Ingredient · Liquorice Root (Soothing + Tone)
Liquorice Root Extract
INCI · Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Related names and forms: Licorice Root Extract. This list does not indicate synonyms or exact ingredient matches.
Liquorice-root extract (INCI: Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract; licorice) is a whole botanical extract from liquorice root containing glabridin, glycyrrhizic acid and various flavonoids. It is used in formulas associated with both soothing properties and tone appearance. A useful distinction is between the whole extract and dipotassium glycyrrhizate, a single purified ingredient. The extract contains multiple components, including glabridin associated with tone appearance, while dipotassium glycyrrhizate is an odourless, colourless purified salt. As a whole extract, its effects depend on standardisation and the overall formula. Labels show 'Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract' or 'Licorice Root Extract'. It has no single INCI-equivalent compound CID in PubChem; components such as glabridin and glycyrrhizic acid have separate records, but are not the extract itself. The reference framework is provided through evidenceNotes.
i. Cosmetic Functions
Frequently Discussed Effects
The following headings summarise areas of effect frequently discussed in the literature; visible results in each area require regular use and a suitable formula.
A Soothing Feel
A botanical extract associated with claims of a comfortable appearance for redness-prone profiles.
Tone Appearance Context
Its glabridin content also places it in formulas claiming more even-looking tone.
Botanical Extract Structure
A whole extract whose effects depend on standardisation and the complete formula.
Mechanism
What Happens Within the Skin?
The following points summarise mechanisms from dermocosmetic literature in plain English. Klaris presents them as background information to help readers understand the context, not as medical claims.
Step 1
Whole Liquorice Extract
A whole botanical extract containing components such as glabridin, glycyrrhizic acid and flavonoids.
Step 2
A Soothing Feel
Associated with claims of a comfortable appearance for redness-prone profiles.
Step 3
Tone Appearance Context
Its glabridin content also places it in formulas claiming more even-looking tone.
Step 4
Extract Versus Purified Salt
The whole extract differs from purified dipotassium glycyrrhizate, carrying multiple components along with colour and odour.
Step 5
Standardisation Matters
As a whole extract, standardisation and the complete formula matter more than a single dose.
ii. Role in the Formula
How Is It Read on a Label?
Liquorice-root extract is used in formulas with soothing and tone-appearance claims, often alongside niacinamide and vitamin C. As a whole extract, standardisation and the complete formula matter more than one 'correct dose'.
A Closer Look · pH, Stability, Synergy
Liquorice-root extract is a whole botanical extract common in formulas with soothing and tone-appearance claims, generally alongside ingredients such as niacinamide and vitamin C. The most useful distinction is between whole extract and purified derivative: Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract carries multiple components (glabridin, glycyrrhizic acid and flavonoids) and natural colour and odour, while dipotassium glycyrrhizate is its single purified, odourless, colourless salt. Tone-appearance claims associated with glabridin are therefore more often linked to the whole extract. This concerns appearance, not a promise to erase or treat spots; clinical pigment changes require medical assessment. As a whole extract, effects depend on standardisation, meaning the proportions of actives, and the complete formula. 'Contains liquorice' alone does not guarantee standardisation. Botanical extracts can occasionally cause sensitivity; observing a new product on a small area first may be a more measured approach. Klaris considers extract standardisation, accompanying tone-focused or soothing actives and the whole formula together.
Typical Concentration Range
Low dose (extract-based, dependent on standardisation)
Ingredient Family
Soothing Ingredients
iii. Sensitivity Advisory
A Note on Extra Care in Context
Sensitivity to botanical extracts is occasionally reported; patch testing a new product is measured. Tone-appearance claims are common, but clinical pigment changes require medical assessment.
A sensitivity advisory is not an instruction for use; where individual health circumstances, pregnancy or known sensitivities are involved, discussing the decision with your doctor may be a more contextual approach.
Common Misconceptions
Frequently Confused Points
Common Belief
Liquorice root erases spots or treats pigmentation problems.
A More Contextual Reading
Tone-appearance claims associated with glabridin concern appearance, not a spot-erasing or treatment promise. Clinical pigment assessment is a medical matter.
Common Belief
Liquorice-root extract and dipotassium glycyrrhizate are the same.
A More Contextual Reading
The whole extract carries multiple components, colour and odour; dipotassium glycyrrhizate is its single purified, odourless, colourless salt. They are assessed in different contexts.
Common Belief
Glabridin is the same as liquorice extract.
A More Contextual Reading
Glabridin is one component of liquorice extract associated with tone appearance; the whole extract contains many components. They are assessed in different contexts.
Common Belief
As a natural or botanical ingredient, it suits every sensitive skin.
A More Contextual Reading
Generally described as low-irritation, but 'natural' does not automatically mean suitable. Botanical extracts can occasionally cause sensitivity, and the whole formula matters.
Scientific Basis
Sources and Their Scope
The following headings indicate areas of research; they are not citations of a specific publication or confirmation that every statement on this page has been verified. The links provided should be read with their individual scope in mind.
- International INCI / CosIng database
- Dermocosmetic research publications
- Literature evaluating sensitive profiles
Starting Points for Independent Research
These links lead to official databases and serve as starting points for searches.
v. Soothing Ingredients Family
Other Ingredients in the Same Family
Explore ingredients in the same functional family to deepen your reading of formulas.
vi. Academy · Related Reading
For a Closer Look
vii. Related Concern Guides
Guides That Include This Ingredient
Klaris · Example Analyses
How Does Liquorice Root Extract Feature
in Your Products?
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