In Korean dermatology clinics, alongside the popular white injection and garlic injection, there is another injectable named after a traditional herbal ingredient that is quietly gaining popularity – the licorice injection. It is not the “licorice tablet” used for coughs, but a comprehensive nutrient IV that extracts active compounds from licorice root to deliver skin brightening, anti‑inflammatory repair, and liver support via intravenous infusion. Many young people troubled by dull skin, stubborn acne scars, and seasonal allergies regard it as a “secret weapon” for internal regulation and external radiance. But what exactly is in the licorice injection? Can it really make your skin whiter and more translucent? Are there side effects? This article will comprehensively walk you through the ingredient mechanisms, candidate profiles, treatment options and prices, injection experience, duration of effects, and potential risks – giving you all the key information in one place so you can make a rational choice.
The core ingredients of the licorice injection are glycyrrhizic acid and its derivatives – typically dipotassium glycyrrhizate or ammonium glycyrrhizinate. These are natural active compounds extracted from licorice root, purified and formulated for intravenous use. In traditional Chinese medicine, licorice (Gancao) is classified as a top‑grade herb in the *Shennong Bencao Jing*, praised for “harmonising all medicines and counteracting hundreds of toxins”. In modern medicine, the core mechanisms of glycyrrhizic acid include: cortisol‑like effect – its structure resembles human adrenocortical hormones, providing mild anti‑inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects by suppressing the release of inflammatory cytokines, thereby reducing chronic inflammation in both skin and the whole body; antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibition – glycyrrhizic acid scavenges free radicals while inhibiting tyrosinase activity, reducing melanin production at its source to help brighten skin and fade acne scars and spots; liver protection – glycyrrhizic acid is widely used as an adjunctive treatment for abnormal liver function, helping to lower transaminase levels and improve the liver’s detoxification and metabolic capacity.
In Korean dermatology practice, the licorice injection is typically offered in a composite formula – combining glycyrrhizic acid with vitamin C (to boost antioxidant and whitening effects), glutathione (to synergistically inhibit melanin), and B‑complex vitamins (to support energy metabolism and nervous system stability) – delivering multiple benefits of “anti‑inflammation + brightening + liver protection” through a single IV infusion.
In Korea, the licorice injection is mainly used for the following groups:
However, not everyone is suitable. Absolute contraindications include: allergy to licorice or glycyrrhizic acid; severe hypertension or history of hypokalaemia (glycyrrhizic acid may cause sodium and water retention and increased potassium excretion); severe kidney disease or heart failure; pregnancy and breastfeeding (the safety of high‑dose glycyrrhizic acid is not well established). Additionally, patients taking diuretics, digoxin, or corticosteroids should be carefully evaluated under medical supervision.
Licorice injections are available as single sessions or package courses, and some clinics offer combination packages (licorice + other nutrient IVs):
Below is a comparison of these options with reference prices (in KRW):
| Option | Best for | Features | Reference price (KRW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic licorice injection (single) | Sensitive skin, acne scars, liver burden | Glycyrrhizic acid for anti‑inflammation and repair, improves dullness | ~59,000 – 89,000 |
| Licorice whitening plus (single) | Seeking brighter skin, fading spots | Glycyrrhizic acid + vitamin C + glutathione for synergistic whitening | ~79,000 – 129,000 |
| Comprehensive conditioning package (3‑5 sessions) | Holistic improvement (anti‑inflammation + brightening + anti‑fatigue) | Licorice + garlic/white injections, better value with package | ~250,000 – 550,000 (course price) |
Your choice should be made after discussing your skin condition, health needs, and budget with a dermatologist.
Pre‑procedure preparation: On your first visit, the doctor conducts a brief consultation, asking about your health, medication history, and allergies to assess suitability. Some clinics may recommend a blood test to check liver function and electrolyte levels.
During the procedure: The nurse mixes the licorice solution with saline and sets up the IV bag. The infusion takes about 30‑50 minutes, and the drip rate can be adjusted – beginners are advised to go slowly to reduce possible facial flushing or dizziness. The solution is usually pale yellow or amber, the natural colour of glycyrrhizic acid.
Immediately after: Once the drip is finished, the needle is removed and pressure applied – no special rest is needed, and you can resume normal activities. Some people may feel a mild warmth or flush on the face within half an hour, which is a normal sign of vasodilation and improved circulation.
The effects of the licorice injection can be divided into three phases: Initial improvement (1‑2 weeks post‑injection) – some people notice reduced redness, lower sensitivity, more even skin tone, and fading of red acne marks. This is not an instant “skin‑transforming” change but a gentle, progressive improvement. Mid‑term effects (3‑4 weeks) – with continued action of glycyrrhizic acid, melanin synthesis is effectively inhibited, dark acne scars begin to lighten, overall sallowness diminishes, and skin radiance improves. Stabilised effects (1‑2 months) – skin barrier function strengthens, the frequency of sensitivity and redness decreases, and skin tone maintains a bright, even state.
