Licorice in Skincare

Licorice is a perennial plant that is mainly found in south parts of Europe, North Africa and some parts of Asia including Iran. The word licorice is derived from a Greek word meaning sweet root. This plant grows wild. The use of licorice in food and traditional medicine has a long history. Based on Sepidan Osareh Jonoob Co. surveys, licorice is used for the treatment of digestive and respiratory diseases, toothache, sore throat, as well as for skin and hair problems. It contains vitamins B and E and minerals such as potassium and magnesium; because of these properties, in addition to pharmaceutical industry, licorice in skincare products such as creams, sunscreens, brighteners etc. is very popular.
Sepidan Osareh Jonoob Co. is one of the prominent producers and exporters of licorice products in the world. This company is globally known as one of the best ones in licorice market. A number of factors lead to this company’s achievements including very high-quality products, employing experienced staff, using modern machinery and instruments in production lines and laboratory, observing global standards in quality and management and many more.
Licorice products are presented in a vast variety such as root powder, extract powder, extract paste, extract granules, extract nuggets, extract blocks, DGL etc.

An isolation process indicated that more than 20 triterpenoids and 300 flavonoids exist in licorice.

Licorice extract is obtained from the root of this plant, glycyrrhiza glabra. It has been a popular herbal remedy for skin problems. Recent researches show that licorice extract has got some features like antioxidant protection and promoting skin radiance.

Licorice extract is highly consumed in skincare products. Licorice extract is effective to lighten brown spots and discoloration caused by sunburn, eczema, acne etc. Licorice acts as a natural brightener that makes the skin tone even. An active component in licorice called Glabridin is anti-inflammatory. It controls tyrosinase, which is an important enzyme in the formation of pigmentation. It goes well with vitamin C, Retinol, Arbutin and other ingredients to remove hyperpigmentation and brown marks. Glabridin is a kind of flavonoid with antioxidant features. Antioxidants inhibit free radicals in the environment. It plays the role of a preventive against oxidative stress found on the skin. Topical use of licorice skincare products results in a better appearance and smooth skin.

The appearance of spots on the skin has got different reasons such as the trace of pimples, hormonal causes, sunburn and many others.

There has been recently a growing tendency toward using natural and non-artificial products; since it is believed that they have fewer side effects in comparison with artificial ones.

For discoloration of these spots, hydroquinone is usually recommended. The function of licorice extract is very similar to hydroquinone.

According to studies, licorice is actually one of the safest skin lighteners and because of its positive features, it is used in cosmetics. Using licorice disappears the pregnancy spots on the skin of women’s faces over time.

licorice extract is rich in antioxidants, so it is anti-aging and rejuvenating; it helps regenerate collagen to keep our skin soft and smooth. This plant also prevents skin sagging and removes wrinkles under eyes and keeps skin moisture.

an active antioxidant (Licochalcone A), which is the main ingredient in licorice root extract, is able to protect the skin against UV rays, and this is done by strengthening the skin’s own defense system. In fact, the skin’s defense system is stimulated by the use of licorice extract. In addition, it leads to the production of more antioxidants. Therefore, it prevents the occurrence of spots because of sunlight. This plant is a good alternative to the chemicals used in sunscreens. Licorice contains enzymes that act as a skin protector against sunlight. Herbs have been used for skin and hair problems since ancient times.