Ammonium Glycyrrhizate

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