Aroma-Zone Glabridine Active Ingredient

Aroma-Zone Glabridine Active Ingredient


By Marion Alves de Oliveira

Published on: Tuesday, July 07, 2026, Updated on: Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Reading time: ++4 min

SKIN BRIGHTENING                         PIGMENTATION CORRECTION

The Natural Active Ingredient That Targets Melanin at the Source

Naturally found in liquorice root, glabridin is recognised for its targeted action on pigmentation spots. It helps to even out the skin tone and reveal a more uniform glow.

Contents

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Glabridine Profile

INCI Name: Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract

VEGAN

METHOD OF EXTRACTION: Glabridin is obtained by oleo-eco-extraction from the root of liquorice

BIOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION: Glabridin is a flavonoid belonging to the family of polyphenols, known for their antioxidant properties and their protective effects against oxidative stress

SUSTAINABILITY/TRACEABILITY: 100% naturally derived active ingredient

Glabridin: What Effect Does It Have on the Skin?

Glabridin is a naturally derived active ingredient extracted from liquorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), recognised for its targeted action on skin pigmentation mechanisms.

It works by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase, a key enzyme involved in the production of melanin. By binding to its active site, it helps to limit the formation of new pigments and reduce the appearance of existing dark spots.

Its action also extends to the regulation of cellular signals involved in pigmentation. Glabridin plays a key role in reducing endothelin-1 activity in keratinocytes, a mediator of melanocyteproliferation and differentiation.

By acting at several stages of the pigmentation process, it helps to reduce the intensity of dark spots and improve skin evenness.

Furthermore, Glabridin has antioxidant properties that help neutralise the free radicals involved in oxidative stress and skin ageing. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory activity, which helps to soothe redness and limit post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Skin Tolerance

A Note from Adeline Nalin, Head Pharmacist and Toxicologist at Aroma-Zone

Adeline Nalin blouse

“Glabridin, the main flavonoid in Glycyrrhiza glabra, is well tolerated by the skin at the concentrations used in cosmetics. The available data do not indicate any significant irritant or sensitising effects, although mild, temporary reactions (erythema, tingling) may occur in reactive skin or where the skin barrier is compromised. These observations are consistent with the conclusions of the CIR Expert Panel (2008), which considers liquorice extracts to be safe under normal conditions of cosmetic use.”

Adeline Nalin - Head Pharmacist and Toxicologist

A Safe Choice for your Health

A Note from Our Aroma-Zone Toxicologist

“Glabridin is considered safe for health when used at the recommended concentrations in cosmetic products. The CIR, in its 2008 report, and the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), in its 2011 scientific opinion on the food ingredient Glavonoide® (an extract enriched with glabridin), confirm no toxicological concerns at the assessed exposure levels, reinforcing confidence in the safety of this active ingredient. Our Vitamin C & Glabridin Anti-Dark Spot Oil Serum has been tested in vitro on 3D reconstructed human epidermis and has been shown to have no irritant potential (with no cytotoxicity and no expression of inflammatory markers).”

Adeline Nalin – Head Pharmacist and Toxicologist

Portrait_dermatologist_Agathe_Aoun

A Note from a Dermatologist

“Glabridin is a naturally derived active ingredient sourced from liquorice root, recognised for its effect on pigmentation spots. It works by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase, a key enzyme in melanin synthesis, helping reduce pigmentation spots and improve skin evenness.

It also has antioxidant properties that help neutralise the free radicals involved in skin ageing, helping preserve the skin’s condition over time.

To maximise its effectiveness, apply sun protection daily to limit melanocyte stimulation and prevent new dark spots.

Glabridin can be combined with other complementary active ingredients. For example, Vitamin C can be used in the morning to enhance the antioxidant and skin-evening effects, whilst active ingredients such as AHAs or retinol can be incorporated into your evening routine to promote cell renewal.”

