Common Name(s): Tripotassium glycyrrhizate,tripotassium glycyrrhizate,licorice triterpenoid salt,anti-inflammatory
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides glycyrrhizin triterpenoid saponin anti-inflammatory activity through cortisol metabolism modulation (11β-hsd inhibition), anti-allergic histamine-reducing activity, and glabridin-related melanogenesis inhibition.
Why It's Used: Tripotassium glycyrrhizate is selected as the fully soluble, maximum anti-inflammatory licorice form — the tripotassium neutralisation provides optimal aqueous solubility for high-concentration glycyrrhizin incorporation in water-based formulas, while retaining the corticoid-like anti-inflammatory activity of the free acid.
How It Works: Glycyrrhizin → 11β-hsd inhibition → reduced cortisol metabolism → localised corticoid-like anti-inflammatory; anti-complement activation → reduced hypersensitivity; melanogenesis inhibition via mitf suppression.
Typically Found In: Anti-inflammatory,sensitive skin,brightening
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient – antioxidant
Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Tripotassium salt provides optimal ph neutrality for sensitive skin formulas — the free acid glycyrrhizinic acid requires ph <4 for solubility, while the tripotassium salt dissolves at neutral ph without acidic irritancy.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,tripotassium glycyrrhizate licorice anti-inflammatory review