Description

Licorice Extract — Gentle Botanical Brightening for Sensitive Skin

Licorice Extract is a time-tested botanical active derived from the roots of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant. Used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, this extract is prized in modern skincare for its unique ability to brighten, calm, and protect the skin without irritation.

The key bioactive compound in Licorice Extract is Glabridin, first identified by Japanese researchers in the early 1990s. Glabridin is a potent skin-brightening agent known to absorb UVA and UVB radiation, inhibit excess melanin production, and visibly improve uneven skin tone, making it especially effective for hyperpigmentation, post-acne marks, and sun damage.

Unlike harsher brightening agents, Licorice Extract works gently and intelligently, helping to correct discoloration while supporting the skin’s barrier and reducing inflammation.

Technical Specifications

• INCI Name: Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Extract

• Active Compound: Glabridin

• Purity: 99%

• Appearance: Fine white powder

• Solubility: Soluble in glycerin, tepid water, and alcohol

• pH Stability: 4.0 – 5.0

• Recommended Usage: 0.1% – 2%

Why Licorice Extract Works

• Targets Hyperpigmentation: Glabridin inhibits tyrosinase activity by up to 50%, helping prevent excess melanin formation

• Soothes & Calms: Strong anti-inflammatory action reduces redness, irritation, and sensitivity

• UV-Protective Support: Absorbs UVA and UVB rays to help defend against photo-induced pigmentation

• Antioxidant-Rich: Neutralizes free radicals caused by pollution, sun exposure, and internal oxidative stress

• Skin-Tone Safe: Brightens without bleaching, suitable for all skin tones

Benefits for Skin & Hair

For Skin

• Gently brightens and evens skin tone

• Helps fade dark spots, sun damage, and post-acne marks

• Calms inflamed, red, or reactive skin

• Supports compromised skin following acne, eczema, or sunburn

• Promotes a clearer, more luminous complexion

For Hair & Scalp

• Helps soothe irritated scalp conditions

• Supports formulations targeting scalp inflammation or sensitivity

Common Applications

• Brightening serums & treatments

• Cleansers & toners

• Moisturizers & calming creams

• Spot treatments for dark marks

• Products formulated for sensitive, inflamed, or post-acne skin

Pro Tip for Formulators

Licorice Extract performs best in low-to-moderate pH systems (pH 4–5), making it ideal for serums, toners, and treatment products. For enhanced brightening results, pair it with Niacinamide, N-Acetyl Glucosamine, Tranexamic Acid, or Vitamin C derivatives, but avoid overcrowding formulas with too many strong actives to preserve skin tolerance and product stability.

Licorice Extract is a quiet powerhouse, perfect for brands and formulators who want visible brightening results without irritation, and a gold-standard ingredient for inclusive skincare across all skin tones.

Disclaimer:
For cosmetic formulation use only, not for internal or medical applications. Because many of our ingredients are naturally derived, slight variations in colour or texture may occur.

At Skin Foodie, we believe that what goes into your formulations should be as pure as what goes into your body. That’s why we source only ingredients that meet exceptional standards of purity, performance, and safety. Remember: not all ingredients are created equal, the same name or CAS number does not guarantee the same quality.