Licorice Root Extract

Licorice root’s active pigmentation-fighting compound, glabridin, works through several different mechanisms at once — here’s what the science actually shows, and where the evidence gaps are.

Description

What is it?

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root extract contains glabridin, a plant compound recognized for its skin-brightening and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a gentler alternative or complement to stronger pigmentation actives.

What does it actually do?

Works through several pigment-control mechanisms at once. According to PubMed, a 2026 review of glabridin’s mechanisms (Nie X, Ma Z, Wang A, Zhang X, Li A. “A Narrative Review of the Multi-Target Mechanisms of Glabridin in Skin Lightening.” Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2026) confirms glabridin inhibits tyrosinase activity, reduces inflammation, blocks the transfer of pigment between skin cells, and promotes the breakdown of existing pigment granules. (DOI)
Confirmed active in cell and animal-model research. According to PubMed, a 2025 delivery-technology study (Cheng L, Xu J, Wang A, Hou S, Li A. “Glabridin-encapsulated liposomes targeting melanocytes through the melanocortin 1 receptor.” Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, 2025) confirmed glabridin’s skin-lightening activity in pigment-producing cells and an animal model, with a specialized delivery system improving on the ingredient’s natural low water-solubility. (DOI)

Who is it good for?

Uneven tone and sensitive skin looking for a gentler pigmentation-support ingredient, since licorice also carries genuine anti-inflammatory, calming properties.

No real precautions — well tolerated by most skin types.

How Mystic Dust uses it

Formulated in Retinol Face Serum, Face Cleanser and Pigment Reset Anti-Pigmentation Serum.

Pairs well with

Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Retinol — already co-formulated with it in Mystic Dust products.

Use with caution alongside

Nothing specific.

Research & Findings

According to PubMed: -

Nie X, Ma Z, Wang A, Zhang X, Li A. “A Narrative Review of the Multi-Target Mechanisms of Glabridin in Skin Lightening.” Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2026;19:628427. DOI

Cheng L, Xu J, Wang A, Hou S, Li A. “Glabridin-encapsulated liposomes targeting melanocytes through the melanocortin 1 receptor.” Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, 2025;255:114979. DOI

Grimes PE. “Management of hyperpigmentation in darker racial ethnic groups.” Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 2009;28(2):77-85. DOI