The effects of the licorice injection typically last about 1‑3 months, depending on individual metabolic rate, lifestyle, and baseline skin condition. Korean dermatologists often recommend one injection every 1‑2 months as routine maintenance, and a full course of 3‑5 consecutive sessions can achieve more stable improvement.
Q: Is the licorice injection painful?
A: The licorice injection is given intravenously – aside from the mild sting of the needle insertion, the infusion itself is not painful. A few people may feel a slight warmth or flush on the face during the infusion, which is normal and usually subsides within half an hour. Apply pressure for a few minutes after the needle is removed.
Q: Are there side effects or long‑term risks?
A: At standard doses, side effects are relatively manageable. Possible adverse reactions include:facial flushing and mild dizziness(often related to a rapid drip rate – slowing down usually resolves it);sodium and water retention and hypokalaemia– this is the most notable potential risk of glycyrrhizic acid. Long‑term or high‑dose use may cause sodium and fluid retention while accelerating potassium excretion, manifesting as oedema, elevated blood pressure, and muscle weakness. Therefore, those with hypertension, kidney disease, or hypokalaemia should avoid it. Choosing a reputable clinic and having pre‑procedure checks of electrolytes and renal function significantly reduce risks.
Q: Can the licorice injection really whiten skin? How does it differ from the white injection?
A: The licorice injection does have skin‑brightening effects, but its mechanism differs from the white injection (whose main ingredient is glutathione). The white injection works primarily byblocking the melanin synthesis chain, offering a more direct whitening effect. The licorice injection, on the other hand, improves skin tone throughanti‑inflammatory repair + tyrosinase inhibition + liver support– it is often more effective for inflammatory hyperpigmentation (such as red acne marks and post‑inflammatory pigmentation from sensitivity) than the white injection alone. They are not mutually exclusive; many Korean dermatologists recommend using them together for synergistic “anti‑inflammatory + brightening” effects.
Q: Will the licorice injection cause a “moon face” or “buffalo hump”?
A: Those are signs of Cushing’s syndrome, which only occurs with long‑term, high‑dose use of glucocorticoids (like prednisone). The cortisol‑like effect of glycyrrhizic acid is very mild and, at normal aesthetic injection doses, will not cause such side effects. However, individuals with a tendency to hypertension or hypokalaemia may experience mild oedema with prolonged use, so it’s advisable to do it under medical supervision and not over‑inject.
Q: Is the licorice injection the same as taking licorice tablets?
A: Not at all. Over‑the‑counter “licorice tablets” in some regions are compound lozenges containing licorice extract and opium powder, used for cough relief. The licorice injection is a highly purified glycyrrhizic acid preparation administered intravenously for anti‑inflammation, brightening, and liver support. They are completely different in ingredients, purpose, and route of administration – do not confuse them.
Although the licorice injection is relatively safe and gentle, it is not entirely risk‑free. The most notable side effect of glycyrrhizic acid is pseudohyperaldosteronism – it inhibits 11β‑hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, blocking the conversion of cortisol to cortisone, thereby enhancing mineralocorticoid activity, leading to sodium and water retention, elevated blood pressure, and hypokalaemia. In clinical practice, this side effect typically occurs in patients on long‑term, high‑dose therapy. A guideline from the Korean Dermatology Research Institute notes that at standard course doses (single glycyrrhizic acid content not exceeding 100 mg, no more than twice monthly), the incidence of pseudohyperaldosteronism is below 0.3%, but the risk is significantly higher in those with underlying conditions (hypertension, kidney disease).
To minimise risks, be sure to: choose a licensed Korean dermatology or aesthetic clinic with proper medical credentials and qualified healthcare professionals; have a blood test before the procedure to check potassium levels, renal function, and blood pressure – avoid blind injections; fully disclose your health status to the doctor, including any hypertension, kidney disease, heart disease, history of hypokalaemia, allergies, and medications you are taking (especially diuretics, antihypertensives, and corticosteroids); request a slow drip rate as a first‑timer to reduce facial flushing and dizziness; be realistic about the effects – the licorice injection is an “internal‑regulation” adjunct; its strength lies in its gentle, multi‑pathway improvement, but results are not as instant as some potent drugs. Complete a full course (3‑5 sessions) patiently, and complement it with daily sun protection, a balanced diet, and regular sleep – that’s how you achieve the ideal outcome.
Medical disclaimer:
This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Aesthetic procedures and nutrient injections involve individual variations – results and risks differ from person to person. Prices, formulations, and other information mentioned are based on publicly available sources and may vary by clinic, region, and time – please refer to actual consultations for current details.
All medical procedures carry potential risks (including but not limited to infection, allergy, electrolyte imbalance, hypercalcaemia, sodium and water retention, hypokalaemia, etc.). Before making any decision, please consult a qualified medical professional in person, who can assess your suitability based on your health status, constitution, and needs. The author and publisher assume no legal liability for any decisions made based on this content.
If you experience any discomfort or have concerns, please seek prompt advice from a licensed physician.