Licorice Extract

This extract is from the plant taxonomically known as *Glycyrrhiza glabra*. Licorice extract is a general term; in many cases cosmetics companies will use specific parts of the plant in their formulations, such as licorice root or seed extract, accompanied by the plant’s complete Latin name.

Licorice is valuable in skin care products for numerous reasons. First and foremost, as a plant extract, it has antioxidant properties that enable it to fight off one of the leading causes of ageing, oxidative stress.

Of particular interest is one of licorice’s main compounds, glycyrrhetinic acid. In addition to its function as an antioxidant, there are numerous studies showing it has potent anti-inflammatory properties as well, making it a welcome addition to products designed to treat compromised or reddened skin. Even more impressive, research demonstrates that an indirect benefit of this trait is the minimization of dark patches and uneven tone.