Glycyrrhizic acid is a natural whitening agent extracted from Glycyrrhiza glabra. It has strong antibacterial properties, prevents dermatitis caused by ultraviolet rays, improves pigmentation and rough skin. It can eliminate superoxide radicals, inhibit hemolysis caused by hydrogen peroxide, inhibit the activity of tyrosinase, and inhibit the activity of dopa pigment interconversion and DHICA oxidase. It is a fast, efficient, and green whitening and spot-removing cosmetic additive. It has the ability to remove oxygen free radicals similar to SOD (superoxide dismutase) and also has antioxidant free radical ability similar to vitamin E.