The Usage of Licorice in Cosmetics
What Is the Usage of Licorice in Cosmetics?
Background
Cosmetics are the products used for skincare purposes or for making an attractive appearance. They can be made of natural sources or chemical substances. Although in recent years people tend to use natural products more, because they believe that these products have none or fewer side effects in comparison with chemical ones. According to FDA, cosmetics are applied to human body for beauty, cleansing and promoting attractiveness. So, it includes moisturizers, serums, shampoo, sunscreens, toners, lotions, creams, body wash, lipstick, mascara, eye shadow and many more.
Some herbs have been used for beauty and skin protection since a long time ago. Nowadays, companies try to use these herbs in their products in some way to attract more customers.
One of the herbs which has been used for skin, is licorice. Sepidan Osareh Jonoob Co., in this article pays attention to the usage of licorice in cosmetics.
Licorice
Licorice grows in different regions but mostly in Africa, Middle East like Iran and Europe. Licorice has been long used in traditional medicine and cooking. Nowadays it is consumed in various industries like tobacco, cosmetics, confectionery, pharmaceutical, food and beverages and many others.
As an herbal remedy, it is useful for treating digestive, liver, lung, kidney, cough, bacterial and viral infections, sore throat, skin, circulatory and respiratory diseases.
What Is the Usage of Licorice in Cosmetics?
An isolation process indicated that more than 20 triterpenoids and 300 flavonoids exist in licorice.
Herbs have been used for skin and hair problems since ancient times.
Herbs are rich in vitamins, essential oils, amino acids, enzymes, etc., which make them suitable for use in cosmetic products.
Licorice Extract
Licorice extract is obtained from the root of this plant, glycyrrhiza glabra. It has been a popular herbal remedy for skin problems. Recent researches show that licorice extract has got some features like antioxidant protection and promoting skin radiance.
Licorice extract is highly consumed in skincare products. Licorice extract is effective to lighten brown spots and discoloration caused by sunburn, eczema, acne etc. Licorice acts as a natural brightener that makes the skin tone even.
For discoloration of these spots, hydroquinone is usually recommended. The function of licorice extract is very similar to hydroquinone.
Licorice extract is rich in antioxidants, so it is anti-aging and rejuvenating; it helps regenerate collagen to keep our skin soft and smooth. This plant also prevents skin sagging and removes wrinkles under eyes and keeps skin moisture.
Glabridin
An active component in licorice called Glabridin is anti-inflammatory. It controls tyrosinase, which is an important enzyme in the formation of pigmentation. It goes well with vitamin C, Retinol, Arbutin and other ingredients to remove hyperpigmentation and brown marks. Glabridin is a kind of flavonoid with antioxidant features. Antioxidants inhibit free radicals in the environment. It plays the role of a preventive against oxidative stress found on the skin. Topical use of licorice skincare products results in a better appearance and smooth skin.
Licorice as a lightener
The appearance of spots on the skin has got different reasons such as the trace of pimples, hormonal causes, sunburn and many others.
According to studies, licorice is actually one of the safest skin lighteners and because of its positive features, it is used in cosmetics. Using licorice disappears the pregnancy spots on the skin of women’s faces over time.
An active antioxidant (Licochalcone A), which is the main ingredient in licorice root extract, is able to protect the skin against UV rays, and this is done by strengthening the skin’s own defense system. In fact, the skin’s defense system is stimulated by the use of licorice extract. In addition, it leads to the production of more antioxidants. Therefore, it prevents the occurrence of spots because of sunlight. This plant is a good alternative to the chemicals used in sunscreens. Licorice contains enzymes that act as a skin protector against sunlight.
How Is Licorice Effective in Skin Diseases?
Eczema is one of the skin problems which is almost common among people. It causes swelling, itching and redness. Licorice has several anti-viral, anti-bacterial and antioxidant elements that protects our skin against harmful factors.
Due to licorice anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory features, it can improve eczema, psoriasis; it can help wounds heal faster. Licorice topical gels are claimed to treat skin conditions like acne or eczema. It keeps the skin surface clean and prevents infection.
One survey checked the safety and effectiveness of licorice in controlling AV and PIH. Important agents in the development of acne vulgaris (AV) are inflammatory reactions of the immune system, rise in androgen-induced sebum, bacterial colonization. In treatment of AV, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation must be considered. Functions of the AV progress are inhibited by components of licorice extract. At the same time, melanogenesis can be reduced to control PIH.
Other Benefits
The skin around eyes is very sensitive. Dark circles around eyes are a common problem; there are some licorice- infused serum which fade the darkness and contribute to skin hydration.
There are some creams and toners containing licorice extract, that clean the skin and moisturize it. Licorice in night cream, decreases skin sensitivity and redness and nourishes the skin during night hours.
Written by: Sepidan Osareh Jonoob Co.
Edited by: Meysam Shokripour
References :iranlicorice.com
