Common Name(s): Glycyrrhiza uralensis root prenylflavonoids,glycyrrhiza uralensis root prenylflavonoids,licorice root (glycyrrhiza) extract,anti-inflammatory brightening soothing
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides tyrosinase inhibition from glabridin for brightening, glycyrrhizin anti-inflammatory nf-kb/11-beta-hsd1 modulation for soothing, and antioxidant protection from licorice flavonoids.
Why It's Used: Licorice root provides the most comprehensively documented natural anti-inflammatory botanical — the combination of glycyrrhizin (11β-hsd1 inhibitor), glabridin (tyrosinase/nf-kb), and liquiritin (brightening) provides multi-target coverage from a single traditional ingredient.
How It Works: Glabridin (isoflavane): competitive tyrosinase inhibition ic50 ~2.9 μm (strongest natural tyrosinase inhibitor from licorice). glycyrrhizin: 11β-hsd1 inhibition → local cortisol modulation + nf-kb → cytokine reduction. liquiritin: tyrosinase product isomerisation (non-competitive brightening).
Typically Found In: Anti-inflammatory,brightening,sensitive skin
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient – antioxidant
Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Licorice extract standardisation: specify glabridin content (>0.1% = pharmaceutical-grade brightening; >0.01% = cosmetic brightening) alongside glycyrrhizin content for quality-assured formulation.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,glycyrrhiza uralensis root prenylfl licorice extract anti-inflammatory brightening review