Ingredient review
Licorice Meristem Cell Culture
INCI: Glycyrrhiza Glabra Meristem Cell Culture
A gentle, lab-grown licorice extract that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, though human studies are limited.
In plain English
This ingredient is made by growing licorice plant stem cells in a lab, then extracting their beneficial compounds. It's used in skincare to provide antioxidant protection (helping defend skin from environmental stressors like pollution) and to soothe irritation. Because it's produced in a controlled environment, it's consistent and sustainable, but it's a newer ingredient so there's less research on how well it works compared to traditional licorice root extract.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is still emerging, so marketing claims deserve extra caution.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- biotech
- Evidence
- emerging
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Licorice Meristem Cell Culture is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Licorice Meristem Cell Culture.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
emergingThe ingredient may be promising, but claims should be treated more cautiously.
What it is
A cosmetic ingredient derived from the meristem (growth tissue) of the licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra), cultivated in a laboratory setting using plant cell culture technology.
How it works
The extract contains antioxidant compounds like flavonoids and glabridin that help neutralize free radicals, which can damage skin cells and accelerate aging. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce redness and calm sensitive skin.
Pros
Gentle soothing
May help calm redness and irritation without the irritation risk of some botanical extracts, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
Sustainable production
Lab cultivation avoids harvesting wild licorice plants, reducing environmental impact and ensuring a consistent, contaminant-free supply.
Cons and cautions
Limited human research
Most evidence comes from lab or animal studies; well-controlled human trials on this specific ingredient are scarce, so its real-world benefits are less certain.
Higher cost
Biotech production is more expensive than traditional extraction, which can increase the price of products containing this ingredient.
Best for
- People with sensitive or reactive skin looking for gentle soothing ingredients
- Those interested in sustainable, lab-grown skincare ingredients
Use caution if
- Individuals with known allergies to licorice or related plants (rare)
Usage tips
Safety summary
Considered safe for topical use with low irritation and comedogenic risk. No significant safety concerns have been reported in cosmetic concentrations.
Research notes
Emerging evidence from in vitro studies suggests antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, but human clinical data specific to this ingredient is limited.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.1% to 2% in leave-on products
- Regulatory status
- Generally recognized as safe for cosmetic use in the EU and US, with no specific restrictions beyond standard cosmetic ingredient regulations.
- Common uses
- Serums, Moisturizers, Eye creams, Anti-aging formulations
- Environmental note
- Produced via plant cell culture, which requires less land and water than traditional farming and avoids pesticide use.
Good to know
- This ingredient is not the same as traditional licorice root extract; it's a newer, lab-grown version.
- The INCI name 'Glycyrrhiza Glabra Meristem Cell Culture' indicates it's a plant cell culture, not a simple extract.
Common questions
What is Licorice Meristem Cell Culture in beauty products?
This ingredient is made by growing licorice plant stem cells in a lab, then extracting their beneficial compounds. It's used in skincare to provide antioxidant protection (helping defend skin from environmental stressors like pollution) and to soothe irritation. Because it's produced in a controlled environment, it's consistent and sustainable, but it's a newer ingredient so there's less research on how well it works compared to traditional licorice root extract.
What does Licorice Meristem Cell Culture do in a beauty product?
The extract contains antioxidant compounds like flavonoids and glabridin that help neutralize free radicals, which can damage skin cells and accelerate aging. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce redness and calm sensitive skin.
Is Licorice Meristem Cell Culture safe for most people?
Considered safe for topical use with low irritation and comedogenic risk. No significant safety concerns have been reported in cosmetic concentrations.
Who should be careful with Licorice Meristem Cell Culture?
Individuals with known allergies to licorice or related plants (rare)
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.