Common Name(s): Glyceryl glycyrrhetinate,glycerol glycyrrhetinate,licorice root glyceryl ester
CAS Number: 76371-67-0
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Soothes irritated skin, reduces redness, and provides emollient conditioning with licorice root extract benefits.
Why It's Used: A licorice-derived anti-inflammatory emollient combining glycyrrhetinic acid's well-documented skin-soothing properties with glycerol's moisturizing and emulsifying character.
How It Works: Glycyrrhetinic acid inhibits 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (cortisone metabolism), providing mild anti-inflammatory effects; glyceryl ester form improves skin penetration and stability versus free acid.
Typically Found In: Sensitive skin products,anti-redness formulas,soothing serums,eczema/rosacea support products
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient – anti-inflammatory
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning,emollient,soothing
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–2%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required
Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)
Source Notes: Glycyrrhetinic acid from licorice root (glycyrrhiza glabra); glycerin from plant; naturally derived. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low
Sensitivity Concerns: Very mild; well-documented safety profile; rare allergy to licorice in sensitive individuals.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Niacinamide,centella asiatica,bisabolol,ceramides,allantoin
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Glycyrrhetinic acid is the active aglycone metabolite of glycyrrhizin from licorice; the glyceryl ester form (glyceryl glycyrrhetinate) provides improved skin penetration and formulation compatibility versus free glycyrrhetinic acid while maintaining anti-inflammatory activity.
Last Verified: 2026-03-27
Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary,cas 76371-67-0,dermatology literature on glycyrrhetinic acid