What Is Glycyrrhizin?

Learn about the humectant and skin conditioning characteristics of Glycyrrhizin and its usage in personal care products.

What Is Glycyrrhizin? Brandon Jones / IngredientReviewer

Last Updated: October 2, 2024

Written by Brandon Jones

What Is Glycyrrhizin?

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Glycyrrhizic acid is a substance found in licorice root that has many uses. It can be used to make skin care products because it helps keep skin hydrated and healthy. It also has a mild, spicy taste and is very sweet. Some people use glycyrrhizic acid as a supplement because it can help fight inflammation in the body, which may be helpful for conditions like arthritis or asthma. There is also some research suggesting that glycyrrhizic acid may have properties that could help prevent cancer.

What is the purpose of Glycyrrhizin in personal care products? It is used for its humectant and skin conditioning characteristics. Glycyrrhizin prevents drying and moisturizes and strengthens skin.

Names and identifiers that we found for this substance include: Glycyrrhizin and Glycyrrhizic Acid.

What Are Humectant Ingredients?

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Glycyrrhizin has humectant characteristics.

Humectants can be found in many products, such as foods, medicines, and personal care products. The primary role of humectants in these products is to prevent them from drying out, which helps to maintain their texture, quality, and effectiveness.

Many different types of humectants are used in cosmetic products, including glycerin, hyaluronic acid, propylene glycol, and urea. Each ingredient has a slightly different chemical structure, offering various skin benefits also. When applied to the skin, humectants draw in moisture from the surrounding environment and help lock it in, keeping the skin hydrated and moisturized while helping improve its texture and appearance.

In food products, humectants play a crucial role in preventing foods from drying out, especially in packaged or processed foods. Examples of common humectants used in food include glycerin, sorbitol, and propylene glycol. These ingredients help to maintain the moisture content of the food, thereby improving its texture and prolonging its shelf life.

Humectants are also commonly used in medicines and other pharmaceutical products. They help to retain moisture in tablets and capsules, which prevents them from breaking down or becoming less effective over time.

What Are Skin Conditioning Ingredients?

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Glycyrrhizin has skin conditioning characteristics.

Skin conditioning ingredients improve the texture, feel, and overall appearance of the skin, helping to avoid harmful effects from external factors. Skin conditioning ingredients moisturize the skin and strengthen its natural barrier function to help protect it from damage caused by harsh weather and sunlight. Some skin conditioning ingredients are anti-inflammatory and can help reduce redness and irritated skin.

Safety

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Remember, always read and follow the instructions provided on product labels carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about using a product containing various ingredients, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before use.