Licorice
and its derivtives as foaming agents.
Licorice is used as a foaming agent. It is a surfactant used in the manufacture of cosmetics cleansers, household products and in foodstuffs.
As a foaming agent, liquorice disperses a volume of gas in a given volume of liquid, producing an aerated substance. Known as expanding power, the foaming action encourages the incorporation of air into the substance in question. This process is called expansion.
Liquorice is a natural foaming agent, and is therefore not synthetic.
Liquorice as a foaming agent is used in a variety of industrial applications, mainly to create or stabilise foam in products. These are some of industries where these agents are commonly used:
Food and drink (with or without alcohol):
Dairy products: foaming agents derived from liquorice products are used in milk foams, whipped creams, airy desserts (such as chocolate or fruit mousse) and some yoghurts to create a light, airy texture. In some soft drinks (sodas), beers and cocktails, foaming agents are used to stabilise the surface foam.
Confectionery: in marshmallows, fruit mousses and certain candies, foaming agents are essential for creating the characteristic texture (airy, voluptuous, soft).
Confectionery: in marshmallows, fruit mousses and certain candies, foaming agents are essential for creating the characteristic texture (airy, voluptuous, soft).
The cosmetics and personal care industry
Shampoos and shower gels: foaming agents derived from liquorice products are used to create a lather that helps to disperse and remove dirt and oils from the skin and hair.
Shaving foams: liquorice, as a foaming agent, can be essential for creating the rich, dense foam needed for a comfortable shave. Bubble bath products use foaming agents derived from liquorice to create a dense, light foam.
Shaving foams: liquorice, as a foaming agent, can be essential for creating the rich, dense foam needed for a comfortable shave. Bubble bath products use foaming agents derived from liquorice to create a dense, light foam.
The pharmaceutical industry
Medical formulations: foaming agents derived from liquorice products can be used in syrups, oral suspensions or certain topical formulations to improve texture and ease of application.
Toothpastes: the foaming agents in toothpastes help to disperse the product in the mouth and eliminate food particles.
Toothpastes: the foaming agents in toothpastes help to disperse the product in the mouth and eliminate food particles.
Cleaning products
Detergents and cleaning products: liquorice, as a foaming agent, is used in dishwashing detergents, laundry detergents and household cleaning products to improve cleaning efficiency.
Foams for industrial cleaning: in industrial applications, liquorice-based foaming agents can be used to create foams that adhere to surfaces for thorough cleaning.
Foams for industrial cleaning: in industrial applications, liquorice-based foaming agents can be used to create foams that adhere to surfaces for thorough cleaning.