The Clean Sheet
Ingredient Directory
Low ConcernVegan

Glycyrrhetinic Acid

18-beta-Glycyrrhetinic acid (enoxolone); licorice-derived triterpenoid

Safety Flags
Allergen: Low
Safety Notes

Active aglycone of licorice; well documented anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing action, often paired with dipotassium glycyrrhizate. Well tolerated at typical cosmetic levels (~0.1%-2%)

Function & Common Use

Function

Soothing, anti-inflammatory, skin conditioning active

Category

Active Ingredient

Common In

Soothing serums, redness-calming creams, sensitive-skin moisturisers, after-sun

Origin

Plant derived (from Glycyrrhiza / licorice root)

Concentration Limits

India (CDSCO)

Not verified in source checked

EU Cosmetics Reg.

No limit specified

US FDA (21 CFR)

No limit established

Korea (MFDS)

Not verified in source checked

Pregnancy: No specific restriction identified for topical cosmetic use

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Glycyrrhetinic Acid safe to use in skincare?

Glycyrrhetinic Acid has a Low concern rating from The Clean Sheet. Active aglycone of licorice; well documented anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing action, often paired with dipotassium glycyrrhizate. Well tolerated at typical cosmetic levels (~0.1%-2%)

Is Glycyrrhetinic Acid allowed in India?

Glycyrrhetinic Acid is currently classified as "Not specifically restricted in source checked; traditional cosmetic/Ayurvedic botanical with long history of use; no known CDSCO restriction" under Indian cosmetics regulations. The maximum permitted concentration is Not verified in source checked.

What is Glycyrrhetinic Acid used for in cosmetics?

Glycyrrhetinic Acid functions as: Soothing, anti-inflammatory, skin conditioning active. It is commonly found in: Soothing serums, redness-calming creams, sensitive-skin moisturisers, after-sun.

Can Glycyrrhetinic Acid cause an allergic reaction?

Yes. Glycyrrhetinic Acid has an allergen flag (Low). If you have sensitive skin or known fragrance/contact allergies, patch-test products containing this ingredient before full use.

TCS Assessment
Low Concern
Data Confidence
High
Based on peer-reviewed safety data, regulatory status, and expert review by The Clean Sheet panel.

Regulatory Status

India (CDSCO)
Not specifically restricted in source checked; traditional cosmetic/Ayurvedic botanical with long history of use; no known CDSCO restriction
EU
Permitted - listed in EU CosIng; not in Annex II or Annex III
US FDA
Permitted for cosmetic use; no restriction identified
Korea (MFDS)
Not specifically restricted in source checked; general cosmetic ingredient under MFDS negative list system
Australia (TGA)
Permitted as cosmetic ingredient under AICIS; no specific restriction found
Canada (NHPID)
Not verified in source checked

EU Annex: None

Identifiers

CAS471-53-4
EC207-444-6

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