Glycyrrhetinic Acid
Ingredient Info
Glycyrrhetinic acid is an active compound derived from licorice root that helps calm and soothe irritated skin. It's commonly used in products designed for sensitive or reactive skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Benefits
- Reduces skin inflammation and redness
- Helps soothe irritated or sensitive skin
- Provides antioxidant protection
- Supports skin barrier function
Potential concerns
- Limited clinical study data in humans compared to other sensitive skin ingredients
- May cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to licorice or related plants
- Long-term safety profile not extensively documented in peer-reviewed research
Science: Glycyrrhetinic acid is one of the top five active ingredients used in pharmacy-grade sensitive skin products, ranking alongside niacinamide and allantoin. Research confirms anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities from licorice extracts, though most clinical efficacy studies lack rigorous methodology and direct human volunteer testing remains sparse for this specific ingredient.
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