Common Name(s): Polyglyceryl-3 sorbityl glycyrrhetinate

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides licorice anti-inflammatory activity in a functional emulsifier structure.

Why It's Used: Used where anti-inflammatory activity from licorice and mild emulsification are both desired.

How It Works: Polyglyceryl-3 provides hydrophilic emulsifier head; sorbityl group adds sugar-derived polarity; glycyrrhetinate delivers anti-inflammatory glycyrrhetinic acid (18β-ga) from licorice root.

Typically Found In: Anti-inflammatory skin care,natural o/w emulsions

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient + emulsifier

Secondary Functions: Emulsifying,anti-inflammatory active,skin conditioning agent

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–3%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required

Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)

Source Notes: Polyglyceryl-3 from vegetable glycerol; sorbitol from plant; glycyrrhetinic acid from glycyrrhiza licorice root; naturally derived. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Generally well tolerated.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Other natural emulsifiers,licorice extracts

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Glycyrrhetinic acid (18β-glycyrrhizin aglycone) is the active anti-inflammatory compound from licorice; esterification to polyglyceryl-3 sorbityl provides functional emulsification alongside the anti-inflammatory activity.

Last Verified: 2026-03-28

Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary