Ingredient review

Potassium Glycyrrhizinate

INCI: POTASSIUM GLYCYRRHIZINATE

A gentle, plant-derived soother that helps calm redness and irritation without clogging pores.

beautyskincaresoothing agent

In plain English

Potassium glycyrrhizinate is a salt form of a compound found in licorice root. In skincare, it works like a calming signal for your skin, telling it to turn down the volume on redness, stinging, and inflammation. It's often used in products for sensitive or reactive skin because it's very gentle and unlikely to cause irritation itself.

Review score

Safety, usefulness, and evidence

4.5Excellent
4.5/ 5

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
How reviews are scored

Quick decision guide

Easy yes for most routines

Potassium Glycyrrhizinate 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.

  1. Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Potassium Glycyrrhizinate.
  2. Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
  3. 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

low

Less likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.

Clogging risk

low

Less likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.

Evidence level

moderate

There is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.

What it is

Potassium glycyrrhizinate is the potassium salt of glycyrrhizic acid, a natural compound extracted from the root of the licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra). It is a white to off-white powder that is water-soluble and used in cosmetics for its soothing properties.

How it works

It works by inhibiting enzymes that trigger inflammatory responses in the skin, such as cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase. This helps reduce the production of pro-inflammatory molecules, leading to less redness, swelling, and discomfort. It also has mild antioxidant activity, helping to protect skin from environmental stressors.

Pros

Gentle Calming Effect

Potassium glycyrrhizinate is well-tolerated even by very sensitive skin, making it a reliable choice for reducing redness and stinging without causing further irritation.

Versatile Formulation

It is water-soluble and stable across a wide pH range, so it can be easily added to many product types like serums, creams, and sunscreens without affecting texture or performance.

Cons and cautions

Mild Efficacy for Severe Issues

While effective for everyday redness and sensitivity, it may not be strong enough to manage severe inflammatory skin conditions like acute eczema or psoriasis without additional medical treatment.

Rare Allergy Risk

Though uncommon, people with a known allergy to licorice or related plants (like peas or peanuts) could experience a reaction, so patch testing is wise for those with multiple plant allergies.

Best for

  • People with sensitive, redness-prone, or rosacea-prone skin
  • Anyone looking for a gentle, non-irritating soothing ingredient

Use caution if

  • Individuals with a known allergy to licorice or related plants

Usage tips

Look for it in the middle to lower half of the ingredient list for a soothing boost.
Combine with other calming ingredients like niacinamide or panthenol for enhanced soothing benefits.
Use consistently over several weeks to see cumulative calming effects on chronic redness.

Safety summary

Potassium glycyrrhizinate is considered very safe for topical use in cosmetics. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, and allergic reactions are rare. It is not known to be toxic or carcinogenic when used as directed.

Research notes

Multiple studies support its anti-inflammatory and soothing effects on skin, including reduced erythema (redness) and improved skin barrier function. Evidence is moderate, with most studies being small or in vitro, but consistent in showing benefit.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
0.5% to 2%
Regulatory status
Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and many other regions. Generally recognized as safe when used at typical concentrations (up to 2%).
Common uses
Serums, Moisturizers, Sunscreens, Masks, Eye Creams
Environmental note
Licorice root is a renewable plant source, but overharvesting can be a concern. Look for brands that source from sustainable farms.

Good to know

  • Potassium glycyrrhizinate is different from glycyrrhetinic acid, which is another licorice derivative with stronger anti-inflammatory but also slightly higher irritation potential.
  • It is often used in post-procedure skincare to help skin recover from treatments like chemical peels or microdermabrasion.

Common questions

What is Potassium Glycyrrhizinate in beauty products?

Potassium glycyrrhizinate is a salt form of a compound found in licorice root. In skincare, it works like a calming signal for your skin, telling it to turn down the volume on redness, stinging, and inflammation. It's often used in products for sensitive or reactive skin because it's very gentle and unlikely to cause irritation itself.

What does Potassium Glycyrrhizinate do in a beauty product?

It works by inhibiting enzymes that trigger inflammatory responses in the skin, such as cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase. This helps reduce the production of pro-inflammatory molecules, leading to less redness, swelling, and discomfort. It also has mild antioxidant activity, helping to protect skin from environmental stressors.

Is Potassium Glycyrrhizinate safe for most people?

Potassium glycyrrhizinate is considered very safe for topical use in cosmetics. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, and allergic reactions are rare. It is not known to be toxic or carcinogenic when used as directed.

Who should be careful with Potassium Glycyrrhizinate?

Individuals with a known allergy to licorice or related plants

Research sources

Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Safety AssessmentOpenPubMed: Anti-inflammatory effects of glycyrrhizic acid derivativesOpenEuropean Commission CosIng DatabaseOpen

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.