Glabridin

PhytochemicalIsoflavoneBest with a meal

What is it

Glabridin is an isoflavan polyphenol from licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra). It is sold as a standalone ingredient and as a marker compound in deglycyrrhized or specialty licorice extracts.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Skin pigmentation (topical)

Limited Evidence

Small clinical and laboratory studies suggest topical glabridin reduces UV-induced pigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase.

How it works

In preclinical studies glabridin shows antioxidant activity, phytoestrogenic effects mediated through estrogen receptors, mild tyrosinase inhibition (basis for skin lightening claims), and modulation of lipid metabolism. Topical application has been studied for skin pigmentation. Oral human evidence for systemic effects is limited. Most consumer claims rely on cell-based and animal data.

Dosage

DSLD does not list a single standardized dose. Topical products typically supply 0.1-1% glabridin. Oral doses in supplements vary from a few milligrams to tens of milligrams per day.

When and how to take it

Oral products are usually taken with food. Topical products are applied per label.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Purified glabridin

Used in topical skin care and a few oral supplements.

Lipophilic; often delivered in oil-based or emulsion vehicles

Glabridin-rich licorice extract

May still contain other licorice compounds; check label for glycyrrhizin content.

Standardized to glabridin percentage

Safety

Topical glabridin is generally well tolerated. Oral safety data on isolated glabridin are limited. Note that glabridin is found in licorice, but glabridin-only supplements should not contain glycyrrhizin, which is the licorice constituent responsible for blood pressure-raising effects.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. People with hormone-sensitive cancers should consult a clinician. If the product contains whole licorice rather than purified glabridin, additional cautions for hypertension and low potassium apply.

Interactions

Glabridin has weak estrogenic activity; theoretical interactions with hormonal therapies. Glabridin itself does not have the well-known glycyrrhizin-related interactions with potassium and blood pressure medications, but mixed licorice extracts may.

Food sources

Licorice root

Amount
Variable
%DV
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Frequently asked questions

Will glabridin raise my blood pressure?⌄

Purified glabridin should not raise blood pressure the way whole licorice can. The blood pressure effect is driven by glycyrrhizin, a different licorice compound.

Does it lighten skin?⌄

Topical glabridin has shown some effect on UV-induced pigmentation in small studies, but it is not a guaranteed treatment.

References

Glabridin on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Glabridin (ChEBI:5369) — ChEBI link

Glabridin (PubChem CID 124052) — PubChem link

Glabridin on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Glabridin (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Glabridin with Pilora

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.