Acids & Salts Available — Bulk Only

Glycyrrhizic Acid (Glycyrrhizin)

CAS 1405-86-3 · Formula C42H62O16 · MW 822.9 g/mol

Naturally derived saponin glycoside delivering intense sweetness and foam stabilization at low dose. Used in food and beverage as a high-intensity sweetener, foaming agent, and flavoring/taste-masking agent, and in cosmetic formulations as a humectant and skin-conditioning ingredient.

Part of Acids & Salts
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HS Code
2938.90
At a Glance
Material Family
Acids & Salts
Record Type
Pure compound
Primary Role
Conditioning · Moisture Control
Solubility
Easily soluble in hot water
Functional Roles
GLYCYRRHIZIC ACID
HUMECTANTSKIN CONDITIONING
Applications & Use Cases
  • Sweetener: High-intensity sweetener for confectionery and low-calorie foods
  • Foaming agent: Foam stabilizer in root beer and beverages
  • Flavor/taste-masking: Flavor enhancer and bitterness masker
  • Cosmetics: Humectant and skin-conditioning agent
Physical Properties
Melting Point
220 °C (Decomposes at 200 °C)
Boiling Point
Decomposes at 200 °C
Solubility
Easily soluble in hot water
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request

A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.

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HS / Tariff Classification
Harmonized System (HS) Code — 6-digit international heading
2938 . 90
Chapter 29
Organic chemicals
Heading 29.38
Internationally harmonized (WCO HS)
Subheading 2938.90
6-digit international code — national tariff line adds further digits
Chemical Identity
CAS Number
1405-86-3
Molecular Formula
C42H62O16
Molecular Weight
822.9 g/mol
IUPAC Name
(2S,3S,4S,5R,6R)-6-[(2S,3R,4S,5S,6S)-2-[[(3S,4aR,6aR,6bS,8aS,11S,12aR,14aR,14bS)-11-carboxy-4,4,6a,6b,8a,11,14b-heptamethyl-14-oxo-2,3,4a,5,6,7,8,9,10,12,12a,14a-dodecahydro-1H-picen-3-yl]oxy]-6-carboxy-4,5-dihydroxyoxan-3-yl]oxy-3,4,5-trihydroxyoxane-2-carboxylic acid
INCI Name
GLYCYRRHIZIC ACID
PubChem CID
InChI Key
LPLVUJXQOOQHMX-QWBHMCJMSA-N
Synonyms & Trade Names
Glycyrrhizic acid glycyrrhizin Glycyrrhizinic acid Glycyron potenlini beta-Glycyrrhizin Glycyrrhetinic acid glycoside Glizigen 18beta-Glycyrrhizic acid glycyrrhizate 18-beta-Glycyrrhizic acid Glycyrrizin Rizinsan K2 A2 (free acid)
Full Description

A triterpenoid saponin glycoside extracted from licorice root (CAS 1405-86-3, C42H62O16). Used in food and beverage as a high-intensity sweetener, foaming agent, and flavoring/taste-masking agent, and in cosmetic formulations as a humectant and skin-conditioning ingredient.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another name for glycyrrhizic acid?

Glycyrrhizic acid (CAS 1405-86-3, C42H62O16) is also called glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhizinic acid. It is a triterpenoid saponin glycoside extracted from licorice (Glycyrrhiza) root.

What is glycyrrhizic acid made from?

It is extracted from licorice root, where it occurs as a saponin glycoside. The molecule consists of a glycyrrhetinic acid (triterpenoid) aglycone linked to two glucuronic acid units.

What is glycyrrhizic acid used for?

In food and beverage it is used as a high-intensity sweetener, a foam stabilizer (for example in root beer), and a flavor enhancer/bitterness-masking agent; in cosmetic formulations it serves as a humectant and skin-conditioning ingredient.

Is glycyrrhizic acid an acid?

Yes; it is a triterpenoid saponin that bears carboxylic acid groups (from its glucuronic acid units and aglycone), so it behaves as a weak acid and is often supplied as ammonium or other salts for handling and solubility.

How is bulk glycyrrhizic acid packaged and quoted?

RawSource supplies glycyrrhizic acid (and its salts) as a powder in bulk to manufacturers. Pricing is volume-dependent; request a bulk quote specifying purity/specification, and CoA and SDS documentation is available on request. HS classification 2938.90.

Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.