Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Also known as Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate, Licorice Root Extract (salt form), GK2, DPG
“CIR Expert Panel says: safe as used in cosmetics.”
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (CAS 68797-35-3) is the dipotassium salt of glycyrrhizic acid, derived from licorice root (Glycyrrhiza spp.). The CIR Expert Panel assessed this ingredient as part of a group of 13 glycyrrhizate and glycyrrhetinate compounds (IJT 26(S2):79-112, 2007; PMID 17613133) and concluded all are safe in current practices of use and concentration. Key findings: Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate was undetectable in the receptor chamber when tested for transepidermal permeation through pig skin, indicating minimal systemic exposure at cosmetic concentrations (up to ~1%). Little short-term, subchronic, or chronic toxicity was seen in animal studies. No significant skin irritation, sensitization, phototoxicity, or reproductive/developmental toxicity were observed at tested concentrations. The panel noted that total polychlorobiphenyl/pesticide contamination should be limited to not more than 40 ppm, with not more than 10 ppm for any specific residue, and toxic metal levels should not exceed 3 mg/kg arsenic, 0.002% heavy metals, or 1 mg/kg lead. Published evidence supports skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory activity relevant to sensitive skin, melasma, and post-procedural recovery formulations.
Potent skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory active derived from licorice root; targets calming of irritation, redness, and reactive skin
Negligible transepidermal penetration in pig skin model, supporting favorable topical safety profile
CIR Expert Panel concluded safe as used in cosmetics:79-112, 2007; PMID 17613133) covering 13 glycyrrhizate/glycyrrhetinate salts
Evidence of efficacy for melasma treatment and post-photorejuvenation skin recovery in clinical settings
Inhibits DPP4 activity and reduces periodontal pathogen burden; modulates inflammatory pathways via HMGB1/AMPK signaling
- · CIR panel advises industry to limit PCB/pesticide contamination to <40 ppm total and toxic metals (arsenic <3 mg/kg, lead <1 mg/kg) in the finished ingredient
Systemic ingestion of glycyrrhizic acid (parent compound) is associated with sodium and water retention, hypertension, and hypokalemia at high doses — not relevant at topical cosmetic concentrations given negligible skin absorption
CIR Quick Reference Table (12/2017, revised 07/2018) — DIPOTASSIUM GLYCYRRHIZATE row: Finding=S, Citation=IJT 26 (S2):79-112, 2007
“Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate | S | | IJT 26 (S2):79-112, 2007”— QRT-122017revised072018.pdf, p. 46