Dr Aoun – Dermatologist

Formulation Spotlight with the Aroma-Zone R&D Laboratory

Glabridin is an active ingredient extracted from liquorice root, recognised for its targeted action on melanogenesis. 

Its fat-soluble nature makes it easy to incorporate into oily or emulsified formulations, such as oil-based serums or creams, while ensuring good affinity with the skin. This characteristic enables the development of skincare products that are both effective and sensorial, suitable for daily use.

Which Skin Types Is It Suitable For?

This is suitable for skin prone to pigmentation spots, dull and uneven skin, sensitive skin prone to redness, and mature skin.

Which Skin Concerns Does It Address?

It addresses skin concerns such as pigment spots, including brown spots and sun- or age-related spots, uneven complexion, lack of radiance, redness, post-inflammatory marks, oxidative stress, and skin ageing.

What Does Glabridin Do for the Skin

  • Reduces pigmentation spots

  • Evens out and brightens the skin

  • Protects the skin from oxidative stress

  • Soothes redness and inflammation

  • Improves the skin’s evenness

Glabridin: An Essential Ingredient for the Skin

Vitamin C & Glabridine anti-dark spot hand cream

Vitamin C & Glabridin Anti-Dark Spot Hand Cream

Because hands are highly exposed to the sun and environmental stressors, they're prone to pigmentation spots.

This certified organic hand cream combines Glabridin and Vitamin C to target pigmentation irregularities and restore the skin’s radiance. Glabridin helps to reduce dark spots by targeting melanin production, while Vitamin C provides a protective antioxidant effect. Enriched with hyaluronic acid, it provides long-lasting hydration without leaving a greasy residue and improves skin comfort daily.

Discover the Vitamin C & Glabridine Anti-Dark Spot Hand Cream
Vitamin C & Glabridin Anti-Dark Spot Oil Serum

Vitamin C & Glabridin Anti-Dark Spot Oil Serum

This oil-based serum combines Glabridin with Vitamin C and Astaxanthin to deliver a comprehensive approach to pigmentation spots and skin radiance. Glabridin targets melanin production, while Vitamin C and Astaxanthin provide complementary antioxidant action, helping protect the skin from oxidative stress linked to dark spots.

Its fine, silky oil texture nourishes the skin without leaving a greasy film and fits easily into different skincare routines. Use it on its own or alongside a serum to help improve skin evenness and reveal a more radiant complexion.

Discover the Vitamin C & Glabridin Anti-Dark Spot Oleoserum

Precautions

Avoid contact with the eyes. In case of contact, rinse immediately with clean water.

FAQ

Spotlight on Marion Alves De Oliveira

Marion ALVES DE OLIVEIRA

Marion is a Doctor of Pharmacy, naturopath, and coach. After twelve years in the cosmetics industry, she now helps clients achieve greater overall balance and adopt a more mindful lifestyle, with a particular focus on sustainable nutrition. She also created a podcast where she shares insights to promote a lifestyle philosophy that respects both health and the environment.

Bibliography

  1. Simmler, C., Pauli, G. F. & Chen, S.-N. Phytochemistry and biological properties of glabridin. Fitoterapia 90, 160–184 (2013).

    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2013.07.003.

  2. Nguyen, T. V. T., Hoang, T. N. & Tran, M. A. Flavonoids with their anti-melanogenic activity from Glycyrrhiza glabra L. in Vietnam. Engineering and Technology For Sustainable Development 35(2), 9–17 (2025).

    https://doi.org/10.51316/jst.181.etsd.2025.35.2.2.

  3. Li, L., Zhang, X., Tang, G., Wu, J. & Huang, Q. Glabridin inhibits melanogenesis and melanin transfer via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and Rho family GTPase-mediated suppression of dendritic formation. Pharmaceuticals 19, 469 (2026).

    https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19030469.

  4. Ablise, M., Kasimu, R., Ma, S.-Y., Ioppinet, V. & Siest, G. Isolation and antioxidant properties of glabridin.

    Natural Product Research & Development 19(4), 675 (2007).