Although the summer is often the time that many seek to get that sunny glow to their skin, there are still some of us that prefer the rosy glow of a porcelain complexion. Whether you are a sun seeker or someone who shuns the sun, nobody wants discoloration on their skin. We all long to have that even complexion. However, many products geared toward that aim use harmful, harsh ingredients such as hydroquinone. There are safer options that are equally, if not more, effective. In my last post, I talked about turmeric tea and its incredible anti-inflammatory properties. Today, I want to share with you an ingredient that many are unfamiliar with: licorice root. Licorice root, also known as glycyrrhiza glabra or glycyrrhizinate, has wonderful whitening properties and is also capable of preventing further dark spots from forming. It is also an anti-inflammatory and very soothing, so it is safe for most skin types. In addition to its brightening effect on skin, licorice root is also said to help with other ailments. As with turmeric, you can take licorice root as a supplement or apply it topically to the skin.
As a supplement, I personally enjoy drinking it as an herbal tea. I would recommend Traditional Medicinals Organic Licorice Root.
This tea uses quality ingredients that you can taste by the strong licorice taste of the tea.
Topically, I use Neal’s Yard Remedies Soothing Starflower line. Although this line is not marketed as a brightening line, I have noticed a skin-brightening effect from using these products, due to its licorice root content. The Soothing Starflower Cleansing Milk, Soothing Starflower Essence and the Soothing Starflower Daily Moisture all contain licorice root extract as a key ingredient. Used together, they not only produce an even complexion, but they are extremely gentle and highly recommended for those with sensitive skin. Let’s break down each one:
Soothing Starflower Cleansing Milk 
This cleanser, as you would guess from its name, is a creamy, white cleanser, with no lather. You simply rub it into your dry skin and remove with a cloth or cotton. It has no detectable scent and immediately soothes and softens the skin. When my skin is irritated, using this cleanser takes the redness out almost immediately. Besides the licorice root extract, it is also formulated with rich oils, like borage seed and sunflower, as well as healing agents such as aloe vera. As a bonus, it also doubles as an eye make-up remover. The combination of ingredients leaves skin feeling cleansed, but not stripped. Skin is a peaceful pink, rather than a raging red.
Soothing Starflower Essence 
This product is formulated like a serum. It boasts similar ingredients to the cleansing milk, along with sodium hyaluronate to seal in moisture. It is best applied to slightly damp skin so that the skin is better able to absorb the ingredients. It is very light-weight and works best with moisturizer over top of it. However, very oily skin may be able to use this on its own. It is cooling and soothing and filled with protective antioxidants.
Soothing Starflower Daily Moisture 
Once again, the moisturizer also features the same ingredients as the cleansing milk and the essence. Thus, when used together, you get a triple dose of the licorice root extract and the skin seems to respond. This daily lotion is very light in texture and glides on skin effortlessly. Just like its counterparts, it also has no scent. With the addition of edelweiss extract, also known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, this lotion complements the starflower line. It can be used alone, but works more effectively in conjunction with the cleanser and the essence.
Although I have not tried this line myself, another organic skin care company, Éminence, also has a brightening line that uses licorice root extract.
http://us.eminenceorganics.com/Bright-Skin-Starter-Set_p_516.html
If anyone has tried this line, I would like to know your thoughts.
If you have struggled with uneven skin tone and have never tried a product with licorice root extract, I highly recommend that you give these a try. You will be pleasantly surprised at how even your skin tone can be without the discomfort of harmful ingredients.
Organic Beauty, Mi Vida Española and Everything In Between 