What Is Lonicera Japonica Flower/Root/Glycyrrhiza Glabra Extract?
Lonicera Japonica Flower/Root/Glycyrrhiza Glabra Extract is a blended plant extract that brings together three well known botanicals. First is honeysuckle, sourced from the flowers of Lonicera japonica, prized for its natural antioxidants and soothing compounds. Second are the roots of two traditional Asian herbs, Angelica gigas and Astragalus membranaceus, both rich in polysaccharides and protective phytochemicals. Third is licorice, the whole Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, which provides glycyrrhizin and flavonoids often used to calm the look of irritated skin.
Honeysuckle, angelica, astragalus and licorice have long featured in folk beauty rituals across East Asia for their skin softening and protective properties. Modern cosmetics picked them up in the late 20th century when gentle plant based actives gained popularity. Today manufacturers make the extract by cleaning and drying each plant part, steeping them in a food grade solvent such as glycerin or water, then filtering and concentrating the liquid until a stable, preservative ready solution forms.
You will most often spot this multi plant extract in hydrating masks, daily moisturizers, calming toners, after sun gels and anti aging serums where brands want a one stop botanical complex that soothes and shields the skin while adding a light herbal touch.
Lonicera Japonica Flower/Root/Glycyrrhiza Glabra Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient serves two key roles in skincare formulations
- Skin Conditioning: The blend’s natural sugars, flavonoids and amino acids help attract and hold water, leaving skin feeling softer, smoother and more supple. Regular use can improve the look of rough or tired skin and support a healthy moisture barrier.
- Skin Protecting: Antioxidants from honeysuckle and licorice plus the polysaccharides in angelica and astragalus form a light protective film on the surface of the skin. This can buffer against everyday environmental stressors such as pollution and minor temperature changes, helping the complexion stay calm and balanced.
Who Can Use Lonicera Japonica Flower/Root/Glycyrrhiza Glabra Extract
This botanical blend is gentle and versatile so it suits most skin types. Dry, normal and combination skin appreciate its hydrating polysaccharides while oily or breakout-prone complexions often like the calming effect of licorice without extra heaviness. Sensitive skin can typically use it because the plants are naturally soothing, though anyone with known allergies to honeysuckle, angelica, astragalus or licorice should steer clear.
The extract is entirely plant derived with no animal by-products or animal testing involved by default, making it appropriate for vegans and vegetarians as long as the finished product also meets cruelty-free standards.
Current research shows no specific risk for topical use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, yet botanicals can absorb differently from person to person. This information is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the ingredient list to a qualified physician or midwife before adding the product to their routine.
The ingredient is not known to make skin more sensitive to sunlight so there is no special need for extra sun precautions beyond a good daily SPF habit. It layers well with most actives and does not interfere with makeup or sunscreen performance.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Lonicera Japonica Flower/Root/Glycyrrhiza Glabra Extract vary from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects that could occur, but most users will not experience them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Allergic contact dermatitis – itching, redness or small bumps in people allergic to one of the plants
- Mild stinging or burning – usually short-lived and more common on compromised or freshly exfoliated skin
- Dry patches – rare but possible if the formula also contains a high amount of alcohol
- Pigment lightening – licorice may gradually brighten dark spots which some users might view as an unwanted unevenness
- Hormonal interaction concerns – theoretical risk for those with hormone-sensitive conditions because licorice contains phytoactive compounds, though topical exposure is minimal
If you notice persistent irritation or any unexpected reaction, stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
This blend is made from mostly water-soluble plant compounds with very little oil or wax, so it is unlikely to block pores. The trace amounts of natural sugars and flavonoids sit lightly on the skin and rinse away easily, which keeps the rating close to non-comedogenic.
Suitable for acne-prone and breakout-prone skin in most cases.
Keep in mind that the final formula matters. If the product also contains heavy oils or butters the overall pore-clogging risk may go up even though the extract itself stays low.
Summary
Lonicera Japonica Flower/Root/Glycyrrhiza Glabra Extract conditions skin by drawing in moisture with its natural sugars and amino acids then protects it with antioxidants and soothing polysaccharides. Honeysuckle and licorice supply flavonoids that neutralize everyday oxidative stress while angelica and astragalus form a lightweight film that helps the skin barrier stay steady.
You will see this botanical complex in a growing number of toners, gels and moisturizers as brands look for gentle plant actives that offer multiple benefits without heaviness. It is not as famous as green tea or aloe yet its popularity is rising thanks to the clean beauty trend.
Overall safety is high for topical use with only a small chance of irritation or allergy. As with any new ingredient do a quick patch test when you try a product that contains it just to be on the safe side.