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Skincare Ingredient

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Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate

In Skincare: Is Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects

Safety (overall safety)
2/5 — Low risk
Irritancy (skin irritation)
1/5 — Very low risk

Safety Information

Sensitization or irritation is uncommon but possible, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin. Limited safety data is available on long-term use, and further research is recommended.

Quick Insights

At a glance

  • 01

    Stearyl glycyrrhetinate is derived from licorice root.

  • 02

    This ingredient provides skin-soothing benefits.

  • 03

    Stearyl glycyrrhetinate exhibits antioxidant activity.

  • 04

    Formulations containing stearyl glycyrrhetinate can be found in skincare, haircare, and makeup products.

  • 05

    Stearyl glycyrrhetinate can impart a mattifying appearance and is occasionally used as a flavoring agent.

Key Benefits

What Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate does for your skin

3 benefits
Soothing
Anti-Aging
Evens Skin Tone

Overview

Ingredient Profile

Stearyl glycyrrhetinate is a skin-soothing ingredient derived from licorice root, specifically the fatty acid ester of glycyrrhetinic acid. It provides antioxidant benefits and can contribute a mattifying effect in skincare, haircare, and makeup formulations. Safe for topical use at concentrations between 0.1-1%, it is valued for its ability to calm and protect the skin.
Classifications
Plant Extracts
Antioxidant

Data & Research

Scientific Facts

Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate is a derivative of glycyrrhetinic acid, a naturally occurring compound extracted from licorice root. Glycyrrhizic Acid, the precursor to glycyrrhetinic acid, is a naturally occurring substance found in Glycyrrhiza glabra.

Common Uses

Formulation in Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate

Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate is incorporated into cosmetic products, including skincare and makeup, to help improve the appearance of dry or damaged skin. It can reduce flaking and contribute to a smoother texture, promoting suppleness in the skin.

Role of Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate

Active Cosmetic Mechanisms

SKIN CONDITIONING

Skin Enhancer

Maintains skin in good condition and improves its feel

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Skin conditioning ingredients enhance appearance, texture, and health of skin through various mechanisms. This broad category encompasses emollients, humectants, occlusives, and other agents that improve skin feel, appearance, and function. May work by moisturizing, smoothing, softening, or protecting skin. Effects include improved tactile properties, enhanced barrier function, and better overall skin condition.

SOOTHING

Calming Agent

Calms and comforts irritated or sensitive skin

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Soothing ingredients reduce discomfort, redness, and inflammation through anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Include allantoin (stimulates healing), bisabolol (anti-inflammatory), colloidal oatmeal (skin protectant), panthenol (hydrating, barrier repair), and botanical extracts (aloe, chamomile, calendula). Mechanisms involve inhibiting inflammatory mediators (prostaglandins, cytokines), reducing histamine release, strengthening barrier function, and providing cooling sensation. Essential for sensitive, reactive, or post-procedure skin.

Products

containing Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate

326 formulations
Indigo Soothing Body Butter
Indigo Soothing Body Butter
Tatcha · body-skincare
KissKiss Liplift Lipstick Primer
KissKiss Liplift Lipstick Primer
Guerlain · makeup
Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 PA+++
Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 PA+++
Tatcha · sunscreen

References

Scientific sources

[1]

Dermatology and Therapy, February 2020, pages 87-98

[2]

Dermatology and Therapy, August 2019, pages 469-477

[3]

Journal of Cosmetic Science, October 2013, pages 341-353

[4]

Drug Discoveries and Therapeutics, June 2012, pages 157-162

[5]

International Journal of Toxicology, March 2007, pages 79-112

[6]

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, December 2003, pages 5,345-5,352

Semantic Analysis

Similar Ingredients

Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate — common questions

What is Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate in skincare?

Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate is a salt derived from glycyrrhetinic acid, which itself is obtained from licorice root ( Glycyrrhiza glabra). Glycyrrhetinic acid is a conjugate of glycyrrhizic acid and two molecules of glucuronic acid, a carbohydrate. It’s used in cosmetic formulations to provide skin-conditioning and soothing benefits.

What does Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate do? / Functions of Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate?

Common functions: SKIN CONDITIONING, SOOTHING.

What is the comedogenic rating of Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate? / Is Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate comedogenic?

The comedogenic rating of Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate has not been established in our database.

Does it clog pores?
No Rating Available

Whether Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate clogs pores depends on the formulation and concentration.

Is Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate safe for skin?
2 2/5 — Low risk

Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate has a safety rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: Sensitization or irritation is uncommon but possible, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin. Limited safety data is available on long-term use, and further research is recommended.

Is Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate good for sensitive skin?
1 1/5 — Very low risk

Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate has an irritancy rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally well-tolerated.

What are the side effects of Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate in skincare?

Known considerations: Sensitization or irritation is uncommon but possible, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin. Limited safety data is available on long-term use, and further research is recommended.

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