If you're a skincare fan, you've probably noticed that liquorice, or Mulethi as our mothers call it, is becoming more popular in ingredient lists. Once a staple of Ayurveda, this age-old medicine is now the darling of modern beauty, thanks to the astonishing advantages of Mulethi powder for the skin. Mulethi, known for its anti-inflammatory and whitening effects, effectively treats blemishes, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. As customers go toward clean and conscious beauty, Mulethi is now being pushed from cooking pantries to skincare routines. For one solid reason: it has unrivaled soothing power against inflammation, erasing pigmentation, and evening complexion.
Mulethi powder has numerous skin advantages, including protection against environmental damage while retaining hydrated. Mulethi powder, whether used in DIY masks or serums, is versatile and excellent for skin care. Forget the polarizing opinions on its flavor; in skincare, the benefits of Mulethi for skin are well appreciated.
What Makes Mulethi a Skincare Essential?

Mulethi, commonly known as Licorice Root, is a tried-and-true skincare ingredient with tangible results. But what exactly makes it a necessary component of any make-up routine? The magic of this Ayurvedic root and why your skin will thank you for include it in your routine, such as natural skin brightener, soothes and calms irritated skin, moisturizes without clogging pores, is high in antioxidants, aids in the battle against acne-causing bacteria, and is suitable for all skin types.
The Science Behind Mulethi’s Skin Benefits

Mulethi has long been treasured in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine – but its skincare benefits are no longer a myth. Mulethi is a potent substance with demonstrable skin benefits, as modern research has confirmed. It acts molecule by molecule, using glabridin, liquiritin, licochalcone, glycyrrhizin, and mulethi to synergize with other actives.
How Mulethi Works to Brighten Skin Naturally

Mulethi, produced from the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, lightens skin without removing or bleaching it. Instead, it regulates and rebalances melanin synthesis, reducing inflammation and guarding against injury. Here's a step-by-step strategy to lightening your skin:
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Inhibition of tyrosinase: Melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, is produced by specialized cells known as melanocytes. Tyrosinase is a key enzyme in the formation of melanin. Mulethi includes glabridin, a potent natural chemical that inhibits the activity of tyrosinase. Mulethi inhibits this enzyme, reducing melanin overproduction, particularly in areas prone to sun damage, acne scars, melasma, or age spots. Unlike strong bleaching chemicals (such as hydroquinone), Mulethi simply removes extra pigmentation, enabling your natural skin tone to shine through evenly without altering it or causing discomfort.
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Dispersion of existing pigment: Another substance identified in Mulethi, liquiritin, does not inhibit melanin synthesis. Instead, it disperses and breaks down existing melanin clusters in the skin's top layers. It works to lighten acne scars, sun-induced hyperpigmentation, and uneven spots or discolouration. With continued application, this results in a dramatically brighter, more uniform complexion as the skin sheds its darker, pigmented cells as part of its natural renewal cycle. Liquiritin works gradually and gently, making it excellent for persons with sensitive skin who cannot handle exfoliating acids or retinoids yet want to reduce dullness or dark spots.
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Anti-inflammatory action: Inflammation frequently leads to increased melanin generation, especially in acne, eczema, and rosacea sufferers. Mulethi's anti-inflammatory components, including as glycyrrhizin and licoachalcone A, calm the skin by suppressing cytokines. This not only prevents further discoloration, but it also accelerates the fading of red and purple tones caused by pimples or skin lesions. Many skin brightening products do not target the inflammation that causes discolouration. Mulethi addresses both the symptom (spots) and the source (inflammation), making it a comprehensive treatment.
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Antioxidant defense: Environmental aggressors, like as UV light and pollution, can produce oxidative stress, which accelerates aging and increases melanin production. Mulethi contains significant levels of flavonoids and antioxidants, which help to counteract free radicals, protect collagen, and prevent future dark spots. This helps to keep your skin's natural brightness and prevents additional darkening over time. Prevention is equally important as treatment. Mulethi does more than only treat existing dullness; it strengthens and illuminates the complexion from within.
Antioxidant Properties: Shielding Skin from Damage

Every day, your skin is bombarded with challenges, including UV radiation, pollution, stress, and environmental contaminants. These aggressors produce free radicals, which are unstable chemicals that degrade collagen, cause inflammation, and accelerate aging. Mulethi steps in with one of its most underappreciated assets: antioxidant power. Antioxidants are chemicals that neutralize free radicals before they damage skin cells. Without antioxidants, free radicals induce oxidative stress, resulting in:
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Fine lines and wrinkles
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Loss of firmness and elasticity
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Dark spots and uneven skin tone
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Inflammation and breakouts
Mulethi has a distinct antioxidant profile that both prevents and reverses these effects.
Key Benefits of Mulethi for Skin Health

