Fact Check: Can Mulethi (licorice) and Honey Remove Skin Pigmentation?

An Instagram post claims that applying the mixture of mulethi (licorice) powder and honey removes skin pigmentation. The claim is Mostly False.

Claim

The Instagram post claims that applying the mixture of mulethi (licorice) powder and honey removes skin pigmentation. The Instagram user astromanifestmagic posted a reel that states, "You're about to get crystal clear skin! Start your day with mulethi (licorice) powder. Take a small amount of honey, add mulethi powder to it, mix it with your hands, and apply it to your face. Then massage your face for 3 to 4 minutes every day. Honey and mulethi will remove pigmentation, uneven skin tone, and tanning, clean your pores, and your skin will start to glow."

The post can be accessed here.

Fact Check

The claim is Mostly False. While licorice and honey support skin health, their mix is not a proven cure for pigmentation. For lasting results, it's best to consult a dermatologist rather than rely on home remedies.

What is Skin pigmentation?

Skin pigmentation differs significantly among individuals, influenced by factors such as genetic makeup, exposure to sunlight, and certain medications. Disorders that affect skin pigmentation can alter a person’s physical appearance and may also impact their emotional health and social interactions. Pigmentation issues generally fall into two categories: hyperpigmentation, where an overproduction of pigment leads to darkened areas, and hypopigmentation, where a lack of pigment results in lighter patches. Some commonly seen pigmentation conditions include albinism, melasma, vitiligo, Addison’s disease, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which may arise from conditions like acne, eczema, or reactions to specific drugs.

Health Benefits of Honey

Honey, derived from the nectar of flowers and produced by the honeybee species Apis mellifera, has long been recognized for its nutritional, therapeutic, and practical uses. Civilizations such as the ancient Greeks, Egyptians, and Chinese esteemed honey not only as a source of sustenance but also for its medicinal benefits—a legacy that continues into modern times. Commonly added to drinks, honey remains remarkably shelf-stable thanks to its low water activity (ranging from 0.56 to 0.62) and mildly acidic pH of approximately 3.9, which allows it to be stored for extended periods without refrigeration. In addition to its culinary appeal, honey is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial qualities, as well as its supportive effects on the respiratory, digestive, cardiovascular, and nervous systems.

Health benefits of Mulethi (licorice)

Licorice, scientifically known as Glycyrrhiza glabra and commonly called "Mulethi" in India, is a well-known herb used in both food and animal feed. It has been valued for its many health benefits. One of the key compounds found in licorice root is isoliquiritigenin, which has a special plant-based structure known to help fight cancer. Other important natural chemicals in licorice include glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhizic acid, and isoliquiritin. These substances are known for their wide range of health benefits—they can help reduce inflammation, fight infections, lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes, ease muscle spasms, support lung health, and even help with asthma symptoms. Licorice is especially known for its anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce allergic reactions and protect the liver. 

Does applying the mixture of mulethi (licorice) powder and honey remove skin pigmentation?

Licorice (mulethi) has been found to help reduce inflammation, fight infections, lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes, ease muscle spasms, and support lung health. Honey, on the other hand, is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, and offers supportive benefits for the respiratory, digestive, cardiovascular, and nervous systems. While some studies have reported licorice’s role in reducing skin pigmentation, no such evidence exists for honey. Moreover, there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus supporting the claim that a mixture of licorice powder and honey can remove skin pigmentation.

A study published in Current Issues in Molecular Biology found that heat-treated Wongam extract (WH-130), a new type of licorice may help reduce skin pigmentation and could be useful in treating different skin conditions that cause dark spots. But, the study only shows a reduction in pigmentation, not a complete or permanent removal.

Another study, published in the Iranian Journal of Dermatology, found that a skin-lightening serum with licorice extract can help brighten the skin by blocking the production of melanin—the pigment that gives skin its color. However, the study does not mention that licorice extract remove skin pigmentation completely.

Yet another study published in the Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology have used a serum containing licorice root extract as a whitening agent and found that Licorice root ethanol extract can be formulated as facial lightening serum preparations. Again this study does not confirms that licorice can permanently remove skin pigmentation.

There is no scientific evidence supporting the use of honey for removing skin pigmentation. However, some studies have highlighted the beneficial properties of honey for skin health. A study published in the Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection noted that honey has antimicrobial activity, which can help in managing various skin disorders.

One more study, published in the Central Asian Journal of Global Health, reported that honey is effective in promoting the healing of partial-thickness burns.

Several studies have highlighted the role of licorice in reducing skin pigmentation, but there is no scientific evidence to support any effect of honey in reducing pigmentation. Moreover, no research supports the idea that licorice and honey—either alone or combined—can completely remove skin pigmentation. In addition, there is no consensus among medical professionals backing the claim that this mixture can eliminate pigmentation.

Dr Shareefa Chause, Dermatologist, Dr Shareefa Skin care clinic, Mumbai, told Medical Dialogues "Licorice does have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, glabridin (flavonoid) found in licorice extract inhibits tyrosinase (enzyme responsible for melanin production). Licorice extract also used in cosmeceuticals to reduce pigmentation. Honey is also an antioxidant and natural humectant, keeping skin hydrated, it also have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, reducing skin irritation and preventing breakouts. So yes licorice and honey mask can be helpful to reduce pigmentation but not complete removal of pigmentation, as such process will gonna need more of the things apart from only licorice and honey mask, like sunscreen, life style modification, diet ( antioxidant rich) , exercise etc and last it is always advised to check for skin allergy, before applying anything on face, do a patch test on skin behind ear."

To this, Dr Parul Khot, MBBS, DNB, DVD, Consultant Dermatologist at Holy Family Hospital, Mumbai, added, "As dermatologists, we emphasize the importance of understanding the cause and depth of pigmentation before choosing a treatment. While a DIY mixture of mulethi (licorice) powder and honey can offer mild skin-brightening benefits, its effectiveness varies. Mulethi inhibits melanin production, and honey provides hydration, making it a gentle option for mild pigmentation. However, for deeper or persistent pigmentation, consulting a dermatologist for treatments is advisable to ensure safe and effective results."

Medical Dialogues Final take

Licorice and honey offer several health and skin benefits, the claim that their mixture can completely remove skin pigmentation is unfounded. There is no proven or medically accepted basis for using this combination as a pigmentation treatment. Relying on such remedies may delay proper care for underlying skin conditions.

Hence the claim is Mostly False.