Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate

The short answer

Dipotassium glycyrrhizate is the INCI name for a licorice root derivative — a dipotassium salt of glycyrrhizic acid from Glycyrrhiza glabra. On labels you may also see it grouped under licorice extract marketing, though the purified salt is more specific than a generic botanical water.

In skincare it is used mainly for soothing, anti-inflammatory support, and skin conditioning. It shows up in formulas aimed at sensitive skin, rosacea, and routines where redness and uneven tone need calm handling — sometimes alongside brightening actives for the irritation side of the pigmentation story.

It is not a replacement for azelaic acid, retinol, or prescription care. It is the ingredient that helps some people tolerate the rest of the routine.

What the evidence actually shows

Atopic dermatitis-like skin models. A 2019 study^[1] using IL-4 and IL-13-stimulated skin equivalents found that dipotassium glycyrrhizate reduced atopic dermatitis-related gene expression, improved barrier-related markers, and lowered release of AD-associated cytokines. That is lab-model evidence, not a guarantee your moisturiser erases eczema — but it supports the cosmetic claim of anti-inflammatory soothing rather than pure marketing folklore.

Safety and typical use levels. The CIR safety assessment of glycyrrhizates^[2] reports dipotassium glycyrrhizate at concentrations up to about 1% in cosmetics, with low transepidermal penetration in tested models. The panel reviewed dermal safety across the glycyrrhizic acid salt family. For everyday face products, the practical message is: used as directed in rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics, it has an established safety profile — distinct from eating large amounts of licorice candy, which is a different exposure entirely.

Anti-inflammatory mechanisms. A 2021 review^[3] of glycyrrhizic and glycyrrhetinic acids summarises modulation of cytokines, NF-κB signalling, and inflammatory mediators like COX-2 and prostaglandins. Again, much of this literature is preclinical or mechanism-focused. In a bathroom context, the honest promise is calmer, less reactive skin over time — not one-night transformation.

How to use it

• Look for: dipotassium glycyrrhizate or licorice-root-derived actives in serums, creams, and masks aimed at redness or sensitive skin.
• Routine placement: after cleansing, before heavier creams or SPF.
• Frequency: daily use is common in gentle formulas; patch test if you react to many botanicals.
• Expectation: soothing and comfort over weeks, especially when paired with barrier support.

If your face flares easily when you add new products, licorice-derived soothing is often worth trying before you reach for another aggressive active.

Where it fits in a routine

Dipotassium glycyrrhizate sits comfortably beside:

• Niacinamide: barrier and redness support from a different mechanism.
• Azelaic acid: stronger documented support for redness, breakouts, and uneven tone — a different intensity level, often complementary in philosophy.
• Panthenol and allantoin: the quiet comfort team for irritated routines.
• Alpha arbutin and centella asiatica: common partners in calming, tone-evening formulas.

For pigmentation, licorice derivatives are sometimes included to soothe skin while brighter actives work — inflammation and post-inflammatory marks often travel together. DPG addresses the irritation side; it does not replace the active side.

When it won't help

Dipotassium glycyrrhizate will not clear moderate acne, replace prescription rosacea therapy, or fade deep melasma on its own. It will not rescue a routine built on daily strong acids, fragranced everything, and no moisturiser.

Helpful teammate for redness and comfort. Not the entire game plan.

The practical takeaway

My goal with this guide was to gather the useful science on dipotassium glycyrrhizate in one place, so you can stop hunting for the next clever fix and do the simple, effective things your skin actually needs.

That is also why I made the Danish Skin Care Kit: a calm routine built around documented ingredients, and one that has helped more than 100,000 people with problem skin. If even the smallest question is still nagging you, send me an email at info@danishskincare.com.