Licorice Extract

Categories: Antioxidants, Plant Extracts

Licorice Extract Skin Benefits:
Antioxidant
Radiance
Soothing

Licorice extract is derived from the plant root of Glycyrrhiza glabra. Over the years, licorice extract has become a renowned herbal remedy for soothing skin. Now, recent studies show that licorice extract benefits for skin may also include astringent properties, antioxidant protection, as well as the ability to promote skin-radiance.

Licorice extract contains concentrations of flavonoids, such as glabridin, that equip the skin with antioxidant properties.  Antioxidants work to neutralize free radicals present in the environment. This may constitute an inhibitory effect on the amount of oxidative stress found on the skin.¹ Consequently, the use of licorice extract for skin may inadvertently enable a soothing effect that can help alleviate problematic skin. Furthermore, licorice extract constituents- glabridin and liquiritin- may also utilize their oxidative scavenging abilities to promote skin radiance.  Topical application of skincare products infused with licorice extract can help to provide a healthy glow as well as enhance the skin’s overall quality and appearance. ²

1. Morteza-Semnani, K. et al. Comparison of antioxidant activity of extract from roots of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) to commercial antioxidants in 2% hydroquinone cream. Journal of cosmetic science54.6, 551-558 (2002)
2. Gao, X. et al. Efficacy and safety of innovative cosmeceuticals. Clinics in dermatology 26.4, 367-374 (2008)