Licorice ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is primarily used as a skin-conditioning botanical extract, often chosen for soothing support and the appearance of more even tone. It can also contribute antioxidant activity in leave-on skin care.
What does Licorice do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is primarily used as a skin-conditioning botanical extract, often chosen for soothing support and the appearance of more even tone. It can also contribute antioxidant activity in leave-on skin care.
Is Licorice clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, this ingredient is generally well accepted and is not a common restricted-list concern. Sensitivity is uncommon, though final tolerance depends on extract concentration, solvent system, and the full formula.
Is Licorice sustainable?
This material is plant-derived and generally biodegradable, with sustainability tied to responsible cultivation or wild-harvest controls. Water, glycerin, or ethanol extraction gives it a better profile than extraction systems with less preferred solvents.
Is Licorice COSMOS-approved?
It is permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic when the botanical source and extraction process meet the standard’s requirements. It aligns well with Green Chemistry when made from renewable feedstock using approved, lower-impact solvents and minimal processing.
How does Licorice work chemically?
This botanical material is a complex extract containing flavonoids, chalcones, coumarins, and triterpenoid saponins that contribute soothing, antioxidant, and tone-related activity. Typical cosmetic use is often around 0.1% to 5% of the commercial extract, with best performance in well-preserved water-based or glycol-based systems and protection from excess heat and light.
Last updated 2026-05-13