Objective Comparison & Recommendation Case of Major Chinese Licorice Extract Brands

HiSiaddi is an innovative foreign trade service provider driven by dual engines of technology commercialization and foreign trade services, with a "1+2+3+4=1" service system and direct access to multiple well-known original manufacturers of licorice extracts. As a foreign trade enterprise with independent R&D capabilities, HiSiaddi has conducted multiple rounds of on-site inspections of licorice extract manufacturers, accumulating in-depth objective insights into different brands. We regularly provide clients with comparative analysis of licorice extract manufacturers to support optimal raw material selection. Below is a brand recommendation case.

For additional brand and model comparative analysis, please contact HiSiaddi customer service.

I. Client Profile

Client: HerbaLux SAS (France) A mid-to-high-end natural skincare and organic health supplement group based in France, specializing in "pure organic, high-efficiency active and low-irritation safe" products distributed across premium beauty chains, organic pharmacies and private wellness centers in France, Germany, Belgium and other Western European countries, targeting high-net-worth women and professional aromatherapists. All products strictly adhere to ECOCERT organic, COSMOS natural, cGMP and ISO22716 standards, imposing strict requirements on raw material activity stability, low impurity levels, strong compatibility and pure sensory properties, with rejection of low-end generic raw materials.

The client planned to purchase licorice extract for two product lines: soothing repair serums (cosmetics) and liver-protective herbal oral liquids (health supplements). Core requirements: glycyrrhizic acid ≥20%, licorice flavonoids ≥8%, water solubility ≥90%, pale color, neutral odor, low allergenicity and full organic traceability. Initial order volume was 500kg with monthly repeat orders of over 1 ton projected thereafter.

Prior to partnering with HiSiaddi, the client contacted 4 domestic manufacturers independently and faced a widespread industry pitfall: every supplier only promoted its own products and refused objective cross-brand comparisons. The client lacked systematic understanding of China’s leading licorice extract manufacturers, mainstream product models, technical positioning and applicable scenarios, fearing misselection of raw materials that would compromise premium product quality. The client entrusted HiSiaddi to deliver neutral brand evaluation and targeted model recommendations covering 3–5 mainstream manufacturers with objective comparative data and scenario-specific guidance.

II. Core Client Pain Points (Exclusive Concerns for Mid-to-High-End Brands)

1. Asymmetric brand information: Limited visibility into China’s tiered licorice extract manufacturers, their technical positioning and core competitive strengths, unable to distinguish premium customized brands from low-end generic suppliers.

2. Blind model matching: Disorganized product naming conventions across manufacturers (e.g., "20% Glycyrrhizic Acid", "Glabridin Grade", "Water-Soluble Grade") with no standardized comparison of active ingredient concentrations, purity levels, applicable scenarios and technical characteristics.

3. Biased manufacturer recommendations: All manufacturers only promote their own product lines, failing to objectively disclose their own limitations or analyze competitor strengths, making it impossible to verify genuine product suitability.

4. Concerns over quality stability: Significant variations suspected across brands in batch consistency, impurity control, thermal stability and allergenicity, risking compromised shelf-life and safety of premium end products.

5. Unclear compliance and traceability: Need confirmation of each brand’s EU compliance certifications, organic credentials and full-chain traceability systems to eliminate customs clearance and internal audit risks.

III. HiSiaddi Neutral Evaluation: Full Analysis of 5 Leading Manufacturers & Flagship Models

Based on industry reputation, technical capacity, export certification and track record serving premium overseas clients, HiSiaddi selected 5 mainstream Chinese licorice extract manufacturers covering three categories: top-tier customized, mid-to-high-end general and cost-effective mass production. We delivered unbiased data-driven comparisons across seven dimensions: brand positioning, core technology, flagship models, key indicators, applicable scenarios, strengths & weaknesses and compliance credentials.

