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Licorice plant extract
Commonly known as:
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract (I.N.C.), Licorice, Glabridine.
Botanical name:
Glycyrrhiza glabra L.
Extraction process:
Ethanol extraction of dried licorice roots, followed by purification, re-extraction with ethyl acetate, filtration and vacuum drying.
Family:
Fabaceae.
Part of the plant extracted:
Roots.
Location:
Around the Mediterranean, southern United States, Middle East, North Africa, Mauritius.
Flowering:
From June to July.
Provenance, origin:
China.
Phytochemical composition:
Glabridine over 95%, glycyrrhizic acid (Glycyrrhizin), flavonoids, isoflavonoids (glabrene and isoliquiritigenin).
Sensorial properties:
Appearance: Fine powder; Color: Beige;
Physical characteristics:
Soluble in alcohol and chloroform; Insoluble in water;Dosage in cosmetic formulas: 2 to 5%; Molecular weight: 324,37 g/mol.
Benefits:
Brightening, unifying, anti-inflammatory, depigmenting, softening, antioxidant, emollient, soothing.
Concerns:
All skin types, especially skin prone to hyperpigmentation, itchy skin, skin with an atopic tendency, skin that has been aggressed (cold, UV, pollution...), mature skin and sensitive/irritated skin; All hair types.
Details
Use
Face care (lightening serums, sun care, creams, eye care, masks, aftershave creams, cleansing care, scrubs); Body care (creams, balms, milks); Hair care (shampoos, masks, sun oils); Hygiene (toothpastes, soaps); Make-up (foundations, protective tinted creams).
Preservation
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from heat and light.
Contra-Indications and Precautions
Licorice extract is not irritating if used in recommended doses. It normally can be used by pregnant and/or breastfeeding women, as well as young children.
Find out more
Licorice extract is mainly composed of glycyrrhizic acid, a molecule with a sweetening power 30 to 50 times greater than sugar. It also contains flavonoids with proven antioxidant properties that effectively fight against skin aging. In addition, glabrene and isoliquiritigenin inhibit tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin biosynthesis; licorice extract is thus renowned for its lightening power.
