads to hair loss.
Licorice contains powerful compounds like polyphenols and glycyrrhizic acid, which can support scalp health. Glycyrrhizic acid may help reduce inflammation, a major factor in hair loss, while also promoting blood flow to hair follicles.
Research suggests that licorice may even block the SRD5A gene expression, which reduces DHT production and helps protect against hair thinning.
A cellular study on Hair Rise™, a microemulsion containing licorice, rice bran, shallot, and corn extracts, found it boosted hair follicle growth even better than minoxidil. It activated key hair growth pathways, reduced inflammation and oxidative stress, and blocked 5α-reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into DHT.
However, further research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of licorice or Hair Rise™ microemulsion in people with androgenetic alopecia.
8. May Help Treat Dandruff
Mulethi may help treat dandruff due to its anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties.
It is rich in antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and combat microbes linked to dandruff.
A study examined the anti-dandruff effects of a shampoo with 0.15% dipotassium glycyrrhizate, a licorice compound. Lab tests showed it effectively reduced dandruff-causing microbes like Malassezia. And a clinical study with 28 participants found a 90% reduction in visible flakes after two weeks, confirming its effectiveness.
Other licorice compounds, like licochalcone A, have also shown similar results with their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
How to Use Mulethi Powder for Skin
After learning about its amazing effects, you might be eager to incorporate mulethi powder into your routine. Here are some simple yet effective methods:
Face Mask:
- Whip up a nourishing face mask by mixing mulethi powder with water, rose water, or yogurt.
- Apply to clean skin, relax for 15-20 minutes, then rinse off to reveal a luminous glow.
- This helps brighten the complexion, reduce dark spots, and promote an even skin tone.
Spot Treatment:
- A strong blend of mulethi powder and honey can help with pimples and acne.
- Apply directly to the affected regions and leave on overnight for best results.
- This helps reduce inflammation, fight acne-causing bacteria, and speed up healing.
Scrub:
- Combine mulethi powder with oatmeal or chickpea flour for a gentle exfoliating scrub.
- Massage onto damp skin in circular motions, then rinse off to reveal smoother, more refined skin.
- This helps remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and leave the skin feeling smoother and refreshed.
Toner:
- Create a soothing toner by steeping mulethi powder in hot water, allowing it to infuse.
- Once cooled, strain the liquid and apply to the skin with a cotton pad for a refreshing boost.
- This helps soothe irritation, tighten pores, and keep the skin hydrated and balanced.
How to Use Mulethi Powder for Hair
Here is how you can incorporate mulethi powder into your haircare routine:
Oil Infusion:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of mulethi powder with warm coconut or almond oil.
- Let it sit overnight, then strain and massage the infused oil into your scalp.
- Leave it on for a few hours or overnight before washing. This helps nourish hair follicles and promote growth.
Shampoo:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of mulethi powder with a mild herbal shampoo.
- Apply it to wet hair, massage gently into the scalp, and leave it on for a minute before rinsing thoroughly.
- This helps cleanse the scalp, reduce dandruff, and soothe irritation.
Safety Precautions and Considerations
Though licorice offers numerous benefits for skin and hair, its essential to exercise caution:
- Patch Test Prioritization: Perform a patch test before using mulethi powder, especially if you have sensitive skin, to check for any adverse reactions.
- Moderation is Key: Avoid overusing mulethi powder or using it in high concentrations, as it may lead to skin sensitivities or allergic reactions.
- Seek Professional Guidance: Consult a dermatologist or trichologist before incorporating mulethi powder into your skincare regimen, particularly if you have underlying skin or hair conditions.
In Closing
Mulethi powder reflects nature’s amazing ability to nourish and refresh the skin.
Whether you want to brighten your complexion, soothe inflammation, or turn back the clock, mulethi powder provides a natural, holistic approach to skincare that deliver results. However, some of these effects have only been observed in cellular or animal studies, and clinical research is needed to confirm their benefits in humans.
Embrace the beauty of mulethi powder and discover the key to beautiful, glowing skin that reflects vitality and health.
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