What Is Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root/Sucrose Ferment Extract Filtrate?
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root/Sucrose Ferment Extract Filtrate is a fermented blend made from licorice root and cane sugar. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has been prized since ancient times for its soothing and brightening properties, while sucrose serves as a food source for friendly microorganisms during fermentation. As the roots and sugar ferment, enzymes break down the plant material into smaller molecules that are easier for skin to use. The resulting liquid is then filtered to remove solids, leaving behind a clear, skin-friendly filtrate rich in flavonoids, sugars and amino acids.
Fermentation techniques gained popularity in skincare through Korean beauty trends, and formulators soon noticed that fermented licorice offered a gentler yet more potent alternative to traditional extracts. Today you can spot this filtrate in lightweight serums, brightening essences, age-defying creams, calming masks and after-sun gels. Its mix of antioxidants and conditioning sugars makes it especially useful in products aimed at dull, stressed or easily irritated skin.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root/Sucrose Ferment Extract Filtrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasking ingredient brings several helpful actions to a formula:
- Antioxidant: Supplies flavonoids that neutralize free radicals created by pollution, sun exposure and daily stress helping prevent premature lines and loss of firmness
- Skin conditioning: Delivers natural humectants and soothing compounds that keep skin soft, support a healthy barrier and visibly calm redness or discomfort
- Emollient: Adds a light layer of moisture that smooths rough patches, improves product spreadability and leaves a silky afterfeel without heaviness
Who Can Use Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root/Sucrose Ferment Extract Filtrate
This fermented licorice filtrate is gentle enough for nearly every skin type. Dry or mature complexions appreciate the light emollient feel while the calming nature suits sensitive or redness-prone skin. Oily and combination types can also benefit because the ingredient absorbs quickly and does not leave a greasy film. There are no known reasons it would be unsuitable for darker skin tones or acne-prone skin when used at the low levels common in finished products.
Because it is obtained from plant roots and cane sugar with the help of microorganisms, it is considered vegan and vegetarian friendly. No animal-derived materials are used in its production though shoppers should check that the final formula is certified cruelty free if that is important to them.
Current research shows no specific risks for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used topically and in standard cosmetic concentrations. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should discuss new skincare products with a qualified health professional to be extra sure.
The filtrate is not known to increase sensitivity to sunlight so it is fine to use during the day. As with any skincare ingredient a broad-spectrum sunscreen is still recommended for overall skin health.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root/Sucrose Ferment Extract Filtrate vary from person to person. The effects listed below are possibilities only and most users will not notice any of them when the product has been correctly formulated and stored.
- Redness or stinging in very sensitive skin when first applied
- Mild itching if the formula contains other actives that interact with the ferment
- Contact dermatitis in rare cases of licorice allergy
- Temporary tightness if the overall product is low in lipids and the user has very dry skin
If any irritation or other unwanted reaction occurs discontinue use and seek advice from a healthcare professional if symptoms do not improve promptly.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5. Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root/Sucrose Ferment Extract Filtrate is a water-based ferment with virtually no clogging lipids or heavy waxes so it does not block pores. Fermentation further breaks the raw plant material into smaller, more skin-friendly molecules that rinse away easily. For these reasons it is considered non-comedogenic and is generally suitable for people prone to acne or breakouts.
Because this filtrate is usually used at low percentages and paired with lightweight formulas like serums or essences it rarely builds up on the skin. Only when combined with highly occlusive ingredients could overall pore-blocking potential rise.
Summary
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root/Sucrose Ferment Extract Filtrate works as an antioxidant, skin conditioner and mild emollient. Natural flavonoids sweep up free radicals, fermented sugars draw moisture to the surface while soothing compounds from licorice calm visible redness. The silky afterfeel comes from light plant-derived emollients created during fermentation.
Although not as famous as vitamin C or niacinamide, this fermented licorice has been gaining traction thanks to K-beauty and the broader push toward gentle botanical actives. You will most often spot it in brightening essences, calming serums and daily moisturizers.
Topical use is regarded as very safe with only rare reports of irritation. As with any new skincare ingredient it is smart to patch test a fresh product before full-face use just to be sure it suits your individual skin.