Cosmetics · Quasi-drug actives
Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate
グリチルレチン酸ステアリル (Guricchiruretin-san suteariru)
Also known as: Glycyrrhetinic Acid Stearate
At a glance
| Category | Cosmetics |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate |
| Japanese labeling name | グリチルレチン酸ステアリル |
| Common Japanese notations | グリチルレチン酸ステアリル |
| CAS number | 13832-70-7 |
| Origin | Plant-derived (esterified Glycyrrhiza-derived glycyrrhetinic acid) |
| Typical functions | Quasi-drug anti-inflammatory active (oil-soluble) |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Approved as a quasi-drug (医薬部外品) anti-inflammatory active by MHLW. |
Stearyl glycyrrhetinate is the stearyl ester of glycyrrhetinic acid (the aglycone of glycyrrhizic acid). It is the oil-soluble counterpart to dipotassium glycyrrhizate, used in medicated formulations where lipid-phase incorporation is required.
Classification
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Product applications
Functions
Regulatory tags
Origin
Used in (typical product categories)
Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.
- Medicated balms and creams
- Quasi-drug skincare for sensitive skin
- Lip-care products
What it is
Stearyl glycyrrhetinate is produced by esterification of glycyrrhetinic acid with stearyl alcohol. The ester is oil-soluble, making it suitable for incorporation into oil-phase or emulsion formulations.
Typical uses in Japanese products
In Japanese cosmetics, stearyl glycyrrhetinate appears in medicated creams, balms, and oil-phase-rich formulations for sensitive skin.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Approved as a quasi-drug anti-inflammatory active by MHLW.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Listed in CosIng. Permitted for cosmetic use. |
|---|---|
| USA | INCI recognized. |
| China | Permitted per IECIC listings. |
| Korea | Permitted under KFDA / MFDS. |
Example products
Example finished products will be added after each product's current full ingredient list has been verified.
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Related ingredients
References
- Japan PMDA — quasi-drug active ingredient approval registry
- EU CosIng entry: Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate
Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.