Licorice
lightening and anti-oxidant properties
Glycyrrhizic acid is not used as a lightening agent. Its primary use is as a sweetener and flavor enhancer in food products, beverages, and some pharmaceutical products. However, licorice root, from which glycyrrhizic acid is extracted, contains other compounds that have lightening properties, especially for the skin.
Glabridin
and its use in cosmetics for its lightening properties:
What is it?: glabridin is an isoflavonoid found in licorice root extract.
Lightening effect: glabridin is known for its skin lightening properties. It inhibits tyrosinase, a key enzyme in the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for coloring the skin. By reducing tyrosinase activity, glabridine helps to reduce age spots and hyperpigmentation.
Skin care products: licorice extracts containing glabridin are often used in lightening creams, serums, and lotions to reduce dark spots and even out skin tone.
Hyperpigmentation treatment: these products are popular for treating hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure, acne scars, or hormonal imbalances.
Flavonoids, saponins, chalcone and isoflavonoids: the antioxidant compounds in licorice
FLAVONOIDS
- Glabridin: As mentioned above, glabridin is a major flavonoid found in licorice root, also known for its antioxidant properties. Glabridine neutralizes free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative stress.
- Liquiritin: another flavonoid, liquiritin, also contributes to the antioxidant effects of licorice.
SAPONINS:
- Glycyrrhizin: in addition to its sweetening properties, glycyrrhizin also has antioxidant properties, contributing to the protection of cells against oxidative damage.
CHALCONE & ISOFLAVONOIDS
- Licochalcone A: a powerful antioxidant that helps protect skin cells from damage caused by free radicals and UV rays.
How it works
- Neutralizing free radicals: the antioxidant compounds in licorice neutralize free radicals, unstable molecules produced by normal cellular metabolism and by environmental factors such as UV radiation and pollution. By neutralizing these free radicals, antioxidants prevent oxidative damage to cells and tissues.
- Protection against oxidative stress: oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's ability to neutralize them. The antioxidants in licorice help restore this balance, protecting cells and tissues from excessive oxidation.
The use of licorice, for its lightening and anti-inflammatory properties in health and cosmetics
Anti-aging: products containing licorice extracts are used for their anti-aging properties, as antioxidants help prevent signs of aging by protecting the skin from oxidative damage.
UV protection: some sun protection products include licorice extracts to protect the skin against the harmful effects of UV rays.