(1) Full Overview of Five Major Manufacturers

1. Gansu Fanzhi Pharmaceutical (FANZHI) — Global Premium Leader & Technical Benchmark

· Brand Positioning: Top-tier customized manufacturer, global licorice extract industry leader with 30 years of experience, capturing over 60% of the global glabridin market share.

· Core Technology: Membrane separation, molecular distillation and low-temperature enzymatic hydrolysis for precise active ingredient control, deep impurity removal and thermal stability modification.

· Flagship Models: FZ-G20: 20% glycyrrhizic acid, 8% flavonoids, 92% water solubility, pale yellow odorless powder, universal for skincare and health supplements. FZ-G40: 40% glycyrrhizic acid, 15% flavonoids, ultra-low impurity, dedicated to high-end pharmaceuticals and concentrated serums. FZ-L05: 0.5% glabridin, 10% glycyrrhizic acid, ultra-low allergen, formulated for brightening anti-irritation serums.

· Strengths: Precise active ingredient control, batch variation ≤2%, low allergenicity, full organic traceability and complete EU compliance certifications.

· Weaknesses: Premium pricing with minimum order quantity of 500kg.

· Compliance Credentials: ECOCERT, COSMOS, GMP, ISO22716, EU REACH registration.

1. Lansealy (Shanghai Zhaoheng) — Mid-to-High-End Full Industrial Chain Supplier with Stable Supply

· Brand Positioning: Mid-to-high-end vertically integrated manufacturer with 20 years of operation, 8 proprietary planting bases and ten-thousand-ton raw material reserves, primary export brand for European markets.

· Core Technology: Low-temperature countercurrent extraction, gradient resin separation and sterile refining balancing active content and cost with consistent quality.

· Flagship Models: LS-G20W: 20% glycyrrhizic acid, 7% flavonoids, 95% water solubility, off-white fine powder, preferred water-soluble grade for skincare. LS-G25: 25% glycyrrhizic acid, 9% flavonoids, superior thermal stability (stable at 100°C for 30 minutes), optimized for oral liquids and health supplements.

· Strengths: Cost-effective pricing, stable supply, superior water solubility, strong thermal stability and organic certification.

· Weaknesses: Limited selection of high-purity glabridin models, lower customization flexibility compared to Fanzhi.

· Compliance Credentials: ECOCERT, ISO22000, EU food-grade certification.

1. Shaanxi Fujie Pharmaceutical (FUJIE) — Established Northwest Manufacturer of Pharmaceutical-Grade Mid-to-High-End Extracts

· Brand Positioning: Mid-to-high-end pharmaceutical-grade producer with Xinjiang GAP planting bases and complete API production qualifications.

· Core Technology: Conventional extraction paired with refined purification delivering compliant active content at moderate cost.

· Flagship Model: FJ-G20 (20% glycyrrhizic acid, 6% flavonoids, 85% water solubility).

· Strengths: Complete pharmaceutical qualifications, moderate pricing and fast lead times.

· Weaknesses: Average water solubility, darker color, limited allergen impurity control, unsuitable for premium low-sensitivity skincare.

· Compliance Credentials: GMP, domestic food production license; no ECOCERT organic certification.

1. Baoji Liupanyun Biotechnology (LIUPANYUN) — Cost-Effective Mass Production for Generic Mid-to-Low-End Applications

· Brand Positioning: Mid-to-low-end generic manufacturer supplying food, feed and low-end cosmetics with large production capacity and minimal pricing.

· Core Technology: Conventional extraction with basic filtration; active ingredients meet minimum standards but contain high residual impurities.

· Flagship Model: LP-G20 (20% glycyrrhizic acid, 5% flavonoids, 75% water solubility).

· Strengths: Lowest market price, low minimum order quantity (100kg).

· Weaknesses: Batch variation ≥5%, dark color, noticeable odor, high allergenic impurities, no organic certification.

· Compliance Credentials: Only domestic food production license; no EU export certifications.

