Liquorice root smells like sweet anise meets dark caramel with a peculiar earthiness underneath—imagine the smell of a liquorice sweet crossed with molasses and a whisper of soil. It's syrupy and warm, with a slightly medicinal, herbaceous edge that prevents it from being cloying. There's a spiced quality too, reminiscent of warm licorice tea. Pure glycyrrhiza glabra is intensely aromatic and somewhat powdery, leaving a lingering sweetness on your skin similar to the aftertaste of black liquorice sweets.
Glycyrrhiza glabra—common liquorice—is native to Western Asia and the Mediterranean, thriving in arid climates from Syria to China. The extract comes from the rhizome (underground root system), which has been harvested for thousands of years in traditional medicine and confectionery. The aromatic compounds, particularly anethole and glycyrrhizin, are typically obtained through water extraction of the dried root, then concentrated or resinified. It's one of the oldest documented medicinal plants, referenced in ancient Sumerian texts and Egyptian papyri.
In fragrance, glycyrrhiza glabra acts as a gourmand sweetener and spiced modifier, adding depth to vanilla-forward fragrances or oriental compositions. It provides anise-like facets without being strident, often functioning as a bridge note between top citrus and base warmth. Perfumers use it to create indulgent, almost edible accords—think candy-shop warmth with herbal intrigue.
Surprising harmonies
Bvlgari
Lolita Lempicka
Rochas
Parfums MDCI
Lolita Lempicka
Guerlain
Nicolaï / Parfums de Nicolaï
Yves Saint Laurent
Dior