Ingredient review
Trisodium Glycyrrhizate
INCI: Trisodium Glycyrrhizate
A gentle, licorice-derived salt that calms redness and irritation without the side effects of pure licorice extract.
In plain English
Trisodium glycyrrhizate is a processed form of a compound found in licorice root. It works like a fire extinguisher for your skin, helping to put out inflammation and calm redness. Unlike pure licorice extract, this version is water-soluble and less likely to cause irritation, making it a favorite for sensitive skin products.
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
Trisodium Glycyrrhizate 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 Trisodium Glycyrrhizate.
- 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
Trisodium glycyrrhizate is the sodium salt of glycyrrhizic acid, a key active compound from licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra). It is created by reacting glycyrrhizic acid with sodium hydroxide, resulting in a water-soluble, milder form that is easier to formulate into skincare.
How it works
It works by inhibiting enzymes that trigger inflammatory pathways in the skin, such as cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase. This reduces the production of pro-inflammatory molecules, helping to calm redness, swelling, and irritation. It also has mild antioxidant properties that protect skin from environmental stress.
Pros
Gentle on sensitive skin
Unlike some anti-inflammatory ingredients, trisodium glycyrrhizate is very well-tolerated and rarely causes stinging or irritation, making it ideal for reactive skin types.
Water-soluble and easy to formulate
Its water solubility allows it to be easily incorporated into a wide range of products like serums, toners, and moisturizers without greasiness or residue.
Cons and cautions
Mild effect on severe inflammation
For serious skin conditions like severe rosacea or cystic acne, this ingredient may provide only modest relief and is best used as a supportive, not primary, treatment.
Limited long-term safety data
While generally recognized as safe, there are fewer long-term studies on trisodium glycyrrhizate compared to more established soothing ingredients like niacinamide or panthenol.
Best for
- People with sensitive or easily irritated skin
- Those with redness-prone skin (e.g., rosacea or mild eczema)
- Anyone looking for a gentle anti-inflammatory ingredient
Use caution if
- Individuals with a known allergy to licorice root or its derivatives
Usage tips
Safety summary
Trisodium glycyrrhizate is considered very safe for topical use. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, and is well-tolerated even by sensitive skin. Allergic reactions are rare but possible in individuals with licorice allergy.
Research notes
Multiple in vitro and small clinical studies support its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Research is less extensive than for some other soothing agents, but existing evidence is consistent and positive.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.1% to 1%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for cosmetic use in the EU, US, and most major markets. Generally recognized as safe when used in concentrations typical for skincare.
- Common uses
- Serums, Moisturizers, Sunscreens, After-sun products, Sensitive skin formulations
- Environmental note
- Derived from licorice root, a renewable plant source. The extraction and salt-formation process is relatively low-impact, but sustainability depends on farming practices.
Good to know
- Trisodium glycyrrhizate is often used in post-procedure skincare to help calm skin after treatments like chemical peels or laser.
- It is a more refined and less irritating alternative to raw licorice root extract, which can sometimes cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Common questions
What is Trisodium Glycyrrhizate in beauty products?
Trisodium glycyrrhizate is a processed form of a compound found in licorice root. It works like a fire extinguisher for your skin, helping to put out inflammation and calm redness. Unlike pure licorice extract, this version is water-soluble and less likely to cause irritation, making it a favorite for sensitive skin products.
What does Trisodium Glycyrrhizate do in a beauty product?
It works by inhibiting enzymes that trigger inflammatory pathways in the skin, such as cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase. This reduces the production of pro-inflammatory molecules, helping to calm redness, swelling, and irritation. It also has mild antioxidant properties that protect skin from environmental stress.
Is Trisodium Glycyrrhizate safe for most people?
Trisodium glycyrrhizate is considered very safe for topical use. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, and is well-tolerated even by sensitive skin. Allergic reactions are rare but possible in individuals with licorice allergy.
Who should be careful with Trisodium Glycyrrhizate?
Individuals with a known allergy to licorice root or its derivatives
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.