What Is Glycyrrhiza Glabra Stem Extract?
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Stem Extract is taken from the stems of the licorice plant, a member of the pea family that grows in parts of Europe, Asia and the Middle East. While most people know licorice root as a flavor in candy the stems also hold useful plant sugars, flavonoids and small amounts of glycyrrhizin, the sweet compound that gives licorice its taste. Traditional herbalists prized licorice for soothing skin and this carried over into modern beauty labs once researchers found that its natural antioxidants and humectants could help skin look healthier.
To produce the extract manufacturers first harvest and clean the stems then dry and grind them into a coarse powder. The powder is soaked in a mixture of water and gentle food-grade solvents that pull out the active plant molecules. The liquid is filtered, concentrated and often standardized so each batch delivers a consistent level of beneficial compounds. Finally it is blended into a water-soluble form that mixes easily with creams, gels and serums.
You will most often spot Glycyrrhiza Glabra Stem Extract in brightening serums, calming masks, daily moisturizers, after-sun lotions, anti-aging formulas and leave-on spot treatments. Brands like it because it plays well with other ingredients, has a mild scent and fits into both natural and high-tech product themes.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Stem Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is mainly valued for one key role in skin care
Skin conditioning: The extract helps skin feel softer, smoother and well hydrated. Its natural sugars attract water to the surface of the skin while flavonoids lend antioxidant support, so formulas that include it can leave the complexion looking fresh and comfortable.
Who Can Use Glycyrrhiza Glabra Stem Extract
Thanks to its gentle humectant profile Glycyrrhiza Glabra Stem Extract is generally suitable for all major skin types including dry, normal, combination and oily. Its lightweight water-soluble nature means it will not add heaviness to oily or acne-prone skin while its moisture-binding sugars can give dry or mature skin a welcome boost. People with very sensitive or reactive skin can usually tolerate it too because it lacks common fragrance allergens although anyone with a known licorice allergy should avoid it.
The extract is plant derived with no animal by-products used in harvesting or processing so it fits vegan and vegetarian lifestyles.
No research suggests that topical licorice stem extract poses a specific risk during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. That said every pregnancy is unique so this information is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run new skincare products past a doctor just to be safe.
The ingredient does not make skin more prone to sunburn and can actually be paired with daily sunscreen for added antioxidant support. It also plays well with most other actives, from niacinamide to gentle exfoliating acids, so formulating conflicts are rare.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from applying Glycyrrhiza Glabra Stem Extract vary from person to person. The points below list potential reactions but they are uncommon when the extract is properly formulated and used as directed.
- Mild redness or stinging usually short-lived and more likely when applied to freshly exfoliated skin
- Itching or rash in individuals who are sensitive to licorice or certain plant flavonoids
- Contact dermatitis a rare reaction marked by persistent redness flaking or swelling
- Eye irritation if a high-strength product accidentally gets into the eyes
If you notice any of these issues stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 on the 0-5 scale. Glycyrrhiza Glabra Stem Extract is water soluble, contains minimal oils and leaves no waxy film on the skin. Those qualities mean it almost never blocks pores, so it earns the lowest score possible.
Because it is non-comedogenic the extract is generally safe for people prone to acne or frequent breakouts.
Keep in mind that other ingredients in a finished formula or a very high concentration of the extract could change overall pore-clogging potential, but the raw ingredient itself is not a concern.
Summary
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Stem Extract conditions the skin by pulling in moisture with its natural plant sugars and shielding the surface from daily stress with antioxidant flavonoids. These actions help skin feel smooth, look fresh and stay comfortable.
While not as famous as licorice root, the stem extract is quietly gaining traction in hydrating serums, calming masks and lightweight moisturizers because formulators appreciate its gentle nature and compatibility with most actives.
Current research and user experience show it to be a very safe ingredient for the vast majority of skin types. As with any new skincare product it is wise to perform a patch test first to confirm personal tolerance.