Licorice Hydrosol: Phytochemical Composition and Its Role in Cosmetic Formulation

Licorice Root Hydrosol (Glycyrrhiza glabra Distillate): Phytochemical Composition and Its Role in Cosmetic Formulations

Glycyrrhiza glabra, a perennial plant belonging to the Fabaceae family, is recognized for its phytochemically rich root structure. The hydrosol obtained from this plant represents the aqueous distillate in which aromatic and polar compounds migrate into the water phase during steam distillation. Owing to its gentle and water-based profile compared with essential oil, licorice hydrosol is evaluated as an alternative water-phase component in cosmetic formulation design.

Phytochemical Composition

Licorice root hydrosol is produced through distillation of the plant’s root material. Depending on distillation parameters, it may contain varying compounds. While glycyrrhizic acid, liquiritin, isoliquiritigenin and glabridin are well-characterized in licorice root extracts, hydrosols typically include only low concentrations of volatile fractions and water-soluble derivatives of these molecules. These components contribute to the hydrosol’s mild aromatic character and organoleptic identity.

Use in Cosmetic Formulations

Licorice hydrosol is commonly used in water-based skin-care products, toners and facial mists. Within formulations, it is valued for supporting natural aromatic balance, contributing to the overall sensory profile and providing a botanical water alternative in plant-derived product lines. The light aromatic notes characteristic of licorice root help soften the overall scent and reinforce the perception of natural formulation design.

Phenolic Structure and Antioxidant-Related Findings

Scientific literature has explored the interactions of phenolic constituents from Glycyrrhiza species with oxidative processes, metal chelation and radical-neutralizing behavior. These findings, demonstrated in root extracts, provide insight into the chemical properties of the plant’s phenolic compounds. However, since hydrosols contain significantly lower levels of active molecules compared with extracts, such findings are interpreted only in the context of ingredient characterization, not product-level effects.

Conclusion

Glycyrrhiza glabra hydrosol can be described as a distilled water-phase product containing low-intensity aromatic molecules and trace derivatives of phenolic components found in the root. Its chemical profile, distillation-dependent variability and volatile content are evaluated for formulation suitability. These attributes make licorice hydrosol a relevant material for scientific assessment within natural and botanical cosmetic development.

Frequently Asked Scientific Questions

Which compounds are found in licorice hydrosol? Low-intensity glabridin derivatives, phenolic acids and aromatic volatiles.
How does it differ from essential oil? Hydrosol contains aromatic components dispersed in the water phase, whereas essential oil represents the pure oil fraction.
Why is it preferred in cosmetic production? Its compatibility with water-based systems, natural aroma contribution and suitability for sustainable formulation approaches.

References

Wang, Y. et al. (2021). Phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra root extracts. Journal of Applied Botany and Food Quality.
Rao, R. et al. (2022). Distillation parameters and compositional variation in licorice hydrosols. Industrial Crops and Products.