What Is Disodium Succinoyl Glycyrrhetinate?
Disodium Succinoyl Glycyrrhetinate is a salt made from glycyrrhetinic acid, a compound that comes from licorice root. Chemists link the licorice molecule to succinic acid then neutralize the new structure with sodium to make it water friendly and suitable for skincare. Licorice has been used on skin for centuries for its calming feel, and this modern tweak was developed so the time-tested plant could survive in water-based formulas and stay stable on store shelves.
The ingredient is produced in a lab through a few straightforward steps. First glycyrrhetinic acid is isolated from licorice extract. It is then reacted with succinic anhydride to add a small side chain that improves solubility. Finally the mixture is treated with sodium carbonate, turning the acid into its disodium salt. The end result dissolves more easily, blends well with other ingredients, and keeps the helpful parts of licorice intact.
Because of these traits you will often spot Disodium Succinoyl Glycyrrhetinate in foaming cleansers, creamy face washes, sheet masks, soothing moisturizers, anti aging serums, after-sun gels, scalp treatments, and even some body washes that aim to be mild but still give a satisfying lather.
Disodium Succinoyl Glycyrrhetinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient earns a spot on an ingredient list for several practical reasons
- Skin conditioning: Helps skin feel soft and calm while supporting its natural barrier so products feel gentle even on sensitive complexions
- Cleansing: Binds to oil and dirt so they rinse away easily which lets brands cut back on harsher surfactants
- Foam boosting: Enhances the thickness and stability of bubbles giving cleansers a rich lather that spreads smoothly and rinses off without residue
Who Can Use Disodium Succinoyl Glycyrrhetinate
This licorice-based salt is generally suitable for all skin types. Dry or mature skin benefits from its conditioning touch, oily skin appreciates its gentle cleansing action and sensitive skin usually tolerates it well because the molecule was designed to be mild. The main exception would be anyone with a known allergy to licorice root or its derivatives, who should steer clear to avoid irritation.
The ingredient is created from plant-derived licorice and basic mineral salts, so it is considered appropriate for vegans and vegetarians. No animal-sourced materials are needed during standard production and it is not routinely tested on animals in regions that ban such testing.
Current research shows no specific risk for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used topically and in the low amounts found in finished cosmetics. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should review any skincare formula with their physician just to be safe.
Disodium Succinoyl Glycyrrhetinate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and can be used day or night without increasing the need for extra sun protection beyond the usual daily SPF recommendation.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Disodium Succinoyl Glycyrrhetinate vary from person to person. The points below outline potential issues yet they are uncommon when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Localized redness or stinging
- Mild itching or burning on very reactive skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to licorice compounds
- Dry or tight feeling if combined with high levels of other cleansing agents
If any of these reactions occur discontinue use and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 — Disodium Succinoyl Glycyrrhetinate is a water-soluble salt with no oily residues so it does not clog pores or sit on the skin’s surface in a way that can trap sebum or dead cells. Its primary roles are cleansing, foam boosting and light conditioning, all of which rely on quick rinsing or easy absorption rather than heavy occlusion.
Because of this, it is generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or frequent breakouts.
No data suggest it interferes with common acne treatments or triggers fungal acne, making it a low-risk choice in formulas aimed at blemish-prone skin.
Summary
Disodium Succinoyl Glycyrrhetinate conditions skin, lifts away dirt and oil and beefs up foam in cleansers. It does these jobs by pairing licorice-derived glycyrrhetinic acid with succinic acid then converting the whole structure into a highly soluble disodium salt that spreads easily in water-based systems.
While not a household name like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide, it has a steady presence in gentle face washes, micellar cleansers and soothing masks because formulators appreciate the mildness and stable foam it provides without adding greasy feel.
Overall safety is considered high when used at the low percentages typical in cosmetics with irritation or allergy reported only rarely. As with any new skincare ingredient a quick patch test is wise before adding a full-sized product to your routine.