Spanish Licorice Root Extract
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract is derived from the licorice plant, a legume native to the Mediterranean Sea, the Middle East, and central and southern 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, ranging from approximately 4% to 40%, which significantly affects efficacy. It is considered one of the safest skin-lightening agents with few reported side effects.
Licorice root extract has demonstrated depigmenting properties, with topical application of 0.5% glabridin shown to inhibit UVB-induced pigmentation; one study suggested it may be more effective than hydroquinone. It is a potent anti-inflammatory used to address skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, rosacea, and eczema. Glabridin also exhibits antioxidant activity, adding further skin-protective value.
Efficacy for depigmentation is highly dependent on the concentration of glabridin in the specific extract used; commercial extracts vary widely (4%–40% glabridin), so product quality matters significantly for achieving brightening results.
