Is Licorice Root Extract safe during pregnancy?
Topical licorice (a brightener/soother) is likely fine short term. Avoid licorice supplements or large amounts by mouth while pregnant.
What the sources say
NCCIH says topical licorice may be safe in the short term but can irritate skin, while eating large amounts of licorice (about 250 g per week) during pregnancy is unsafe and linked to earlier delivery. Skin-care amounts are far smaller, but pregnancy studies on topical use are lacking, so limit to cosmetic use. LactMed notes oral licorice can lower prolactin and raise blood pressure; keep topical products off the breast.
Common alternatives
Also listed as
dipotassium glycyrrhizate, glabridin, glycyrrhetinic acid, glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extract, glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, glycyrrhiza uralensis root extract, licorice, licorice extract, liquorice extract, stearyl glycyrrhetinate
Sources
- NIH NCCIH: Licorice Root: Usefulness and Safety
- NIH LactMed: Licorice - Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed)
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.