Ammonium Glycyrrhizate
Reviewed by Daisy · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Also known as: Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Compound isolated from licorice plants | Used as a soothing, skin-conditioning agent in personal care products
Addresses
EWG Safety Score
What Is Ammonium Glycyrrhizate?
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.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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PubChem, Accessed March 2023, ePublication [https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Ammonium-Glycyrrhizate]
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Toronto Research Chemicals, Accessed March 2023, ePublication [https://www.lgcstandards.com/US/en/p/TRC-A634010]
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UL Prospector (supplier info), Accessed March 2023, ePublication [https://www.ulprospector.com/en/eu/PersonalCare/Detail/4388/128987/Ammonium-Glycyrrhizate-MAG]
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Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, May 2020, ePublication [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32535351/]
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International Journal of Toxicology, 2007, pages 79–112 [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17613133/]
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