Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract is derived from the licorice plant, a legume native to the Mediterranean, Middle East, and parts of Russia. Its key active components include glabridin, which is responsible for depigmenting and antioxidant effects, and glycyrrhizin, which provides anti-inflammatory activity. The concentration of glabridin in commercial extracts can vary widely, from approximately 4% to 40%, which affects the potency of the ingredient in finished formulations.
Licorice root extract is considered one of the safest skin-lightening agents, with topical glabridin shown to inhibit UVB-induced pigmentation; one study suggested it may be more effective than hydroquinone. It also has potent anti-inflammatory properties useful in conditions such as atopic dermatitis, rosacea, and eczema, and glabridin additionally provides antioxidant activity.
Efficacy for depigmentation is highly dependent on the glabridin concentration in the specific extract used; low-quality extracts with minimal glabridin may not deliver meaningful results.