Mulethi is one of nature's most versatile skincare components, with calming, brightening, and healing properties. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for ages and is currently a rising star in clean beauty for good cause. Here's an overview of how Mulethi promotes skin health:
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Brightens skin naturally: Mulethi contains glabridin, which inhibits melanin synthesis and naturally brightens the skin. This makes it extremely efficient for eliminating dark spots and hyperpigmentation, healing acne scars and UV damage, and producing a more even, bright complexion.
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Calms inflammation and redness: Mulethi's anti-inflammatory ingredients, including as glycyrrhizin and licochalcone A, help soothe sensitive or reactive skin, reduce redness, irritation, and flare-ups, and support conditions like eczema, rosacea, and acne.
Hydrates and softens: Mulethi helps the skin retain moisture and promotes a smooth texture. It's good for dry, flaky skin, soft enough for delicate skin types, and frequently included in moisturizing serums and oils. - Antioxidant protection: Mulethi, rich in antioxidants, protects your skin from free radicals and environmental stresses, UV-induced damage, early indications of aging, and collagen breakdown, keeping it firm and youthful.
- Fights acne and bacterial infections: Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for acne-prone skin, such as clearing out germs that cause breakouts, reducing swelling, redness, and post-acne marks, and supporting healing without over-drying.
Fading Dark Spots and Hyperpigmentation

We've all experienced dark spots, uneven skin tone, and post-acne markings. Hyperpigmentation, whether caused by sun exposure, hormone changes, or breakouts, can be irritating and difficult to treat. But nature provides a mild solution: Mulethi, often known as Licorice Root. Mulethi addresses pigmentation at the root level with stellar ingredients such as glabridin, a natural tyrosinase inhibitor, and liquiritin, a melanin disperser; anti-inflammatory activity decreases post-acne marks and protects against future pigmentation.
Hydrating and Soothing Sensitive Skin

You are not alone if your skin reacts to the slightest change in weather or product by reddening, itching, or stinging. Mulethi is one of the most effective natural therapies for sensitive skin. Mulethi, a traditional treatment for inflammatory skin disorders, provides deep hydration and soothing comfort without causing flare-ups. Natural hydration boosters hydrate and soothe sensitive skin, reduce irritation and redness, build the skin barrier, and heal and mend without being harsh.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Calming Acne and Redness

Acne is more than just breakouts; it also refers to inflammation beneath the skin's surface. Redness, swelling, and sensitivity might continue long after the blemishes have faded. That's where Mulethi comes in. This ancient Ayurvedic treatment has strong anti-inflammatory and calming properties that naturally address the underlying causes of acne and inflammation. Anti-inflammatory effects include reduced swelling and redness, soothing irritated skin, fighting acne-causing bacteria, and preventing post-acne blemishes.
How to Use Mulethi for Glowing Skin

Mulethi is more than simply a skin soother; it's a time-tested beauty booster that restores your skin's natural glow. Mulethi's skin-brightening, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant characteristics make it a must-have for anybody looking for a healthy, lit-from-within radiance. Here's how to simply include Mulethi into your skincare routine for a long-lasting glow.
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DIY mulethi face mask for instant brightening: The ingredients are 1 tsp Mulethi powder, 1 tbsp raw honey or aloe vera gel, and a few drops of rose water or milk. Combine into a smooth paste. Apply to clean skin for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse in lukewarm water. Use 2–3 times per week.
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Mulethi-infused toner: Ingredients include Boil 1 tsp Mulethi root or powder in 1 cup water, then cool, drain, and keep in a spray bottle. Use morning and night after cleansing. This works as a natural brightening toner, soothing irritation and preparing skin to absorb serums more effectively.
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Look for licorice extract in serums and creams: If you prefer ready-made solutions, look for serums containing glabridin or "licorice extract" to address pigmentation. These are ideal for daytime usage under sunscreen to prevent and fade spots. Also useful in night creams for overnight skin restoration.
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Overnight radiance boost: Mix a little pinch of Mulethi powder into your aloe vera gel or night cream. Apply a little coating before bed. Wash off in the morning for soft and beautiful skin.
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Weekly ubtan (Ayurvedic exfoliating mask): For a full-face glow, combine Mulethi powder with besan (gram flour), turmeric, and milk, then use as a light scrub + mask to gently exfoliate, detoxify, and brighten. Apply weekly for smooth, even-toned skin.
DIY Mulethi Face Masks and Scrubs

