Common Name(s): Licorice root extract,licorice extract,glycyrrhiza extract
CAS Number: 84775-66-6
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Brightens skin and reduces hyperpigmentation through glabridin tyrosinase inhibition while calming inflammation.
Why It's Used: Combined brightening + soothing in one botanical – ideal for hyperpigmentation with skin reactivity where brightening actives (ahas, retinoids) increase sensitivity.
How It Works: Glabridin inhibits uvb-induced melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity. isoliquiritigenin inhibits melanocyte-stimulating hormone (msh). glycyrrhizinic acid inhibits prostaglandin synthesis for anti-inflammatory activity. licochalcone a inhibits nf-kb.
Typically Found In: Brightening serums,anti-inflammatory formulas,post-sun products,sensitive skin brightening
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient – soothing / anti-inflammatory
Secondary Functions: Glabridin tyrosinase inhibition,anti-inflammatory,post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes – glycyrrhiza glabra root-derived
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; ideal for reactive and sensitive skin.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes – particularly recommended for sensitive skin
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Ceramides,panthenol,allantoin,hyaluronic acid,centella asiatica
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Glabridin's tyrosinase inhibition mechanism differs from both kojic acid (copper chelation) and arbutin (substrate competition) – it inhibits the enzyme's catalytic conformation without substrate competition, providing a third distinct brightening mechanism suitable for formulation with the other inhibitor types for synergistic brightening.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,yokota et al. glabridin study,plenkov et al. licorice review