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Comprehensive Cosmetic Industry Ingredient Guide

THIS IS A UNIVERSAL REFERENCE GUIDE FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES

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Ingredient
Licorice Extract

Licorice Extract

Summary

Licorice extract is a natural cosmetic ingredient derived from the root of the licorice plant. It is known for its anti-inflammatory and skin brightening properties, making it a popular ingredient in skincare products. Licorice extract contains glycyrrhizin, which helps to reduce redness and irritation in the skin. It also contains glabridin, which inhibits the production of melanin, making it an effective ingredient for reducing hyperpigmentation and promoting an even skin tone. Additionally, licorice extract has antioxidant properties that help to protect the skin from environmental stressors. Overall, licorice extract is a versatile and effective ingredient that can benefit a wide range of skin types and concerns.

INCI Name and Common References

International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients name: Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Common terms: Licorice Root Extract Nicknames: None commonly used

Function

Licorice extract is a popular ingredient in cosmetic formulations due to its skin brightening and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains glabridin, which inhibits the production of melanin, making it an effective ingredient for reducing hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Additionally, licorice extract has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritated skin and reduce redness. It is often used in skincare products such as serums, creams, and masks to improve the overall appearance and health of the skin.

Science

Licorice extract contains glycyrrhizin, a compound that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Glycyrrhizin inhibits the activity of an enzyme called 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which is responsible for converting cortisol to cortisone. Cortisol is a hormone that promotes inflammation, while cortisone has anti-inflammatory effects. By inhibiting the conversion of cortisol to cortisone, glycyrrhizin reduces inflammation in the body. Additionally, licorice extract contains flavonoids and other antioxidants that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. These properties make licorice extract a popular ingredient in skincare and medicinal products.

Benefits

1. Brightening: Licorice extract contains glabridin, which helps to reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, resulting in a brighter complexion. 2. Anti-inflammatory: Licorice extract has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated skin and reduce redness. 3. Anti-aging: Licorice extract contains antioxidants that help to protect the skin from environmental stressors and prevent premature aging. 4. Moisturizing: Licorice extract has humectant properties that help to hydrate the skin and improve its overall moisture levels. 5. Acne-fighting: Licorice extract has antibacterial properties that can help to fight acne-causing bacteria and reduce the occurrence of breakouts. 6. Calming: Licorice extract has a calming effect on the skin, making it an ideal ingredient for those with sensitive or reactive skin.

Negatives

Licorice extract is a natural ingredient that is commonly used in various skincare and cosmetic products due to its numerous benefits. However, like any other ingredient, it may have some side effects, sensitivities, or potential interactions with other ingredients that need to be considered. One of the most common side effects of licorice extract is skin irritation. This can occur in people who have sensitive skin or are allergic to the ingredient. Symptoms of skin irritation may include redness, itching, and swelling. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is recommended to discontinue use of the product containing licorice extract and consult a dermatologist. Licorice extract may also interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, diuretics, and corticosteroids. This is because licorice contains a compound called glycyrrhizin, which can increase the effects of these medications and cause adverse reactions. If you are taking any medications, it is important to consult your doctor before using products containing licorice extract. In addition, licorice extract may also increase blood pressure in some people. This is because glycyrrhizin can cause the body to retain sodium, which can lead to an increase in blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure or are at risk of developing it, it is recommended to avoid products containing licorice extract or consult your doctor before using them. Lastly, licorice extract may also have a mild estrogenic effect, which means it can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. This may be a concern for people with hormone-sensitive conditions, such as breast cancer. If you have any hormone-related conditions, it is recommended to consult your doctor before using products containing licorice extract. In conclusion, while licorice extract has numerous benefits for the skin, it is important to be aware of its potential side effects, sensitivities, and interactions with other ingredients. If you experience any adverse reactions, it is recommended to discontinue use of the product and consult a healthcare professional.

Source

Licorice extract originates from the root of the licorice plant, Glycyrrhiza glabra. It is a natural ingredient that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and as a flavoring agent. The extract is obtained by boiling the licorice root in water and then evaporating the liquid to obtain a concentrated extract. The extract can also be obtained through solvent extraction or steam distillation. The resulting extract contains glycyrrhizin, which is responsible for the sweet taste and medicinal properties of licorice extract. The extract is commonly used in cosmetics, skincare, and hair care products for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

Safety

Licorice extract has a relatively low safety rating score according to the EWG Skin Deep database, with a score of 2 out of 10. This indicates that it is generally considered to be a low to moderate risk ingredient for use in personal care products. However, it is important to note that the safety of licorice extract may vary depending on the specific product and concentration used, as well as individual sensitivities and allergies. Other sources, such as the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, have also evaluated the safety of licorice extract and have deemed it safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 10%. Overall, licorice extract is considered to be a relatively safe ingredient for use in personal care products when used appropriately and in accordance with recommended guidelines.

Sustainability

Licorice extract is derived from the roots of the licorice plant, which is primarily grown in countries such as Iran, Turkey, and China. While licorice extract itself does not have a significant environmental impact, the cultivation of the licorice plant can have negative effects on the environment. In some regions, the cultivation of licorice plants has led to deforestation and soil erosion. Additionally, the use of pesticides and fertilizers can have harmful effects on local ecosystems and wildlife. However, some licorice farmers are adopting more sustainable practices, such as using organic farming methods and implementing water conservation techniques. In terms of ethical sourcing practices, it is important to ensure that the licorice extract is obtained through fair trade practices. This means that farmers are paid a fair price for their crops and are not exploited by middlemen or corporations. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the workers involved in the production of licorice extract are treated fairly and have safe working conditions. Overall, while licorice extract itself may not have a significant environmental impact, it is important to consider the environmental and ethical implications of its cultivation and production. By supporting sustainable and fair trade practices, we can help ensure that licorice extract is produced in a way that is both environmentally and socially responsible.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Licorice Extract is a natural ingredient that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. Its main function is to soothe and heal the skin, making it a popular ingredient in skincare products. The science behind Licorice Extract shows that it contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help improve skin health. The benefits of Licorice Extract include reducing hyperpigmentation, improving skin texture, and reducing inflammation. However, there are some potential negatives to using Licorice Extract, such as skin irritation and sensitivity. Licorice Extract can be sourced from the root of the Licorice plant and is generally considered safe for use in skincare products. In terms of sustainability, Licorice Extract is a renewable resource that can be grown and harvested without causing harm to the environment. Overall, Licorice Extract is a valuable ingredient in skincare products that can provide numerous benefits for the skin.

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