Enoxolone — Licorice's Gentle Soothing Ingredient
Science Reviewed · Boldpurity Science Team
Last reviewed: July 2026
Quick Answer
Enoxolone (also called glycyrrhetinic acid) is a gentle, plant-derived compound from licorice root, best known in skincare as a soothing ingredient for sensitive and reactive skin. It helps calm the appearance of redness, irritation, and discomfort, and offers antioxidant support. It's exceptionally gentle and well-tolerated, used at low levels (around 0.5–2%). A quiet, comforting supporting ingredient — perfect for skin that's easily upset.
Key Facts About Enoxolone
- Enoxolone (glycyrrhetinic acid) is derived from licorice root.
- It's best known as a gentle soothing ingredient.
- It helps calm the appearance of redness and irritation.
- It offers antioxidant support.
- It's especially associated with sensitive and reactive skin.
- It's exceptionally gentle — neither irritating nor sensitising in studies.
- Used at low levels (around 0.5–2%) as a supporting ingredient.
Key Takeaways
- Enoxolone is a licorice-derived soothing ingredient.
- Calms the appearance of redness, irritation, and discomfort.
- Offers antioxidant support.
- A favourite for sensitive and reactive skin.
- Very gentle and well-tolerated.
- A quiet supporting comfort ingredient, used in small amounts.
What Is Enoxolone?
Enoxolone — also known as glycyrrhetinic acid — is a natural compound found in the root of the licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Licorice has been valued since antiquity, and in modern skincare, enoxolone is used mainly as a gentle soothing and skin-conditioning agent. It's most associated with helping calm the appearance of sensitive, reactive, easily-irritated skin, and it offers antioxidant support too. It's a low-level supporting ingredient known for being remarkably gentle.
Licorice is one of those plants with a long history in traditional care, and its root gives us one of skincare's loveliest soothing ingredients: enoxolone. If your skin runs sensitive, reactive, or easily flushed, this is an ingredient worth recognising.
Here's a plain-language look at what it does and who it suits.
The Licorice Connection
From an Ancient Root
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) originates from the Mediterranean and West Africa and has been used for its comforting qualities since antiquity. Enoxolone is one of the key compounds found in its root. So the gentle soothing agent in your sensitive-skin cream traces back to a plant humans have valued for thousands of years — a nice reminder that some of the best skincare ideas are very old ones.
What Enoxolone Does
Soothes the Look of Irritation
Enoxolone's signature quality is soothing. It helps calm the appearance of redness, irritation, tightness, and that flushed, reactive look — which is exactly why it's a favourite in products for sensitive skin.
Antioxidant Support
It offers antioxidant support, helping limit the free-radical stress associated with the appearance of tired, prematurely-ageing-looking skin.
Comforts Reactive Skin
Its gentle, comforting nature makes it especially suited to reactive skin that flushes easily or feels sensitive and uncomfortable.
A Note on Claims
Enoxolone is a supporting cosmetic ingredient. Its benefits relate to soothing, antioxidant support, and the appearance of calmer, more comfortable skin — not to treating any medical condition. As always, it's one helpful ingredient among many, not a stand-alone fix.
Who It's For
Especially Suited To:
- Sensitive & reactive skin — soothing is enoxolone's signature
- Redness-prone skin — helps calm the appearance of flushing
- Skin that feels irritated or tight — for a calmer, more comfortable feel
- All skin types — a gentle addition to an antioxidant-supported routine
A Great Companion to Actives
Like other soothing ingredients, enoxolone often appears alongside more demanding actives, where its calming quality helps keep skin feeling comfortable. It's frequently paired with other gentle soothers such as bisabolol.
How to Use It
Enoxolone almost always appears as one supporting ingredient within a formula — a soothing serum, moisturiser, mask, after-sun product, or balm — rather than as a standalone. To make the most of soothing ingredients:
- Apply after cleansing — in the Prep, Treat, or Seal step, depending on the product
- Reach for it when skin feels stressed — after strong actives or environmental stress
- Pair with hydrators — enoxolone complements humectants like HA and glycerine
- Use daily if you like — it's gentle enough for morning and evening
- Finish with SPF in the AM — soothed skin still needs sun protection
- Patch test first — even gentle ingredients deserve a quick test
A Note on Products
Boldpurity does not currently feature enoxolone as a hero ingredient in a dedicated product; any mention here is educational and generic. For soothing and sensitive-skin topics, see our sensitive skin guide and allantoin guide. For gentle hydration in your Treat step, SkinReset™ offers PDRN-based hydration support.
A Realistic Note
A Gentle Helper, Not a Cure
Enoxolone is a lovely, gentle soothing ingredient for the appearance of calmer, more comfortable skin. It's not a medication or a treatment for any medical skin condition. If you're dealing with persistent redness, irritation, or a diagnosed skin concern, a dermatologist is the right person to see.
Your Questions, Answered
What is enoxolone in skincare?
A gentle, licorice-derived compound (also called glycyrrhetinic acid) used mainly as a soothing ingredient. It helps calm the appearance of redness and irritation and offers antioxidant support, making it a favourite for sensitive and reactive skin.
Is enoxolone the same as licorice extract?
Enoxolone (glycyrrhetinic acid) is a specific compound found in licorice root, so it's related to but not exactly the same as a general "licorice root extract," which can contain a mix of compounds. Both come from the licorice plant.
Is enoxolone good for sensitive skin?
Yes — it's one of the gentler soothing ingredients around, shown to be neither irritating nor sensitising in studies, making it a great choice for sensitive and reactive skin. As always, patch test new products first.
Can I use enoxolone with active ingredients?
Yes — its soothing quality makes it a nice companion to more demanding actives, helping keep skin feeling comfortable. It's often paired with other gentle soothers like bisabolol in calming formulas.
Can I use it every day?
Yes — it's gentle enough for daily use, morning and evening. Because it's so well-tolerated, it fits easily into most routines.
Is enoxolone safe during pregnancy?
Topical enoxolone is generally considered a gentle, well-tolerated cosmetic ingredient. As always, if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, it's sensible to check with your doctor about your specific routine.
A Gentle Gift From Licorice
Enoxolone is a quiet, gentle soothing ingredient with a long natural heritage in licorice root. Calming the appearance of redness and irritation, offering antioxidant support, and being kind to even reactive skin, it's a lovely supporting player in comforting formulas. If you spot it — or "glycyrrhetinic acid" — on an ingredient list, it's a sign of a thoughtful, sensitive-skin-friendly product.
References
- India Cosmetics Rules, 2020 — CDSCO
- ASCI Code for Self-Regulation in Advertising, 2021
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review — Glycyrrhetinic acid and derivatives, safety data.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Boldpurity does not currently feature enoxolone as a hero ingredient in a dedicated product; any mention is educational and generic. All cosmetic claims refer to the appearance of the skin and do not treat any medical condition. If pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor about your routine. In line with ASCI Code 2021 and India Cosmetics Rules, 2020. Results may vary. Patch test before use.
