Ammonium Glycyrrhizate

Benefits
Soothing

What is Ammonium Glycyrrhizate?

Ammonium Glycyrrhizate is the ammonium salt of glycyrrhizic acid, a natural compound extracted from the roots of the licorice plant, Glycyrrhiza glabra. This botanical derivative belongs to the class of triterpenoid saponins and is widely used in skincare and personal care formulations. It functions primarily as a skin conditioning agent, promoting hydration and suppleness by supporting the skin's barrier. Additionally, it serves as a fragrance ingredient to enhance scent profiles and a masking agent to neutralize off-odors, improving overall product sensory experience. Commonly incorporated into creams, lotions, serums, and oral care items, it appears in concentrations that leverage its mild, plant-based properties for everyday cosmetic applications without overwhelming the formula.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1 View on EWG →
PubChem View on PubChem →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Flavoring agent
Adds or adjusts taste and aroma in oral care and lip products, improving user acceptance while complementing the overall sensory profile.
Fragrance ingredient
Contributes scent character and/or masks base odors, shaping the overall sensory experience of the formula (subject to allergen and IFRA considerations).
Skin conditioning agent
Maintains skin softness, smoothness, and flexibility.
Masking
Reduces perception of unpleasant odors or tastes by neutralizing them or covering them with more acceptable sensory notes.

Benefits

Delivers soothing effects to calm skin discomfort.

Enhances skin softness and flexibility through conditioning.

Improves product appeal by masking odors and adding fragrance.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Individuals with sensitive skin seeking mild conditioning.
Those with known allergies to licorice root extracts.
Users of products prone to irritation for added comfort.
Individuals sensitive to fragrance components in cosmetics.
People preferring natural-derived sensory enhancers in formulas.
People with plant-derived ingredient hypersensitivities.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low hazard by EWG, indicating broad safety in cosmetics.
  • Non-comedogenic, unlikely to clog pores.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ammonium Glycyrrhizate

What is ammonium glycyrrhizate?

A salt from licorice root used for skin conditioning, soothing, and fragrance in cosmetics.

Is it safe for daily use?

Yes, low hazard rating supports use in everyday skincare products.

Does it clog pores?

Non-comedogenic with a rating of 0, suitable for acne-prone skin.