What Is Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root?
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root comes from the roots of the licorice plant, a member of the pea family that grows in parts of Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The root naturally contains compounds such as glycyrrhizin, flavonoids and polysaccharides, which give it a sweet taste and skin-loving properties. People have used licorice root in teas, candies and traditional beauty rituals for centuries, and modern skincare brands took notice when research showed its ability to calm and brighten skin. To prepare the ingredient for cosmetics, harvested roots are cleaned, dried then ground or soaked in a gentle solvent to create an extract that keeps the helpful plant molecules intact. You will most often see Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root extract in serums, spot treatments, brightening masks, lightweight moisturizers and products aimed at reducing the look of sun damage or uneven tone.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skincare formulas Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root is prized for one main role.
As a skin-conditioning agent it supports a healthy complexion by soothing visible redness, helping the skin hold onto moisture and lending a more even appearance over time. These actions can make a product feel more comforting on application and leave skin looking smoother and brighter with regular use.
Who Can Use Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root
Most skin types can benefit from this gentle plant extract. Dry or mature skin appreciates the extra moisture retention it can encourage, while oily and acne-prone skin often welcomes its calming touch when redness or post-blemish marks are present. Sensitive skin usually tolerates licorice well thanks to its soothing nature, though anyone with a known allergy to legumes or licorice itself should avoid it.
Because the ingredient is taken from a plant and requires no animal-derived additives, it fits easily into vegan or vegetarian routines.
Current evidence shows that topical use of Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root is unlikely to pose a risk to pregnant or breastfeeding women. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should speak with a healthcare professional before adding new products, just to be safe.
Licorice root does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and can actually help minimize the look of sun-related discoloration when paired with daily sunscreen. Aside from keeping products sealed and stored away from heat to preserve potency, there are no other special usage notes for the average consumer.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root vary from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects that have been reported, though most users will not experience them when the ingredient is used correctly in a well-formulated product.
- Mild stinging or burning on application
- Temporary redness or irritation, especially on very sensitive skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to licorice or legume family plants
- Rare hormonal or blood pressure changes if extremely large amounts are applied over damaged skin allowing significant absorption
If any uncomfortable reaction occurs discontinue use and seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root extract is largely water soluble and used in small amounts so it does not leave a heavy film that can trap oil or debris inside pores. Most products that feature it are light serums or gels rather than thick creams which keeps the clogging risk low. Trace natural oils are present which is why it earns a 1 instead of 0.
Generally suitable for acne prone or breakout prone skin.
If the extract sits in a very rich base or is combined with highly comedogenic oils the finished formula could still trigger congestion, so look over the full ingredient list if you are concerned.
Summary
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root conditions skin by supplying soothing flavonoids, moisture holding polysaccharides and gentle brightening compounds that help soften redness and uneven tone while supporting a smooth hydrated feel.
The plant may not be as headline grabbing as vitamin C or niacinamide yet its presence in serums, masks and spot correctors keeps growing thanks to reliable results and good skin tolerance.
Topical use is considered safe for most people with only rare irritation or allergy reported. As with any new product perform a patch test first to make sure your skin agrees.