Ingredient review
Licorice Meristem Cell Extract
INCI: Glycyrrhiza Glabra Meristem Cell Culture Extract
A gentle, lab-grown licorice extract that may help calm redness and protect skin from environmental stress.
In plain English
This ingredient is made by growing licorice plant stem cells in a lab, then extracting their beneficial compounds. It's like getting the best parts of licorice root without harvesting the whole plant. In skincare, it's used to soothe irritation and fight free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage skin cells). Think of it as a gentle, high-tech helper for sensitive or stressed skin.
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 Extract 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 Extract.
- 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 produced by cultivating meristem cells (the actively dividing cells found in plant growth tips) from the licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) in a controlled lab environment. The cells are then processed to extract bioactive compounds like glabridin and licochalcone, which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
How it works
When applied to the skin, the extract delivers antioxidants that neutralize free radicals generated by UV exposure and pollution. It also contains compounds that can inhibit enzymes involved in inflammation, helping to reduce redness and calm irritated skin. Because it's produced via cell culture, the extract is standardized and free from soil contaminants or pesticides.
Pros
Gentle soothing
Helps calm redness and irritation without stinging or drying, making it ideal for sensitive skin types.
Eco-friendly production
Lab cultivation avoids harvesting whole plants, reducing environmental impact and ensuring a consistent, pure extract.
Cons and cautions
Limited research
Most evidence comes from lab studies or traditional licorice root research; specific benefits of the meristem cell extract are less proven in human trials.
Higher cost
Biotech production methods make this ingredient pricier than conventional plant extracts, which may reflect in product pricing.
Best for
- People with sensitive or reactive skin
- Those looking for antioxidant protection without irritation
Use caution if
- Individuals with known allergy to licorice or related plants (rare)
Usage tips
Safety summary
Considered safe for topical use with a low risk of irritation or allergy. The biotech process ensures purity and consistency, reducing concerns about contaminants.
Research notes
Research on licorice root compounds (glabridin, licochalcone) supports anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. However, specific studies on the meristem cell culture extract are limited, with most evidence extrapolated from traditional extracts.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.1% to 2%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for cosmetic use in the EU, US, and other major markets as a safe ingredient when used within typical concentrations.
- Common uses
- Serums, Moisturizers, Eye creams
- Environmental note
- Produced via plant cell culture, which requires less land and water than traditional farming and avoids pesticide use.
Good to know
- Meristem cell culture extracts are often marketed as 'plant stem cell' ingredients, but they do not contain live cells—only the extracted compounds.
- This ingredient is typically found in higher-end or 'clean beauty' products due to its sustainable sourcing.
Common questions
What is Licorice Meristem Cell Extract in beauty products?
This ingredient is made by growing licorice plant stem cells in a lab, then extracting their beneficial compounds. It's like getting the best parts of licorice root without harvesting the whole plant. In skincare, it's used to soothe irritation and fight free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage skin cells). Think of it as a gentle, high-tech helper for sensitive or stressed skin.
What does Licorice Meristem Cell Extract do in a beauty product?
When applied to the skin, the extract delivers antioxidants that neutralize free radicals generated by UV exposure and pollution. It also contains compounds that can inhibit enzymes involved in inflammation, helping to reduce redness and calm irritated skin. Because it's produced via cell culture, the extract is standardized and free from soil contaminants or pesticides.
Is Licorice Meristem Cell Extract safe for most people?
Considered safe for topical use with a low risk of irritation or allergy. The biotech process ensures purity and consistency, reducing concerns about contaminants.
Who should be careful with Licorice Meristem Cell Extract?
Individuals with known allergy 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.