Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice)

What is Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice)?

Glycyrrhiza Glabra, known as licorice root, comes from the rhizome and roots of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, a legume native to southern Europe, the Mediterranean, and parts of Asia. In cosmetics, it is processed into extracts containing flavonoids like glabridin, liquiritin, and glycyrrhizin, along with polysaccharides. These enable its primary roles in skin conditioning and masking. It functions by providing anti-inflammatory support to calm skin, acting as an emollient to smooth surface texture and reduce water loss, and contributing humectant effects for hydration. Commonly found in facial creams, serums, masks, and oral products, it enhances formula sensory appeal through mild flavor and scent modulation while delivering botanical conditioning benefits derived from its natural phytochemistry.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores

EWG Safety Rating 4 View on EWG →

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).

Emollient

Softens and smooths skin by filling in surface roughness and improving slip; can also help reduce moisture loss when paired with occlusives and film formers.

Moisturising

Improves skin hydration and comfort by combining water-binding (humectant) and barrier-supporting (emollient/occlusive) mechanisms to reduce dryness.

Smoothing

Improves the perceived smoothness of skin or hair by reducing roughness and friction, often through emollients, silicones, or conditioning polymers.

Soothing

Helps reduce the feeling of discomfort and visible irritation by supporting skin calmness, often through anti-irritant, barrier-supporting, or cooling mechanisms.

Benefits

Calms and supports skin comfort through soothing properties.

Softens skin texture and improves smoothness as an emollient.

Aids hydration and moisture retention for comfortable feel.

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 oily skin seeking non-comedogenic options.	People with known allergies to licorice or Fabaceae family plants.
People with irritated or sensitive skin needing calming support.	Individuals sensitive to fragrance ingredients.
Those desiring emollient and moisturizing effects without heaviness.	Those preferring to avoid botanical extracts with potential for rare reactions.

Safety Notes

Generally recognized as safe for topical cosmetic use by regulatory bodies.
Low comedogenic potential; moderate overall safety rating from verified databases.

Frequently Asked Questions about Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice)

Is Glycyrrhiza Glabra suitable for oily skin?

Yes, it has a comedogenic rating of 0, making it appropriate for oily skin without clogging pores.

What roles does it play in products?

It acts as a flavoring agent, fragrance, emollient, moisturizer, smoothing, and soothing ingredient.

Is it irritating?

It has low irritation potential, commonly used to support skin calmness.