Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Licorice root extract is a science-backed powerhouse botanical ingredient highly prized by dermatologists and revered for its ability to brighten dark spots, soothe inflammation, and protect against environmental damage. It is an effective, gentle alternative to harsher chemical brighteners, making it ideal for all skin types.
Fades Hyperpigmentation: Active compounds like glabridin and liquiritin inhibit excess melanin production, visibly fading dark spots, post-acne marks, melasma, age spots, scars and sun damage. By preventing excess melanin from forming, it naturally promotes a more luminous, even, and radiant complexion.
Reduces Redness and Irritation: The extract contains glycyrrhizin, which provides powerful anti-inflammatory properties to calm troubled, inflamed skin and soothe conditions like eczema.
Provides Antioxidant Protection: It is rich in flavonoids and polyphenols that fight off free radicals and environmental stressors, which helps prevent premature aging.
Improves Skin Hydration and Supports Skin Barrier: Research indicates that topical licorice root can slow down the degradation of natural hyaluronic acid in the skin, helping your face retain moisture and maintain long-term hydration. Licorice root helps preserve the skin's natural hyaluronic acid content, locking in moisture and leaving the skin comfortably plump.
Safe for Daily Use: Unlike some brightening ingredients (like vitamin C or retinol), it is non-sensitising and doesn't increase your skin's sensitivity to light, making it suitable for year-round daily application.
In addition, Glycyrrhetinic acid (a licorice root extract derivative), protects your skin's cells from DNA damage, licorice root offers DNA repair and environmental protection. The flavonoids in licorice root act as a strong antioxidant, neutralising reactive oxygen species before they can degrade healthy skin lipids, proteins, and DNA.
(How They Work Together)
Licorice root and finger lime create a powerful anti-aging synergy by combining barrier repair, cellular renewal, and hyperpigmentation control. Finger lime gently exfoliates and boosts collagen, while licorice root soothes inflammation and brightens the complexion.
Collagen Support and Protection: Finger lime (a potent source of Vitamin C) and its natural amino acids promote collagen and elastin synthesis to keep skin firm and reduce wrinkles. Licorice root’s antioxidants defend this new collagen from free radical damage caused by UV rays and pollution.
Exfoliation Meets Calming: Finger lime is rich in natural AHAs (citric, malic, and lactic acids) that gently dissolve dead skin cells for a brighter surface. Because acids can sometimes cause sensitivity, licorice root steps in to calm redness and reduce inflammation.
Dual Pigment Control: Aging often leads to sunspots and uneven tone. Finger lime's brightening acids promote cell turnover to shed excess pigment, while licorice root (containing glabridin) actively inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production, preventing future dark spots from forming.

