Why we use Licochalcone A from Licorice Root

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why we use glycyrrhiza inflata (licorice) root extract

The Basics

Glycyrrhiza inflata, commonly known as Chinese licorice, has been esteemed in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. The root extract is particularly valued in skincare for its high concentration of Licochalcone A, a potent flavonoid with notable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.¹

In Glycyrrhiza inflata, the Licochalcone A content can reach approximately 8–10 mg per gram of dry root (about 1%).² While most licorice extracts contain only trace amounts of this compound, the extract used in Cipher products is standardised to a minimum of 20% Licochalcone A for maximum efficacy.

Skin Benefits

Licochalcone A has been shown to modulate inflammatory responses in the skin. Topical application of formulations containing Licochalcone A has demonstrated significant reductions in skin redness and irritation, underscoring its efficacy as a soothing agent.³

Beyond its anti-inflammatory effects, Licochalcone A activates antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes, providing a protective effect against oxidative stress. This action helps to shield skin cells from damage induced by environmental factors, contributing to overall skin health.⁴

Scalp Benefits

In scalp care, Licochalcone A's anti-inflammatory properties have been leveraged to alleviate dryness, itching, and subclinical inflammation. Clinical studies have reported that scalp tonics containing Licochalcone A effectively increase scalp moisture and reduce discomfort, promoting a healthier scalp environment.⁵

references

1 Anti-inflammatory properties of Licochalcone A from Glycyrrhiza inflata on various human skin cells. (2005). Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 52(3), P97–P97. DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2004.10.395 Anti-inflammatory properties of Licochalcone A from Glycyrrhiza inflata on various human skin cells.
2 Kolbe, Ludger & Immeyer, Jeannine & Batzer, Jan & Wensorra, Ursula & Dieck, Karen & Mundt, Claudia & Wolber, Rainer & Stäb, Franz & Schoenrock, Uwe & Ceilley, Roger & Wenck, Horst. (2006). Anti-inflammatory efficacy of Licochalcone A: Correlation of clinical potency and in vitro effects. Archives of dermatological research. 298. 23-30. 10.1007/s00403-006-0654-4. Anti-inflammatory efficacy of Licochalcone A: Correlation of clinical potency and in vitro effects.
3 Kühnl, J., Roggenkamp, D., Gehrke, S. A., Stäb, F., Wenck, H., Kolbe, L., & Neufang, G. (2014). Licochalcone A activates Nrf2in vitroand contributes to licorice extract-induced lowered cutaneous oxidative stressin vivo. Experimental Dermatology, 24(1), 42–47. DOI: 10.1111/exd.12588 Licochalcone A activates Nrf2in vitroand contributes to licorice extract-induced lowered cutaneous oxidative stressin vivo.
4 Schweiger, D., Baufeld, C., Drescher, P., Oltrogge, B., Höpfner, S., Mess, A., Lüttke, J., Rippke, F., Filbry, A., & Max, H. (2013). Efficacy of a new tonic containing urea, lactate, polidocanol, and glycyrrhiza inflata root extract in the treatment of a dry, itchy, and subclinically inflamed scalp. Skin pharmacology and physiology, 26(2), 108–118. DOI: 10.1159/000348473 Efficacy of a new tonic containing urea, lactate, polidocanol, and glycyrrhiza inflata root extract in the treatment of a dry, itchy, and subclinically inflamed scalp.