Glabridin inhibits tyrosinase to reduce melanin production at the source.
Glycyrrhizin and flavonoids suppress inflammatory pathways and soothe redness.
Liquiritin disperses existing melanin deposits for more uniform skin tone.
Licorice Root Extract (Glycyrrhiza Glabra) comes from one of the most widely used medicinal plants in human history — documented in Chinese, Egyptian, and Greek pharmacopeias for over 4,000 years. Its skin benefits come from two star compounds: glabridin, a potent tyrosinase inhibitor that prevents new melanin formation, and liquiritin, which disperses and removes existing melanin deposits. Together with glycyrrhizin’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties, licorice root brightens, calms, and evens skin tone through multiple synergistic pathways.
Glabridin inhibits tyrosinase — the same enzyme Alpha Arbutin targets — but through a different binding mechanism, meaning the two can work additively when combined. Liquiritin works downstream: instead of preventing new melanin, it disperses melanin that’s already been deposited, breaking up existing dark spots and patches. Glycyrrhizin suppresses prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis, calming the inflammation that triggers pigmentation in the first place. This triple mechanism — prevention, dispersal, and anti-inflammation — makes licorice root one of the most comprehensive brightening botanicals available, without the irritation of hydroquinone or strong acids.
3-in-1
triple brightening mechanism — glabridin prevents new melanin, liquiritin disperses existing deposits, glycyrrhizin calms the inflammation that triggers both.
Licorice root skincare delivers what single-compound brighteners can’t — a triple mechanism that prevents, disperses, and calms. As a glycyrrhiza glabra extract, glabridin for skin inhibits tyrosinase while licorice extract brightening works downstream to break up existing deposits. For licorice root dark spots, this dual approach means faster, more complete fading without the irritation of hydroquinone. The licorice anti-inflammatory action from glycyrrhizin addresses licorice root hyperpigmentation at its inflammatory root cause — making it a true natural skin brightener that treats the problem, not just the symptom. Combined with Alpha Arbutin for additive tyrosinase inhibition, Vitamin C for antioxidant brightening, and Niacinamide for melanosome transfer blocking. Supported by Bisabolol for enhanced penetration and Aloe Vera for soothing — all on a Ceramide 3 foundation. Explore the full formulation in The Serum AR on Amazon.
Most brightening ingredients do one thing — prevent new melanin or fade existing spots. Licorice root does both, and calms the inflammation driving the whole process. When paired with Alpha Arbutin, the two tyrosinase inhibitors work through different binding sites for additive effect. When paired with Vitamin C, antioxidant protection prevents new UV-triggered pigmentation while licorice fades what’s already there. And Ceramide 3 ensures the barrier stays intact so pigmentation can’t reestablish through a compromised surface.