What Is Glycyrrhiza Glabra Callus Culture Extract?
Glycyrrhiza glabra is the plant most of us know as licorice. When scientists take a tiny piece of this plant and grow it in a sterile lab dish, the cells form a soft mass called a callus. Glycyrrhiza Glabra Callus Culture Extract is the liquid solution made from that lab-grown callus. Because the cells are produced under controlled conditions, the extract can be richer in helpful plant compounds like flavonoids and glycyrrhizic acid than regular licorice root. Licorice has a long history in beauty recipes, but using callus culture is a newer twist that began gaining attention in the early 2000s when brands looked for more sustainable sources of active ingredients.
The process starts with selecting healthy licorice tissue, usually from root or stem, then placing it in a nutrient gel. The cells multiply, are harvested and soaked in a mix of water and mild solvents to pull out the beneficial molecules. Finally the liquid is filtered and concentrated to create the extract used in cosmetics.
This ingredient shows up in products that aim to soothe or brighten the skin. You might find it in hydrating masks, daily moisturizers, after-sun gels, anti-aging serums and spot-treatment creams.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Callus Culture Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skincare formulas Glycyrrhiza Glabra Callus Culture Extract serves mainly one purpose:
- Skin conditioning: It helps keep the skin feeling soft, calm and balanced. By delivering antioxidants and natural sugars it can reduce the look of redness, support moisture levels and give the complexion a smoother appearance.
Who Can Use Glycyrrhiza Glabra Callus Culture Extract
This extract is generally gentle enough for all skin types. Dry or sensitive complexions may appreciate its calming and hydrating nature while oily and combination skin can use it without feeling greasy. There are no specific skin types that must avoid it unless an individual knows they have a personal sensitivity to licorice or plants in the Fabaceae family.
Because the ingredient is derived entirely from plant cells grown in a lab without animal by-products it is suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.
Current research has not linked topical licorice callus extract with issues during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Still, safety data is limited so this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should run any skincare product past a doctor just to be on the safe side.
Licorice is not known to cause photosensitivity, meaning it should not make skin more prone to sunburn. Standard daytime sun protection is still recommended.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to the topical application of Glycyrrhiza Glabra Callus Culture Extract can vary from person to person. The points below list potential issues yet they remain uncommon when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Mild redness or stinging in very sensitive skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to licorice or related plants
- Rare localized swelling or hives indicating a hypersensitivity reaction
- Interaction with prescription skin treatments leading to unexpected irritation
If any of these effects occur stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Callus Culture Extract is a water-based botanical extract with virtually no heavy oils or waxes that can block pores. Its molecules are largely hydrophilic, so they rinse away easily and do not linger on the skin’s surface to trap sebum or dead cells. No published data link the callus extract to increased comedone formation, which justifies a non-comedogenic score of zero.
This makes the ingredient suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin types.
Because formulas vary, the overall comedogenicity of a finished product will depend on the rest of the ingredient list, not solely on the licorice callus extract.
Summary
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Callus Culture Extract conditions the skin by supplying soothing flavonoids, antioxidant glycyrrhizic acid and moisture-binding sugars that collectively calm redness, support hydration and leave the complexion feeling smooth.
Although licorice root has been a staple in folk beauty recipes for centuries, the lab-grown callus version is still a niche player. You will see it more often in K-beauty serums, after-sun gels and brightening masks than in mainstream supermarket lotions, but its visibility is growing as brands look for sustainable plant actives.
Topical use is considered low risk with only rare reports of irritation or allergy. Still, skin can be unpredictable so it is wise to do a small patch test whenever you introduce a product containing this extract.