Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza) vs 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid: which Korean skincare ingredient?
Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza) vs 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid: Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza) leans toward dark spots & tone, while 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid targets dark spots & tone. Can you use both? Yes — they layer well together.
| Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza) | 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Gamcho is one of the most-used herbs in Korean traditional medicine and it carried straight over into hanbang skincare, where it does double duty as a soother and a gentle tone-evener. | The vitamin C derivative Korean brands use when they want a serum that does not turn orange by March. Korea's MFDS lists it among the notified 미백 (mibaek, brightening) functional actives, which means a product carrying that mark on its strength contains a regulated amount. Gentler than L-ascorbic acid, and slower. |
| Best for | Dark spots & tone, Redness & sensitivity, Melasma & stubborn patches, Reactive & easily-stung skin | Dark spots & tone, Dullness & glow, Sun damage & photoageing |
| When to use | BOTH | AM |
Which should you choose?
Choose Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza) if your priority is Dark spots & tone; choose 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid for Dark spots & tone. Many Korean routines use both — yes — they layer well together.
Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza) guide →3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid guide →
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✍️ Written & reviewed by the KoreaPlus Editorial team — dermatologist-informed, cosmetic-science researched & source-cited. Last reviewed: 2026-08-23.
General educational information using cosmetic structure-function wording — not medical advice. Always patch-test new actives. © KoreaPlus.