Ingredient review
Potassium Glycyrrhetinate
INCI: Potassium Glycyrrhetinate
A gentle, licorice-derived ingredient that helps calm redness and irritation without clogging pores.
In plain English
Potassium glycyrrhetinate is a salt form of glycyrrhetinic acid, a compound found in licorice root. In skincare, it works like a gentle fire extinguisher for your skin — it helps reduce redness, swelling, and irritation. It's often used in products for sensitive or reactive skin, and it's considered very safe and non-irritating for most people.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Strong fit for many routines
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- natural
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Easy yes for most routines
Potassium Glycyrrhetinate 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 Potassium Glycyrrhetinate.
- 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
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
A potassium salt of glycyrrhetinic acid, which is a triterpenoid compound naturally present in licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra). It is extracted and purified for use in cosmetics.
How it works
It inhibits enzymes that trigger inflammation in the skin, such as cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase, and reduces the release of pro-inflammatory molecules. This helps calm redness, swelling, and sensitivity without the side effects of stronger anti-inflammatory agents.
Pros
Gentle and well-tolerated
Potassium glycyrrhetinate has a very low irritation and comedogenic risk, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin types, including those prone to acne or rosacea.
Backed by traditional use
Licorice root has been used for centuries in herbal medicine for its soothing properties, and modern research supports its anti-inflammatory effects in topical applications.
Cons and cautions
Mild effect on its own
While effective for mild irritation, potassium glycyrrhetinate may not be strong enough to calm severe inflammatory skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis without additional active ingredients.
Rare allergy risk
Although uncommon, individuals with a known allergy to licorice or related plants may experience contact dermatitis or allergic reactions.
Best for
- People with sensitive, easily irritated skin
- Those dealing with occasional redness or rosacea-prone skin
- Anyone using strong actives (retinoids, acids) who needs a calming companion ingredient
Use caution if
- Individuals with a known allergy to licorice or glycyrrhetinic acid
Usage tips
Safety summary
Potassium glycyrrhetinate is considered very safe for topical use. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, and no significant systemic toxicity has been reported from cosmetic use. Rare allergic reactions are possible but uncommon.
Research notes
Multiple in vitro and clinical studies support the anti-inflammatory and soothing effects of glycyrrhetinic acid and its salts. Evidence is moderate, with most studies focusing on its ability to reduce erythema and irritation in controlled settings.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.1% to 1%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and many other regions. Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for topical use at typical concentrations.
- Common uses
- Serums, Moisturizers, Sunscreens, After-sun products, Sensitive skin formulations
- Environmental note
- Licorice root is a renewable plant resource. However, overharvesting can be a concern; look for sustainably sourced ingredients when possible.
Good to know
- Potassium glycyrrhetinate is different from glycyrrhizin, which is the sweet-tasting compound in licorice that can raise blood pressure if ingested in large amounts. Topical use is considered safe.
- It is often used in post-procedure skincare (like after chemical peels or laser treatments) to help reduce redness and speed recovery.
Common questions
What is Potassium Glycyrrhetinate in beauty products?
Potassium glycyrrhetinate is a salt form of glycyrrhetinic acid, a compound found in licorice root. In skincare, it works like a gentle fire extinguisher for your skin — it helps reduce redness, swelling, and irritation. It's often used in products for sensitive or reactive skin, and it's considered very safe and non-irritating for most people.
What does Potassium Glycyrrhetinate do in a beauty product?
It inhibits enzymes that trigger inflammation in the skin, such as cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase, and reduces the release of pro-inflammatory molecules. This helps calm redness, swelling, and sensitivity without the side effects of stronger anti-inflammatory agents.
Is Potassium Glycyrrhetinate safe for most people?
Potassium glycyrrhetinate is considered very safe for topical use. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, and no significant systemic toxicity has been reported from cosmetic use. Rare allergic reactions are possible but uncommon.
Who should be careful with Potassium Glycyrrhetinate?
Individuals with a known allergy to licorice or glycyrrhetinic acid
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.