Tranexamic Acid vs Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza): which Korean skincare ingredient?
⏱ 1 min read
⚡ Quick answer: Tranexamic Acid vs Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza): Tranexamic Acid leans toward dark spots & tone, while Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza) targets dark spots & tone. Can you use both? Yes — they layer well together.
Tranexamic Acid vs Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza): Tranexamic Acid leans toward dark spots & tone, while Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza) targets dark spots & tone. Can you use both? Yes — they layer well together.
| Tranexamic Acid | Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A favourite for melasma and stubborn pigmentation, often paired with niacinamide. | 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. |
| Best for | Dark spots & tone, Dullness & glow | Dark spots & tone, Redness & sensitivity, Melasma & stubborn patches, Reactive & easily-stung skin |
| When to use | BOTH | BOTH |
Which should you choose?
Choose Tranexamic Acid if your priority is Dark spots & tone; choose Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza) for Dark spots & tone. Many Korean routines use both — yes — they layer well together.
Tranexamic Acid guide →Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza) 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.