How to use licorice powder for skin pigmentation?

Uneven skin tone rarely shows up overnight. One day, we notice a faint shadow around the mouth, a darker patch on the forehead, or marks left behind after old breakouts. Over time, these small changes add up and the face starts to look patchy, even if the skin is otherwise healthy.

When we talk about treating pigmentation, the usual conversation revolves around chemical-based products or clinic procedures.

These certainly have their place, but many people look for something gentler that can be used at home, that respects the skin barrier, and that fits into a more natural, Ayurvedic-inspired lifestyle. This is exactly where licorice powder becomes interesting.

In this blog, we will look at how licorice powder helps with pigmentation and how to use it properly.

Before we know anything, let us know:

Why Pigmentation Happens and How Licorice Helps?

The most common pigmentation on the face is linked to one simple process: the overproduction or uneven distribution of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. You might already be aware that sun exposure, hormonal changes, post-inflammatory marks from acne, and even friction from rubbing can all trigger extra pigment in specific spots.

But you know what? Licorice root contains several naturally occurring compounds that influence this pigment production.

Modern research has highlighted glabridin, which can slow down the activity of the enzyme that drives melanin formation, and other components that help break up existing pigment clusters and calm inflammation.

In simpler words, when we apply licorice powder on the skin in the right way:

• It helps reduce the tendency of certain areas to darken further.

• It helps existing spots appear softer over time.

• It keeps the skin more comfortable by soothing irritation.

This is why a well-formulated licorice routine often suits people who want gradual, controlled brightening rather than an aggressive "instant whitening" effect.

Something you should know…

Before we dive into recipes, it helps to set one realistic boundary: Pigmentation that has built up over months will not disappear in a week. With consistent use, many people start noticing a softer look to spots and a more uniform tone after four to eight weeks, especially when they combine it with daily sun protection.

Now, we will explore how to use it properly.

Professional ways to use licorice powder for pigmentation

We have mentioned some of the best ways of using the licorice powder to get the efficient and soothing results. So without any delay, let's get started.

1. Minimalist licorice and hydrosol compress

This method suits people who like clean, water-based treatments and want something closer to a professional compress than a thick mask.

What you need?

• Vriksha Veda Licorice Root Powder

• Vriksha Veda Rose Hydrosol

• Thin cotton pads or a soft, clean muslin cloth

How to use?

1. Take half a teaspoon of licorice powder in a small bowl.

2. Add two to three tablespoons of rose hydrosol and stir well. The idea is to create a light infusion, not a thick paste.

3. Let this sit for ten to fifteen minutes so that the water phase draws out the actives from the powder.

4. Strain if you prefer a completely smooth liquid.

5. Soak cotton pads or a folded cloth in this infusion and place gently over pigmented areas, avoiding the immediate eye area.

6. Leave on for ten minutes, then remove and allow the skin to air dry.

If used three to four times a week in the evening, this method can gradually support a more even tone without overwhelming sensitive skin.

2. Gel-based licorice brightening layer

As you know, gels sit lightly on the skin and feel comfortable even in humid climates. A gel-based approach is ideal for people who dislike anything heavy but still want something that stays in contact with dark patches for a little longer.

What you need?

• Vriksha Veda Licorice Root Powder

• A clean, fragrance-free aloe gel, such as Vriksha Veda's Aloe Vera Gel

How to use?

1. In a small bowl, mix one teaspoon of aloe gel with one-fourth teaspoon of liquorice powder.

2. Blend until the powder disappears into the gel and you are left with a smooth, light beige layer.

3. Apply a thin film on clean, dry skin, focusing mainly on pigmented zones like cheeks, forehead, or around the mouth.

4. Leave it on for twenty to thirty minutes, then rinse with cool or lukewarm water and pat dry.

This can be repeated on alternate evenings. Over time, the combination of soothing aloe and liquorice's pigment-balancing action helps soften marks while respecting the barrier. Because the formula is simple, it layers nicely under a basic moisturizer.

3. Balancing licorice and clay treatment mask

If we talk about oily or combination skin with pigmentation, one challenge is that many brightening masks are either too drying or too rich. But pairing licorice with a gentle clay like kaolin creates a more balanced treatment that addresses excess oil and uneven tone together.

What you need?

• Vriksha Veda Licorice Root Powder

• Vriksha Veda Kaolin Clay

• Rose hydrosol or plain filtered water

How to use?

1. Take half a teaspoon of kaolin clay and half a teaspoon of licorice powder in a bowl.

2. Add enough hydrosol or water to create a soft, creamy paste. It should spread easily and not feel chalky.

3. Apply a thin layer on your face, making sure to avoid the eye and lip area.

4. Wait until the mask turns slightly matte but is not fully dry or cracking, usually around eight to ten minutes.

5. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, massaging very gently in circular motions.

This mask can be used once or twice a week. The clay absorbs surface oil and impurities while licorice focuses on pigmentation, which is a smart combination for those who feel both dullness and congestion together.

4. Night time licorice spot treatment

For stubborn spots, especially old blemish marks or localized tanning, a focused night treatment can be useful. Instead of covering the whole face, we work only on specific areas.

What you need?

• Licorice powder from a pure source, of course, Vriksha Veda's Licorice powder.

• A few drops of a light, non-comedogenic facial oil such as jojoba.

How to use?

1. Place a pinch of licorice powder in a small mixing dish.

2. Add just enough oil to make a smooth, slightly thick paste. You need very little.

3. After cleansing at night, dab this mixture directly on dark spots or edges of pigmented patches.

4. Leave it on overnight and wash your face as usual in the morning.

We recommend starting with two nights per week. If the skin remains comfortable and shows no sign of irritation, this can be increased to three nights. This micro-targeted use means we get the benefits of longer contact time with minimal risk of dryness to the rest of the face.

5. Gentle licorice brightening mask with floral and fruit powders

If someone enjoys a slightly more layered ritual, licorice can be combined with other gentle botanical powders that carry their own brightening and soothing properties. Here, we still keep everything external, dry, and safe for cosmetic use.

What you need?

• Vriksha Veda Licorice Root Powder

• Vriksha Veda Orange Peel Powder

• A pinch of wild turmeric

• Honey

• Rose hydrosol or plain water

How to use?

1. Mix half a teaspoon licorice powder, half a teaspoon orange peel powder, a pinch of wild turmeric, and half a teaspoon honey

2. Add hydrosol slowly until you reach a yogurt like consistency, without using actual dairy.

3. Apply a layer on the face and neck, again avoiding the eye area.

4. Allow it to sit for ten to twelve minutes, then rinse, gently massaging as you remove it.

If you are curious what's happening, then let us tell you that liquorice works on pigmentation, orange peel supports surface brightening and mild renewal, while wild turmeric heals the skin, which many people appreciate when they are already self-conscious about uneven tone.

So this was all about using the licorice powder to get rid of skin pigmentation. Now, we will move to the conclusion.

Conclusion

In this article, we came to the conclusion that by choosing a high-quality powder, pairing it with simple topical carriers such as hydrosols, aloe gel, clays, and light oils, and respecting the pace at which skin naturally renews, we can turn this herb into a practical, professional tool against pigmentation. But in all of the cases, you need to have the natural and chemical-free licorice powder, which you can find on our website.