Solubility Issue: Licorice Extract (Licochalcone A 20%) in Cream with LipidSoft Lite
Question
I would like to share some information. I recently tried mixing a cream for dissolving acne and added Licorice Extract (Licochalcone A 20%). I used LipidSoft Lite to try and dissolve the Licorice Extract first, but it didn't dissolve. So, I tried adding it directly to the finished cream, and it still didn't dissolve, becoming small particles in the cream. I ended up discarding the batch.
However, it dissolved normally in natural oil.
Could you explain why the Licorice Extract (Licochalcone A 20%) did not dissolve in LipidSoft Lite or the finished cream, but did dissolve in natural oil? What is the correct method to incorporate Licorice Extract (Licochalcone A 20%) into a cream formulation?
Answer
Information Regarding Dissolving Licorice Extract (Licochalcone A 20%)
Thank you for sharing your experience with mixing Licorice Extract (Licochalcone A 20%) into your cream formulation.
Based on the properties of Hi-LiconeA™ Licorice Extract (Licochalcone A 20%), it is designed to be dissolved in Glycols (such as Propylene Glycol) before being added to a cream or lotion base. It is not soluble in water.
LipidSoft™ Lite is an emollient and is dispersible in cream or oil, but it is not the recommended solvent for dissolving the Licorice Extract powder. This is why you observed it did not dissolve when mixed with LipidSoft Lite or added directly to the finished cream.
Your observation that it dissolves in natural oils is interesting, although the primary recommended method is dissolution in Glycols for incorporation into formulations.
For successful incorporation of Hi-LiconeA™ Licorice Extract (Licochalcone A 20%) into your cream, the correct method is to first dissolve the required amount of the extract powder in a suitable Glycol before adding this solution to your cream base.
