botanical
Mulberry Root Extract
A validated tyrosinase-inhibiting botanical used in brightening and hyperpigmentation eye creams. One of the more evidence-based botanical brightening actives.
Benefits
- Tyrosinase inhibition — reduces melanin synthesis
- Brightening and hyperpigmentation reduction
- Antioxidant phenolic content
- Anti-inflammatory flavonoids
- Traditional Chinese medicine brightening ingredient
Example uses
- Brightening eye creams
- Hyperpigmentation serums
- Brightening toners
- Dark-spot correction formulas
- Anti-ageing brightening creams
Mechanism of action
The primary active compound, oxyresveratrol (a hydroxylated stilbene), competitively inhibits tyrosinase — the rate-limiting enzyme in melanin biosynthesis — by binding to the copper-containing active site. This reduces the conversion of tyrosine to DOPA and DOPA quinone, decreasing eumelanin and phaeomelanin production. Antioxidant stilbene fraction also reduces UV-induced ROS-mediated melanogenesis stimulation.
Clinical evidence · Moderate
Multiple in vitro tyrosinase inhibition studies and some controlled clinical trials for brightening. Oxyresveratrol identified as the primary active compound with characterised inhibition constants.
Effective concentration range
0.5–2%
Formulation notes
Aqueous or hydroalcoholic extract; oxyresveratrol (the primary active) is sensitive to oxidation. Antioxidant pairing and UV-protective packaging required.
Watchouts
Oxyresveratrol content varies significantly between suppliers — standardisation disclosure is important. Isolated oxyresveratrol is more reliable than undefined mulberry extract.
Market positioning
Marketed as botanical brightening active. Among the more scientifically defensible botanical brighteners — tyrosinase inhibition mechanism is well-validated.
Comedogenicity
0 / 5
Sensitisation risk
Low
INCI & aliases
Morus Alba Root Extract
morus alba root extract · white mulberry root extract · sanguis extract
Clean beauty perception
Accepted in clean beauty. Traditional botanical with modern mechanism validation. Tyrosinase inhibition mechanism well-understood.
Related ingredients
Graph relationships
Timeline