Licorice is common name of Glycyrrhiza Glabra (European licorice), with has a long history of using over 4000 years, in the role of treating cough, reducing ulcers, creating sweet taste, reducing irritation and healing injuriy,…
Glycyrrhiza Glabra
In cosmetic, licorice root extract has a lot of effects for improving skin beauty such as anti-inflammatory, soothing, lightening and preventing the damage of free radicals (ROS).
They contain: triterpen saponin, flavonoid, polysaccharide, sugar, amino acid, minerals,… Of which, Glycyrrhizin (water soluble) and Glabridin (oil soluble) are 2 outstanding components that bring the main beauty effect.
Anti-inflammatory and soothing skin
Licorice root extract contains steroid compoud that has similar anti-inflammatory effect with hydrocortisone by inhibiting the activity of phospholipase A2, help reduce inflammation symptoms. Studies demonstrated that 6% potassium glycyrrhizinate provides an anti-inflammatory effect equivalent to 1% hydrocortisone.
Brighten skin tone
Glabridin in clinical studies has demonstrated strongly inhibit tyrosinase enzyme, thereby reducing melanin production, improving skin tone and blurring sharp spots.
Antioxidant
The composition of glycyrrhizin and glabridin in licorice root extract is capable of inhibiting free radical formation at the site of inflammation. It help reduce inflammatory and skin damage caused by oxidative stress. Besides, isoflavones such as hispaglabridin A and B affect Fe3+ ions, preventing lipid peroxide oxidation in mitochondria.