Mulethi is a popular Ayurvedic component recognized for its skin-brightening, soothing, and acne-fighting properties. When combined with other simple household items, it transforms into a mild powerhouse for radiant skin. Whether you want to erase dark spots, quiet acne, or get a fresh, bright complexion, these DIY mulethi face masks and scrubs have you covered.
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Brightening Mulethi and Honey Mask (For Dull, Dry Skin): 1 tsp mulethi powder, 1 tbsp raw honey, and a few drops of rose water or milk (optional). Combine into a smooth paste. Apply to a clean face. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse in lukewarm water. Ideal for dull, fatigued, or dry skin
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Mulethi + aloe vera soothing gel mask (for sensitive or acne-prone skin): Ingredients: 1 tsp mulethi powder, 1-2 tbsp fresh aloe vera gel, and 1 drop tea tree oil (optional). Mix thoroughly and apply evenly. Leave it on for 15 minutes. Rinse off carefully. Ideal for redness, irritation, and acne.
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Mulethi ubtan scrub (ayurvedic exfoliator): Mix 1 tsp mulethi powder, 1 tbsp besan (gram flour), a teaspoon of turmeric, and milk or rose water till combined. Apply and scrape lightly in circular motions. Leave it on for 10 minutes as a mask. Rinse with a gentle scrape. Ideal for oily or mixed skin.
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Overnight mulethi spot treatment paste: To make an overnight mulethi spot treatment paste, combine ½ tsp mulethi powder with a few drops of water or rose water. Dab directly on acne or dark patches and leave overnight. Rinse in the morning. Best for blemishes and post-acne marks (PIH).
Incorporating Mulethi into Your Skincare Routine

Include Mulethi in your daily and weekly skincare routines:
Step 1: Morning glow routine
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Cleanse: Start with a mild, moisturizing cleanser.
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Tone (optional): To soothe and prepare the skin, spritz or pat on a Mulethi-infused toner (DIY or store-bought).
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Treat: Apply a serum or treatment with licorice extract to fade dark spots, brighten skin tone, and calm inflammation.
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Moisturize: Apply a light moisturizer to seal in hydration.
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Protect: Always finish with a broad-spectrum SPF. Mulethi encourages brightening, but sun protection is essential to maintaining those results.
Step 2: Evening Repair Ritual
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Cleansing: If you wear makeup or sunscreen, double cleanse. Otherwise, a mild cleanser will suffice.
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Twice a week, exfoliate: To improve glow and gently remove dead skin, use a Mulethi Ubtan Scrub.
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Mask (1-2 times per week): Use a DIY Mulethi face mask made with honey, aloe vera, or yogurt, depending on your skin type.
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Treat: Apply a licorice-infused spot treatment or overnight serum.
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Hydrate: Apply a nourishing night cream or an aloe-mulethi blend.
Choosing the Right Mulethi Products

With so many skincare products including natural components, it's easy to become overwhelmed. If you want to take advantage of Mulethi's (Licorice Root) skin-loving properties, you must use the right items. Whether your goal is to brighten, calm acne, or fade pigmentation, Mulethi's form and formulation important. Let us break it down:
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Learn what to look for on labels. Look for these terms on the ingredients list. Licorice Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, and Glabridin (a potent brightening component in Mulethi).
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Brightening and pigmentation: Ideal for dull skin, dark patches, melasma, and sun damage. Look for vitamin C+mulethi combination serums for brightening, niacinamide+licorice blends for tone correction, and targeted dark spot correctors containing glabridin.
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Sensitive or acne-prone skin: Ideal for redness, irritation, and mild acne. Look for aloe vera and licorice soothing gels. Mulethi moisturizers are fragrance-free, and Licorice + Centella Asiatica barrier creams are soothing. These are ideal for layering under makeup or using after exfoliating.
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Daily use: Ideal for moderate brightening and oil control. Look for foaming face cleansers with Licorice and tea tree (for oily skin), moisturizing toners with Mulethi and rose water or hyaluronic acid, and pH-balanced cleansers that will not strip the skin.
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Weekly rituals: Ideal for detoxification, glow-boosting, and exfoliating. Look for clay masks with Licorice for oily skin, cream masks with Mulethi and turmeric for dullness, and ubtan-style exfoliants for traditional Ayurvedic care.
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All-day benefits: Sunscreens and BB Creams Yes, truly! Some mineral sunscreens and tinted moisturizers contain licorice extract to minimize inflammation caused by sun exposure and diminish pigmentation over time.
Final Thoughts: Is Mulethi the Key to Your Best Skin Yet?

Mulethi provides something refreshingly uncomplicated in a world of intricate regimens and chemical-laden products: gentle, effective care based on nature. Whether you're dealing with dark spots, uneven tone, sensitivity, or simply wanting a healthy glow, this modest Ayurvedic herb could be just what your skin needs. Mulethi stands out because it brightens without harsh acids, soothes sensitive, acne-prone skin, softly removes pigmentation over time, promotes barrier repair and hydration, and is suitable for all skin types – dry, oily, sensitive, or combination. All this while being gentle on your skin and suitable for regular usage.








