Licorice Extract is a soothing, tone-supporting botanical ingredient widely used in skincare for sensitive, irritated, or uneven-looking skin. It is valued for helping reduce the appearance of redness and discomfort, while also supporting a brighter, more uniform look over time.
In formulas, licorice extract pairs well with barrier-supporting ingredients and gentle brighteners. It is especially useful in products designed for post-acne marks, reactive skin, and routines that need calm, steady improvement rather than aggressive exfoliation.
Because botanical extracts can vary by supplier and extraction method, it is important to validate clarity, color, and stability in your base during trials, especially in clear gels and low-viscosity serums.
FEATURES
- Soothing support – helps reduce the look of redness and improves skin comfort.
- Even-tone booster – supports a more uniform appearance, especially for dull or uneven tone.
- Sensitive-skin friendly – ideal for gentle formulas that avoid harsh actives.
- Versatile – works well in toners, serums, creams, and barrier-support moisturizers.
BEST FOR
- Redness-prone skin
- Soothing serums
- Barrier creams
- Post-acne mark support
- Gentle brightening routines
- Daily moisturizers
FORMULATION GUIDELINES
| INCI | (Radix) Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract |
|---|---|
| Type | Botanical extract (soothing and tone-support active) |
| Solubility | Typically water soluble or water dispersible (depends on carrier) |
| Use Rate | 0.5–3.0% typical. 1.0–2.0% is a common sweet spot for daily leave-on products. |
| Best Phase | Water phase or cool-down phase (recommended) |
| pH Compatibility | Best performance is usually in pH 4.5–7.0. Aim for pH 5.0–6.5 for most soothing formulas. |
| Temperature Tolerance | We recommend adding below 40°C to preserve activity and reduce risk of color shift. |
| Pro Tip | Botanical extracts can darken over time or haze in clear systems. If you are formulating a clear gel or toner, run a quick clarity test at your target pH and after 48 hours at room temperature. For extra calm, pair with panthenol, beta-glucan, allantoin, or centella actives, and keep the system gentle (avoid high alcohol). |
| Appearance | Light amber to brown liquid, or tan to brown powder (varies by grade) |
| Stability Notes | May contribute color and may form haze in very clear systems. Protect from excessive heat and strong UV exposure in packaging. |
| Storage | Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place, away from direct light. Refrigeration can help preserve color for some grades. |
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