Is Licorice Root Extract safe in cosmetics?
Licorice Root Extract has a safety rating of "MODERATE" in our database. EU status: permitted. US status: permitted.
Moderate
Active Ingredient
Licorice Root Extract
Licorice Root Extract (CAS 84775-66-6) is a cosmetic active ingredient functioning as Antioxidant; Bleaching agent; Fragrance; Humectant; Softener and conditioner. EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: permitted. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database. Same-CAS public records also appear in pharmaceutical data.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 84775-66-6 →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Function
Antioxidant; Bleaching agent; Fragrance; Humectant; Softener and conditioner
Safety Rating
MODERATE
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
permitted
US US Status
permitted
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Licorice Root Extract.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Additional Ingredient Properties
10 property records from structured ingredient metadata.
acne
{"cas_number": "68916-91-6", "anti_acne_mechanism": "anti_inflammatory", "comedogenicity_rating_0_to_5": "1", "acne_type_efficacy": "inflammatory", "sebum_reduction_pct_clinical": "0-5", "prescription_required_usa": "No", "otc_drug_monograph_category": "No", "max_otc_concentration_pct": "No limit", "japan_quasi_drug_anti_acne": "Yes", "korea_functional_cosmetic_acne": "Yes", "eu_cosmetic_restricti…
comedogenicity_detail
{"comedogenicity_rating": "0", "irritancy_rating": "0", "skin_type_suitability": "all,oily,sensitive,combination,normal,acne-prone,mature", "acne_safe": "yes", "source": "Anti-inflammatory"}
concentration
{"min_concentration_pct": "0.5", "max_concentration_pct": "3.0", "typical_concentration_pct": "1.0", "product_type": "Moisturizer", "function_at_concentration": "Brightening", "source": "Supplier TDS"}
ecotoxicity
{"biodegradable": "yes", "biodegradation_days": "28-60", "bioaccumulative": "no", "aquatic_toxicity_level": "low", "coral_reef_safe": "yes", "marine_toxicity": "very low toxicity", "freshwater_toxicity": "minimal impact", "endocrine_disruptor": "no", "persistent_organic_pollutant": "no", "microplastic": "no", "nano_particle": "no", "hawaii_banned": "no", "eu_restricted_environmental": "no", "palm_…
hair_care
{"hair_function": "scalp-care", "hair_type_suitability": "all", "curl_pattern_suitability": "all", "porosity_suitability": "all", "protein_sensitivity": "neutral", "moisture_protein_balance": "yes", "cg_method_approved": "not-a-silicone", "silicone_type": "not-a-sulfate", "sulfate_type": "no", "drying_alcohol": "no", "fatty_alcohol": "no", "heat_protectant": "yes", "color_safe": "neutral", "kerati…
interactions
{"ingredient_2": "Niacinamide", "interaction_type": "synergistic", "severity": "beneficial", "effect": "Anti-inflammatory + brightening, dual action", "recommendation": "Excellent for PIH with inflammation", "data_source": "Formulation science literature, dermatological research, cosmetic chemistry best practices", "last_updated": "2026-03-05"}
microbiome_impact
{"microbiome_effect": "positive", "prebiotic": "yes", "probiotic_compatible": "yes", "antimicrobial_spectrum": "selective", "preservative_effect_on_microbiome": "Glabridin; anti-inflammatory; supports microbiome balance", "gut_microbiome_risk": "low", "microbiome_recovery_time": "<3 days", "selective_antimicrobial": "yes", "beneficial_bacteria_support": "S. epidermidis, Lactobacillus spp", "pathog…
pediatric_safety
{"safe_for_newborn_0_6m": "yes", "safe_for_infant_6_12m": "yes", "safe_for_toddler_1_3y": "yes", "safe_for_child_3_12y": "yes", "safe_for_teen_12_18y": "yes", "pediatric_max_concentration_pct": "2.0", "adult_max_concentration_pct": "5.0", "pediatric_dermal_absorption_factor": "normal", "diaper_area_safe": "yes", "pediatric_allergy_prevalence": "low", "banned_in_children_products_eu": "no", "banned…
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Antioxidant
Bleaching agent
Fragrance
Humectant
Softener and conditioner
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Licorice Root Extract.
Regulatory Flags
rare-acd-risk
skin-brightening
tyrosinase-inhibitor
botanical-extract
anti-inflammatory
antioxidant
depigmentation-potential
Chemical Function
Softener and conditioner
Antioxidant
Humectant
Fragrance
Australian Status
AICIS status: listed
Cross-Vertical Safety Context
Same-CAS public records found in pharmaceutical data.
SOURCE
ChEMBL / DrugCentral / FAERS
DB_PHARMA count match
Pharmaceutical Data
Same-CAS rows from the pharmaceutical spoke database.
Adverse Event Associations
2
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Licorice Root Extract allowed in the EU?
Licorice Root Extract EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Licorice Root Extract do in cosmetics?
Licorice Root Extract functions as: Antioxidant; Bleaching agent; Fragrance; Humectant; Softener and conditioner. It is classified as a Active Ingredient in our database. CAS number: 84775-66-6.
Is Licorice Root Extract used outside cosmetics?
Licorice Root Extract also appears in pharmaceutical data. The cross-vertical cards on this page render same-CAS public rows from the matched databases.
Compliance Tools
Check Licorice Root Extract compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
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MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions
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