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What is "Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate" and what is its utility?

What is "Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate" and what is its utility?

Recognizable by the abbreviation DPG, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate is the dipotassium salt of glycyrrhizic acid. Soluble in water, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate possesses both lipophilic and hydrophilic groups. It forms a gel-like structure, allowing for an even distribution of active ingredients in the formulation. Here's what you need to know about Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate.

Summary
Published November 5, 2021, updated on February 1, 2024, by Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences — 4 min read

All You Need to Know About Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate is a humectant agent that preserves the moisture content of a skincare product in its packaging as well as on the skin. Furthermore, it helps to keep the skin in good condition and restores its suppleness. This ingredient can be used in a wide range of applications. In addition to its moisturizing virtues, it also has a calming and soothing effect on irritated skin.

Originating from Southern Europe and South Asia, glycyrrhizic acid is derived from the root of the licorice plant (glycyrrhiza glabra). This perennial plant belongs to the Fabaceae family and the Faboideae subfamily. The main countries cultivating it are Iran, India, Spain, China, Turkey, and Russia. Among the salts and esters of glycyrrhetinic acid, it is worth mentioning:

  • Potassium Glycyrrhetinate;

  • Glycyrrhetinic Acid Glyceryl;

  • Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate;

  • The Succinoyl Glycyrrhetinate;

  • Glycyrrhetinyl Stearate.

Glycyrrhizin has a sweet taste. Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate appears as a white powder. It is known for its ability to even out skin tone. It contains:

  • Saponins (glycyrrhizic acid): Glycyrrhizic acid is renowned for its soothing, healing, and decongesting properties;

  • Flavonoids: they combat free radicals, thereby delaying the aging of cells and tissues;

  • Triterpenoids;

  • Coumarins: they possess olfactory properties;

  • Essential oils: they are effective in combating issues such as acne or psoriasis.

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate: What is its purpose?

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate is brimming with benefits for the skin. It acts as a gelling agent. It incorporates components that are both water and oil-loving, which also makes it a surfactant. DPG has various properties, including:

  • It retains moisture;

  • It possesses calming and soothing virtues. Thus, it is an ingredient suitable for red or irritated skin.

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate maintains the amount of hyaluronic acid in the skin. Furthermore, it prevents its natural degradation.

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate is present in various types of skincare:

  • Skin care;

  • Sunscreen care;

  • Haircare treatments;

  • The makeups ;

  • Post-shave care.

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate is used for:

  • Preventing and treating inflammation;

  • Enhancing the appearance of damaged and dry skin. It restores the skin's suppleness and reduces flaking.

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate: What are the Risks?

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate poses no danger to the skin. As it helps combat inflammation, it is recommended for sensitive and reactive skin types.

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