Ammonium Glycyrrhizate

Good

Plant extracts

Ammonium Glycyrrhizate at a glance

  • Compound isolated from licorice plants
  • Used as a soothing, skin-conditioning agent in personal care products
  • Delivers a sweet flavor, hence may be used in products such as lipstick or lip balm
  • 5% maximum concentration recommended in cosmetic products

Ammonium Glycyrrhizate description

Ammonium glycyrrhizate is a compound isolated from licorice plants that is used as a soothing skin-conditioning agent in personal care products. It may also be included as a flavoring agent to deliver a sweet taste to products such as lipstick or lip balm. Ammonium glycyrrhizate is supplied as a white crystalline powder. Manufacturers have also used ammonium glycyrrhizate as part of liposome/nanocarrier system to enhance the delivery of other topicals. The 2007 Cosmetic Ingredient Review for ammonium glycyrrhizate recommended a 5% maximum concentration for use in personal care formulations. Amounts much lower than that, typically less than 1% are used in leave-on skin care products. It doesn’t take much of this licorice derivative to soothe.

Ammonium Glycyrrhizate references

  • PubChem, Accessed March 2023, ePublication
  • Toronto Research Chemicals, Accessed March 2023, ePublication
  • UL Prospector (supplier info), Accessed March 2023, ePublication
  • Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, May 2020, ePublication
  • International Journal of Toxicology, 2007, pages 79–112

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.