Licorice Root CO₂ Extract — Glycyrrhiza glabra | Genuine Sweet Anisic Root

Part of our Professional Perfumers Range — curated for the discerning natural perfumer seeking exceptional depth and rarity.

Licorice Root CO₂ Extract — The Genuine Article, Rarely Found

Licorice — "sweet root," from the Greek glukos (sweet) and rhiza (root) — has been treasured since antiquity, used in Egyptian temples, Chinese medicine, and Ayurvedic tradition alike. Yet despite its familiar name and universally loved sweetness, genuine licorice absolute is one of the rarest materials in natural perfumery. Most fragrances that carry a "licorice" note — even celebrated modern releases — actually use synthetic anethole and coumarin to reconstruct the effect, because authentic natural licorice extract is genuinely scarce, poorly soluble, and inconsistent in supply from batch to batch.

This CO₂ extract, drawn from the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra, offers the real thing — pressurised carbon dioxide extraction preserves both the volatile aromatic compounds and the deeper, non-volatile constituents that give licorice its full, complex character, without solvent residue of any kind. For perfumers who want authentic botanical licorice character rather than a synthetic approximation, this is a genuinely rare opportunity.

Scent Profile

Sweet, softly spicy, and unmistakably anisic from the opening — a warm licorice character with the characteristic sweetness of glycyrrhizin, said to be some fifty times sweeter than sugar. Beneath the anisic top note sits a denser, more complex profile — herbal, faintly peppery, with a dark rooty earthiness that pure synthetic anethole never achieves. A woody, medicinal undertone develops in the drydown, giving the material genuine depth as a heart-to-base note with good tenacity and moderate diffusion.

Perfumery Applications

A rare opportunity to work with authentic licorice character rather than the synthetic reconstructions that dominate the category. Well suited to gourmand compositions seeking genuine botanical sweetness, oriental structures where its rooty depth adds sophistication, and anisic-spiced compositions alongside fennel, anise, or tarragon where its natural complexity provides real distinction from single-molecule alternatives. Its limited solubility means it performs best in oil-based and wax-based formulations; evaluate carefully in alcohol-based work.

Blending Suggestions

Pairs beautifully with anise, fennel, tarragon, coumarin-rich materials such as tonka bean, vanilla, benzoin, patchouli, sandalwood, and warm spice notes including cardamom and cinnamon.

Technical Details

• Botanical Name: Glycyrrhiza glabra L.
• Common Names: Licorice Root / Liquorice / Sweet Root
• Botanical Family: Fabaceae
• INCI Name: Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
• CAS Number: 84775-66-6
• Plant Part: Roots
• Extraction Method: Supercritical CO₂ extraction — solvent-free
• Classification: Heart to base note
• Appearance: Amber liquid
• Odour Family: Sweet / Anisic / Spicy / Woody / Earthy
• Solubility: Best suited to oil and wax-based formulations; limited solubility in alcohol
• Natural: Yes — 100% pure natural CO₂ extract, no solvent residue
• Note: A genuinely rare botanical material — most "licorice" notes in commercial perfumery are synthetic reconstructions rather than this authentic extract

Packaging

1ml sample supplied in a 5ml clear flint glass bottle. 5ml, 10ml and 30ml supplied in amber glass bottles — all with inbuilt droppers and tamper evident caps.

Safety Information

For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes and sensitive areas. Not suitable for use on babies, children, pets or broken skin. Avoid use during pregnancy or whilst nursing. Always dilute properly and perform a patch test before first use.

Sample Policy

We recommend purchasing a 1ml sample first before committing to larger quantities. Please note that no refunds can be offered on opened items.

Photo images are for illustrative purposes only.