Glycyrrhizin

Glycyrrhizin (also called glycyrrhizic acid or glycyrrhizinic acid) is a compound derived from licorice root that has potent anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties. It is particularly effective at calming redness, irritation, and inflammation. Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, a salt form of glycyrrhizin, is most commonly used in skincare for its improved solubility.

Glycyrrhizin works by inhibiting inflammatory pathways and reducing the production of inflammatory mediators. It is significantly more potent than hydrocortisone in some anti-inflammatory assays, yet it is gentle enough for sensitive skin. It also has some brightening effects and can help fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

In Japan, glycyrrhizin is approved as a quasi-drug active ingredient for anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic purposes. It is a staple in Japanese skincare for sensitive and irritated skin, appearing in products from drugstore brands like Curel to prestige lines like SK-II.