Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Oil
What is Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Oil?
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Oil is an essential oil extracted via steam distillation from the roots of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, native to parts of Europe and Asia. It is valued in skincare for its rich content of glabridin, flavonoids, and other antioxidants that contribute to skin-soothing and brightening effects. The oil has a characteristic sweet, earthy aroma and is used in low concentrations in formulations due to its potency.
Roles in Formulation
This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:
Fragrance ingredient
Contributes scent character and/or masks base odors, shaping the overall sensory experience of the formula (subject to allergen and IFRA considerations).
Skin protecting
Forms a barrier to protect skin from external irritants.
Skin conditioning agent
Maintains skin softness, smoothness, and flexibility.
Tonic
Supports a light, toning after-feel—often combining mild astringency, refreshing solvents, and humectants—to prep skin and refine sensory finish.
Soothing
Helps reduce the feeling of discomfort and visible irritation by supporting skin calmness, often through anti-irritant, barrier-supporting, or cooling mechanisms.
Antioxidant
Slows oxidation of oils, fragrances, and sensitive actives to improve shelf life and reduce rancidity or color change; sometimes also supports skin protection from oxidative stress.
Antimicrobial agent
Helps limit growth of bacteria and other microbes on skin or in the formula; may be used for product protection, odor control, or targeted antimicrobial effects.