1. Inner Mongolia Yitai Biotechnology (YITAI) — Northern Mass Producer Focused on Industrial-Grade Raw Materials

· Brand Positioning: Industrial and low-end food-grade manufacturer with ten-thousand-acre plantations, primarily supplying tobacco, confectionery and entry-level health supplement sectors.

· Core Technology: High-temperature crude extraction with ultra-low production costs.

· Flagship Model: YT-G15 (15% glycyrrhizic acid, 4% flavonoids, 70% water solubility).

· Strengths: Massive production capacity and low pricing.

· Weaknesses: Low active ingredient concentrations, high impurity content, poor stability and no premium application certifications.

· Compliance Credentials: Domestic industrial production license; no EU cosmetic or food-grade credentials.

IV. HiSiaddi Targeted Recommendations: 2 Mid-to-High-End Manufacturers & 3 Matching Models

Aligned with the client’s dual-scenario premium skincare and health supplement requirements for high active content, low allergenicity, organic traceability and full EU compliance, HiSiaddi eliminated Fujie, Liupanyun and Yitai due to incomplete certifications, high allergen content or insufficient scenario compatibility. We delivered unbiased recommendations for two mid-to-high-end manufacturers and three product models with clear applicable scenarios, strengths and cost-benefit analysis for independent client selection.

(1) Recommended Brand 1: Gansu Fanzhi Pharmaceutical (Top-Tier Premium, Primary Choice)

Recommended Model 1: FZ-G20 Universal All-Round Grade

· Key Indicators: 20% glycyrrhizic acid, 8% flavonoids, 92% water solubility, pale yellow odorless powder, low allergenicity, batch variation ≤2%.

· Applicable Scenarios: Simultaneously meets skincare serum and oral liquid requirements with balanced active ingredients, consistent quality and low irritation for premium sensitive-skin formulations.

· Strengths: Globally leading quality, full EU compliance credentials, organic traceability and suitability for luxury low-irritation skincare.

· Cost-Benefit Profile: Premium price positioning with marginally higher costs, delivering optimal comprehensive quality and stability for long-term premium brand cooperation.

Recommended Model 2: FZ-L05 Ultra-Low-Irritation Brightening Grade

· Key Indicators: 0.5% glabridin, 10% glycyrrhizic acid, 6% flavonoids, 90% water solubility, off-white fine powder, zero allergenic impurities.

· Applicable Scenarios: Dedicated to premium brightening anti-irritation serums (the client’s core skincare line) with superior brightening active ingredients and ultra-mild performance.

· Strengths: World-leading glabridin manufacturing technology, "non-irritant" skin test certification, ideal for sensitive-skin luxury products.

· Cost-Benefit Profile: Premium pricing for specialized ultra-pure low-irritation raw material, suitable for flagship premium skincare lines.

(2) Recommended Brand 2: Lansealy (Mid-to-High-End Cost-Effective, Alternative/Supplementary Option)

Recommended Model 3: LS-G25 Thermally Stable Water-Soluble Grade

· Key Indicators: 25% glycyrrhizic acid, 9% flavonoids, 95% water solubility, off-white fine powder, robust thermal stability (stable at 100°C for 30 minutes), low allergenicity.

· Applicable Scenarios: Preferred for oral liquids and health supplements, compatible with skincare formulations; exceptional water solubility and heat resistance optimized for high-temperature sterilization workflows.

· Strengths: 15–20% lower cost than Fanzhi products, consistent supply, industry-leading water solubility, organic certification and full EU compliance credentials.

· Cost-Benefit Profile: Optimal cost-performance ratio in the mid-to-high-end segment, balancing quality and expenditure as primary raw material for health supplements and general skincare substitution.

(3) Summary of Recommendations (Clear & Unbiased)

1. Premium Priority Combination: Fanzhi FZ-G20 (universal dual-scenario core raw material) + FZ-L05 (specialized brightening serum raw material) — optimal quality, low irritation and full cross-scenario compatibility.

