What Is Glycyrrhiza Glabra Rhizome/Root?
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Rhizome/Root comes from the dried roots and underground stems of the licorice plant, Glycyrrhiza glabra L., a member of the pea family. The plant’s roots are naturally rich in glycyrrhizin, a sweet-tasting compound, along with flavonoids, polysaccharides and other minor nutrients that give it soothing and conditioning properties.
Licorice has a long history in beauty rituals that dates back to ancient Egypt and China where pastes made from the root helped calm and soften the skin. Modern cosmetic science began exploring licorice extracts in the mid-20th century, drawn to its ability to hydrate and comfort delicate or stressed skin.
To create the ingredient used in today’s formulas, freshly dug licorice roots are washed, dried and milled into a coarse powder. The powder is then extracted with water, glycerin or a mild alcohol to pull out the useful compounds. After filtration the liquid is concentrated or spray-dried to form an easy-to-handle powder that blends smoothly into creams, gels or serums.
You’ll typically find Glycyrrhiza Glabra Rhizome/Root in soothing face masks, daily moisturizers, anti aging creams, after sun lotions, scalp treatments, hand creams and products designed for sensitive skin.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Rhizome/Root’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This botanical multitasker brings several skin-loving benefits to a formula:
- Moisturising: Helps attract and hold water on the skin surface so it feels soft and hydrated longer.
- Emollient: Smooths rough patches by filling in tiny gaps between skin cells giving a supple finish.
- Smoothing: Improves skin texture making it look more even and touchably silky.
- Soothing: Calms feelings of tightness or minor irritation which is especially helpful for sensitive or freshly exfoliated skin.
Who Can Use Glycyrrhiza Glabra Rhizome/Root
Thanks to its gentle moisturising and calming nature this extract suits most skin types including dry, normal, combination, oily and especially sensitive or redness-prone skin that needs soothing comfort. It is generally well tolerated since it is lightweight and not known to clog pores. People with extremely oily skin that react poorly to hydrating botanicals might prefer a gel formula over a rich cream but the ingredient itself is not considered problematic for them.
The material is 100% plant derived so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians when it appears in a formula that contains no animal based additives.
Topical use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding is not linked to known risks at the concentrations found in cosmetics. This is not medical advice and pregnant or nursing users should run any product they plan to apply past a qualified healthcare provider to be on the safe side.
Licorice root does not increase skin sensitivity to sunlight. In fact its flavonoids offer a mild antioxidant boost that can partner well with daily sunscreen for added comfort.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual responses to Glycyrrhiza Glabra Rhizome/Root can differ. The following is a list of potential side effects yet most people will not experience them when the ingredient is correctly formulated and used as directed.
- Allergic contact dermatitis presenting as redness itching or a rash
- Stinging or mild irritation on very compromised or freshly exfoliated skin
- Dark fabric staining if a highly concentrated root paste is used and not fully removed
- Theoretical enhancement of corticosteroid absorption when layered under prescription steroid creams
If any unwanted reaction develops stop using the product and seek guidance from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5 – Licorice root is water soluble, lightweight and contains no heavy oils or waxy residues that could block pores. Most studies and formulator reports classify it as non-comedogenic even at higher use levels.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin because it will not contribute to pore clogging.
Some finished products may pair the extract with richer butters or occlusives that could raise the overall comedogenicity so always look at the full ingredient list if congestion is a concern.
Summary
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Rhizome/Root offers four main perks: it pulls water into the skin for lasting hydration, smooths and softens by slipping between skin cells, evens texture with gentle surface conditioning and calms visible redness thanks to naturally soothing flavonoids. These actions stem from its mix of glycyrrhizin, sugars and antioxidant polyphenols that work together to comfort and replenish skin.
Licorice root is a steady favorite in Korean and European skincare yet it flies a bit under the radar compared with headline actives like vitamin C or niacinamide. Still many formulators rely on it for a quiet boost of moisture and calm, especially in products marketed for sensitive or post-treatment skin.
Topically the ingredient is considered very safe with a low allergy rate and virtually no systemic absorption at cosmetic levels. Even so it is smart to perform a quick patch test when trying any new product to rule out personal sensitivities.