Ingredient · Liquorice-Derived Soothing Agent
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (Liquorice)
INCI · Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Dipotassium glycyrrhizate (INCI: Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate) is a purified, water-soluble dipotassium salt of glycyrrhizic acid from liquorice root. Unlike whole liquorice-root extract, it is one defined ingredient, suitable for odourless, colourless sensitive-skin formulas. It is often used as a soothing helper at low doses, generally 0.1%-2%, in formulas for sensitive and redness-prone profiles. It is readily formulated in water-based toners, essences and serums, generally alongside ingredients such as centella and panthenol. Labels show 'Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate'. As a purified salt, it has an individual PubChem record (Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate, CID 656852, C42H60K2O16; the two potassium atoms in the formula confirm the dipotassium salt). Klaris considers dose, accompanying soothing agents and the whole formula together.
i. Cosmetic Functions
Frequently Discussed Effects
The following headings summarise areas of effect frequently discussed in the literature; visible results in each area require regular use and a suitable formula.
A Soothing Feel
A liquorice-derived ingredient associated with claims of a comfortable appearance for redness-prone profiles.
Water-Soluble Support
A soothing ingredient readily formulated in water-based toners, essences and serums.
A Balancing Ingredient
Can form part of the foundation of sensitive-skin formulas alongside other soothing agents.
Mechanism
What Happens Within the Skin?
The following points summarise mechanisms from dermocosmetic literature in plain English. Klaris presents them as background information to help readers understand the context, not as medical claims.
Step 1
Purified Liquorice Derivative
The purified dipotassium salt of glycyrrhizic acid from liquorice root; one defined ingredient, unlike the whole extract.
Step 2
Soothing Signals
A liquorice-derived ingredient associated with claims of a comfortable appearance for redness-prone profiles.
Step 3
Water Solubility
Its water-soluble structure makes it easy to use in water-based toners, essences and serums.
Step 4
Odourless and Colourless Advantages
Being a purified salt makes it suitable for odourless, colourless sensitive-skin formulas.
Step 5
A Low-Dose Blend Component
Generally formulated at low doses of 0.1%-2% alongside other soothing ingredients.
ii. Role in the Formula
How Is It Read on a Label?
Dipotassium glycyrrhizate is used as a low-dose soothing helper in water-based formulas. Unlike whole liquorice-root extract, it is one purified ingredient, suitable for odourless, colourless formulas. It is generally formulated with ingredients such as centella and panthenol.
A Closer Look · pH, Stability, Synergy
Dipotassium glycyrrhizate is a common, useful ingredient in water-based soothing formulas. It differs from whole liquorice-root extract by being one purified ingredient. This matters in practice: whole liquorice extract carries various components such as glabridin and flavonoids, plus colour and odour, while dipotassium glycyrrhizate is a purified, water-soluble, odourless, colourless salt. It is therefore chosen for clear toners and sensitive-skin serums. Used at low doses, generally 0.1%-2%, it is associated with claims of a comfortable appearance in formulas for redness-prone profiles, often with centella, panthenol and allantoin. Its liquorice origin sometimes links it to tone or dark-spot claims, but tone-appearance messaging is more often associated with the glabridin in whole liquorice extract. In every case this concerns appearance, not a treatment or spot-erasing promise. It is generally described as low-irritation; patch testing a new product is measured for sensitive profiles. Klaris considers dose, accompanying soothing ingredients and the complete formula together.
Typical Concentration Range
Low dose (generally 0.1% - 2%)
Ingredient Family
Soothing Ingredients
iii. Sensitivity Advisory
A Note on Extra Care in Context
Generally described as low-irritation; patch testing a new product is a measured approach for sensitive profiles.
A sensitivity advisory is not an instruction for use; where individual health circumstances, pregnancy or known sensitivities are involved, discussing the decision with your doctor may be a more contextual approach.
Common Misconceptions
Frequently Confused Points
Common Belief
Dipotassium glycyrrhizate and liquorice-root extract are the same.
A More Contextual Reading
Dipotassium glycyrrhizate is one purified salt of liquorice's glycyrrhizic acid; liquorice-root extract is a whole extract containing various components. They are assessed in different contexts.
Common Belief
Because it is liquorice-derived, it erases spots or treats uneven tone.
A More Contextual Reading
It is a soothing ingredient. Tone-appearance claims are more often associated with glabridin in whole liquorice extract, and always concern appearance, not treatment or spot erasure.
Common Belief
As a natural liquorice derivative, it is safe for every sensitive skin.
A More Contextual Reading
Generally described as low-irritation, but 'natural' or 'botanical' does not automatically mean suitable. Patch testing is measured for sensitive profiles, and the whole formula matters.
Common Belief
As a salt, it is chemical and worse than the extract.
A More Contextual Reading
The purified salt's odourless, colourless, water-soluble nature suits clear sensitive-skin formulas. 'Salt' or 'chemical' is not automatically a disadvantage and may offer benefits in formula context.
Scientific Basis
Sources and Their Scope
The following headings indicate areas of research; they are not citations of a specific publication or confirmation that every statement on this page has been verified. The links provided should be read with their individual scope in mind.
- International INCI / CosIng database
- Dermocosmetic research publications
- Literature evaluating sensitive profiles
Source Links
Database records provide ingredient identity and registration information; on their own, they do not establish the effect of a finished product or its suitability for a profile. Search links are not specific research papers.
iv. Related Ingredients
Ingredients Often Read Together
v. Soothing Ingredients Family
Other Ingredients in the Same Family
Explore ingredients in the same functional family to deepen your reading of formulas.
vi. Academy · Related Reading
For a Closer Look
Klaris · Example Analyses
How Does Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (Liquorice) Feature
in Your Products?
Explore product examples to see the ingredient list, general assessment and match score that changes with the example profile together.
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