What it is
This ingredient is the water phase obtained from licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root, carrying water-soluble constituents of the plant. In sunscreens and moisturizers it functions both as part of the aqueous base and as a botanical additive selected for its calming, comforting feel on skin. It is most often seen near the top of ingredient lists where it partly replaces plain water with a plant-derived alternative.
Safety & warnings
Licorice root water is generally well tolerated and is frequently included in products formulated for sensitive skin. It is not a recognized common fragrance allergen and is not an oil, so it does not raise comedogenicity concerns; isolated individual sensitivity remains possible as with any botanical.
Origin & sourcing
It is a plant-derived material produced from the roots of licorice through water extraction or distillation, capturing the water-soluble fraction of the root.
Questions everyone asks
Why is licorice root water used instead of plain water?
It serves as a botanically derived water phase that also contributes water-soluble licorice constituents chosen for their soothing feel on skin.
Is it the same as licorice extract?
It is the water-based fraction of licorice root rather than a concentrated whole extract, so it carries mainly water-soluble components.