Why we use Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract

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why we use glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extract

Whole-Root Licorice Extract

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a powerful botanical known for its soothing, brightening, and skin-repairing benefits. Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, it helps calm irritation, balance oil production, and support collagen synthesis. Its ability to fade dark spots and improve skin tone makes it ideal for sensitive, acne-prone, and hyperpigmented skin types.¹

The Full-Spectrum Benefits of Whole-Root Licorice

Our whole-root licorice extract retains all active compounds, unlike isolated derivatives. This means it provides broad-spectrum antioxidant protection, skin barrier support, and visible brightening. Additionally, it is standardised to at least 10% Glycyrrhizinic Acid, but it also contains other potent bioactive compounds that improve skin clarity, elasticity, and hydration.

Key Bioactive Compounds in Whole-Root Licorice Extract²

Glycyrrhizinic Acid – Not only does it soothe redness, irritation, and sensitivity, but it also regulates oil production, making it perfect for acne-prone skin.
Licochalcone – Because it is a potent anti-inflammatory, it calms rosacea, psoriasis, and dermatitis, leading to clearer and healthier-looking skin.
Glabridin – Due to its ability to block melanin overproduction, it is a powerful brightener that reduces dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

Licorice in Skincare History

Licorice has been used in traditional medicine and skincare for centuries.³ Ancient Egyptians valued it for its soothing and healing properties. They brewed it into a therapeutic drink for pharaohs and applied it to calm skin irritation and inflammation.

In traditional Chinese medicine, licorice has been a key ingredient for over 5,000 years. It was often used to balance herbal formulas and enhance the effects of other medicinal plants. As a result, it became widely recognised for its ability to reduce redness, irritation, and swelling.

Similarly, Ayurvedic medicine in India incorporated licorice into pastes and ointments. It was applied to the skin to soothe dryness, even out skin tone, and promote clarity. Meanwhile, in Greek and Roman medicine, physicians documented its anti-inflammatory and moisturising effects. They used it in ointments for wounds, burns, and dry skin.

Over time, licorice became a trusted ingredient in skincare traditions worldwide. Its soothing, protective, and skin-rejuvenating effects made it a staple in natural skin treatments. Even today, modern research continues to support its calming, brightening, and antioxidant properties, reinforcing its value in skincare.

references

1 Ciganović, P., Jakimiuk, K., Tomczyk, M., & Zovko Končić, M. (2019). Glycerolic Licorice Extracts as Active Cosmeceutical Ingredients: Extraction Optimization, Chemical Characterization, and Biological Activity. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 8(10), 445. doi: 10.3390/antiox8100445 Glycerolic Licorice Extracts as Active Cosmeceutical Ingredients: Extraction Optimization, Chemical Characterization, and Biological Activity.
2 Cerulli, A., Masullo, M., Montoro, P., & Piacente, S. (2022). Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra, G. uralensis, and G. inflata) and Their Constituents as Active Cosmeceutical Ingredients. Cosmetics, 9(1), 7. doi: 10.3390/cosmetics9010007 Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra, G. uralensis, and G. inflata) and Their Constituents as Active Cosmeceutical Ingredients.
3 Fiore, C., Eisenhut, M., Ragazzi, E., Zanchin, G., & Armanini, D. (2005). A history of the therapeutic use of liquorice in Europe. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 99(3), 317–324. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2005.04.015 A history of the therapeutic use of liquorice in Europe.