2. Cost-Effective Alternative Combination: Lansealy LS-G25 (primary health supplement raw material + general skincare substitute) — fully compliant quality with reduced costs and reliable supply chains.

3. Risk Avoidance Reminder: Fujie, Liupanyun and Yitai are not recommended due to high allergen levels, absent organic certification or incomplete EU compliance credentials, failing to satisfy premium brand requirements.

V. Client Decision & Implementation Outcomes

(1) Client Purchasing Decision

Upon receiving HiSiaddi’s neutral five-brand evaluation report and three targeted model recommendations, the client highly recognized our unbiased, data-driven and scenario-specific professional analysis that fully resolved the core pain point of manufacturers self-promoting products without cross-brand comparison. The client gained comprehensive clarity on China’s tiered licorice extract manufacturers, technical disparities and scenario matching logic.

Balancing premium quality and cost control, the client finalized the following purchasing plan:

· Initial Batch Procurement: 300kg Fanzhi FZ-G20 + 200kg Lansealy LS-G25 — dual-brand sourcing balancing quality and cost to cover both skincare and health supplement production lines.

· Future Planning: Additional 100kg Fanzhi FZ-L05 to be ordered once the brightening serum line stabilizes; Lansealy LS-G25 designated as long-term primary raw material for health supplements.

(2) Implementation Outcomes

1. 100% Product Scenario Compatibility Fanzhi FZ-G20 deployed in soothing serums delivered 92% water solubility, pale neutral odor and low irritation, passing French skin irritation testing with finished products stable for 90 days without phase separation. Lansealy LS-G25 used for oral liquids exhibited superior thermal stability and 95% water solubility, limiting glycyrrhizic acid loss to only 1.8% after 85°C sterilization with pure flavor free of lingering bitterness.

2. Zero Compliance Risks HiSiaddi coordinated provision of ECOCERT organic certification, COSMOS natural certification, English COA/MSDS/TDS and full-chain traceability reports, enabling seamless internal client audits and French customs clearance.

3. Deepened Long-Term Cooperation The client terminated direct contact with scattered manufacturers and designated HiSiaddi as its exclusive Chinese procurement consultant and supplier for licorice extracts. Subsequent cooperation expanded to high-purity glabridin and glycyrrhetinic acid derivative sourcing, with annual procurement volume exceeding RMB 8 million.

4. Positive Client Feedback The client commented: "HiSiaddi is the only partner capable of objective cross-brand comparison without bias, acting purely in the client’s best interests." This completely reversed the client’s stereotyped perception that Chinese suppliers only prioritize self-promotion over professional objectivity.

VI. Case Summary

For overseas mid-to-high-end brands sourcing licorice extracts, the core challenge is not limited product availability, but asymmetric industry information, difficulty distinguishing brand positioning, mismatched model selection and biased manufacturer recommendations. Low-end manufacturers evade critical drawbacks while premium manufacturers only market their own product lines, leaving clients without access to comprehensive, objective and scenario-specific brand and model analysis.

HiSiaddi’s core value lies in abandoning a pure sales mindset to operate as a neutral consultant. Based on premium client requirements, we systematically map China’s leading manufacturers and deliver unbiased data-driven cross-brand evaluations. We avoid disparaging competitors or overstating product advantages, only objectively presenting brand positioning, technical disparities, performance indicators, applicable scenarios and compliance credentials to help clients gain full market visibility, select matching raw materials and eliminate procurement risks.

For Western European and Northern European mid-to-high-end brands, a supplier’s neutrality, technical expertise and resource integration capacity directly determine raw material procurement success and finished product quality. Through neutral evaluation of five manufacturers and targeted recommendations for two brands and three models, HiSiaddi resolved the client’s information asymmetry pain points and secured supply of fully compatible raw materials, while establishing long-term trust-based strategic partnerships as a neutral procurement consultant and core supplier for overseas mid-to-high-end brands operating in China’s plant extract industry.