In the root and rhizome tissue cells of Glycyrrhiza glabra, there are functional components with strong antioxidant activity, namely glaucane and glabridin, which can reduce the pigmentation. Glycyrrhiza glabra, molecular formula C20H2004, molecular weight 324.28, is colorless powder, insoluble in water, but soluble in methanol, ethanol, ether and other solvents. Glycyrrhiza glabra is compatible with a variety of cosmetic ingredients, with good compatibility and no antagonistic reaction. However, the author thinks that it is necessary to add metal chelate components in order to fully maintain and play the antioxidant function of Glycyrrhiza glabra.

Glabridin and glaucophane have strong antioxidant activity, and have the effects of skin decolorization and pigmentation, so they are concerned, recognized and utilized by foreign cosmetics circles, and are added to skin decolorizing cosmetics in the form of several thousandths of roots and rhizomes. Aifang and Estee Lauder in the United States, Gauss and Shiseido in Japan and other internationally renowned cosmetics manufacturers. At the same time, Glycyrrhiza glabra extract, as a legal cosmetic plant ingredient, is named Glycyrrhiza glabra extract in the United States. It has been incorporated into the respective industry management regulations by the European Union in the name of licorice.