Liquorice

Liquorice Extract, also known as Licorice Root Extract, is obtained from the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra L., a perennial botanical belonging to the Fabaceae family. The root is naturally rich in triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids and other phenolic constituents.

The characteristic phytochemical profile of Glycyrrhiza glabra includes glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic acid), glycyrrhetinic acid, glabridin, liquiritin, isoliquiritin, liquiritigenin and isoliquiritigenin. Glycyrrhizin is the principal characteristic saponin of Liquorice root, while glabridin is an important flavonoid associated with selected cosmetic-grade extracts.

In cosmetic formulations, Liquorice Extract is valued for its skin-conditioning, soothing, smoothing and emollient properties and is suitable for a wide range of face-care, body-care and scalp-care products.

Depending on the extraction process and commercial grade, Liquorice Extract may be standardized to glycyrrhizin, glabridin, total flavonoids or another specified botanical marker. HPLC and validated spectrophotometric methods can be used for quantitative determination.