Glabridin Market Size, Share & Report [2033]

Glabridin Market Overview

The Glabridin Market size was valued at USD 21.97 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 32.87 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2025 to 2033.

The glabridin market is experiencing accelerated demand across skincare, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceutical sectors due to its multifunctional biological properties. Glabridin, a natural isoflavan extracted primarily from licorice root, is recognized for its skin-lightening, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant capabilities. In 2024, global glabridin production reached 195 metric tons, up from 168 metric tons in 2023. More than 71% of glabridin was used in cosmetics, especially in skin-whitening serums, creams, and anti-aging formulations. The pharmaceutical industry consumed over 19 metric tons, largely for dermatological treatments and inflammation management.

Asia-Pacific dominated global production, with China alone contributing 47 metric tons, followed by India at 31 metric tons and South Korea at 18 metric tons. In terms of end-use distribution, cosmetic formulations accounted for 138 metric tons, followed by pharmaceuticals at 19 metric tons and dietary supplements at 12 metric tons. Technological advancements in extraction and purification processes led to the 98% (HPLC) purity grade segment representing over 33% of total market volume. More than 126 new glabridin-based formulations were launched globally in 2024, highlighting the robust innovation landscape driving market penetration across continents.

Key Findings

Top Driver reason: Rising demand for natural active ingredients in skin-whitening and anti-aging cosmetics.

Top Country/Region: China led global production with over 47 metric tons of glabridin in 2024.

Top Segment: The 98% (HPLC) purity type captured over 33% of total glabridin demand in 2024.

Glabridin Market Trends

The global glabridin market is witnessing a strong upward trend driven by increasing consumer preference for clean-label, botanical-based skincare ingredients. In 2024, glabridin-based cosmetic formulations exceeded 138 metric tons, up from 119 metric tons in 2023, marking a significant year-over-year increase in demand. The number of glabridin-inclusive skincare launches reached 126 in 2024, compared to 109 in 2023. Demand surged particularly for high-purity variants, with the 98% (HPLC) segment expanding its market share by 4% compared to 2023.

Anti-aging and brightening products remain key trend drivers, especially in the Asia-Pacific and European regions. In Japan, over 41% of new anti-pigmentation cosmetics launched in 2024 included glabridin as a primary active ingredient. Meanwhile, in South Korea, K-beauty trends emphasized the usage of glabridin in "clean beauty" serums, with over 19 companies incorporating it in more than 67 products launched during the year. In the United States, over 38% of skin-brightening creams introduced in 2024 contained glabridin, highlighting growing awareness and regulatory acceptance in the region.

Glabridin is also increasingly utilized in formulations targeting sensitive skin types due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Over 64 new dermatological creams and pharmaceutical preparations were developed in 2024, incorporating glabridin to address skin irritation, redness, and sun-induced pigmentation. The pharmaceutical segment has grown steadily, with glabridin being used in over 19 metric tons of drug formulations for skin and inflammatory disorders.

Glabridin Market Dynamics

Drivers

Rising demand for pharmaceuticals.

The glabridin market is significantly propelled by its rising demand in pharmaceutical formulations, especially for anti-inflammatory and skin treatment applications. In 2024, over 19 metric tons of glabridin were used in pharmaceutical products globally. Dermatology-based applications saw substantial uptake, with over 22 branded prescription creams incorporating glabridin for conditions such as melasma, dermatitis, and UV-induced skin damage. Japan and Germany were the leading pharmaceutical markets, contributing to over 40% of glabridin drug-based product sales in 2024. The global trend toward botanical-based and plant-derived drugs has led to increased investment in high-purity glabridin extraction technologies, especially the 98% HPLC grade.

Restraints

Supply chain volatility and raw material dependency.

A major restraint in the glabridin market is the volatility in raw material sourcing and supply chain disruptions. Glabridin is predominantly extracted from licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), with China, Iran, and Central Asia being key suppliers. In 2024, more than 78% of global licorice root exports originated from three countries. Unpredictable weather conditions, environmental regulations, and export restrictions led to a temporary decline in raw licorice supply, reducing extract yields by 6% year-over-year. This shortage directly impacted glabridin production costs and delivery timelines. Additionally, stringent environmental regulations in China, where over 47 metric tons are produced, posed compliance burdens for manufacturers in 2024.

Challenges

Rising costs and expenditures.

High costs associated with glabridin extraction, purification, and standardization remain a significant challenge for manufacturers. The production of 98% HPLC glabridin involves sophisticated chromatography and solvent recovery techniques that result in substantial operational expenditures. In 2024, the cost of producing high-purity glabridin rose by 9% compared to the previous year due to energy price fluctuations and advanced solvent usage. Smaller manufacturers faced difficulties in maintaining profit margins while competing with low-cost producers. Furthermore, increased investment in regulatory compliance and quality assurance added to overall production costs, affecting downstream pricing and adoption in cost-sensitive markets.

Opportunities

Expansion into nutraceuticals and functional food.

The expansion of glabridin applications into the nutraceuticals and functional food segments represents a high-growth opportunity. In 2024, over 12 metric tons of glabridin were utilized in health supplements aimed at antioxidant support, hormonal balance, and skin health. Countries such as the U.S., Germany, and Japan saw over 58 new dietary supplements launched with glabridin content. Scientific validation of its estrogenic activity and oxidative stress modulation has led to its inclusion in women's health products and anti-aging capsules. Encapsulation technologies have enabled stability in oral delivery forms, and over 15 patents related to glabridin supplement formulations were filed in 2023–2024.

Glabridin Market Segmentation

By Type

20% (HPLC): This low-purity segment is primarily used in early-stage R&D and internal formulation testing. In 2024, only 6 metric tons of glabridin were consumed in this category. Most of this was procured by academic labs and startup companies for experimental applications. This segment witnessed a 3% decline in usage from 2023 due to increasing preference for higher-purity alternatives.
40% (HPLC): The 40% purity segment accounted for approximately 14 metric tons in 2024, often used in budget formulations for mass-market personal care products. These include soaps, body washes, and non-premium face creams. Usage in the Asia-Pacific region was dominant, particularly in India and Indonesia, where affordability remains a key purchasing criterion.
60% (HPLC): Around 22 metric tons of glabridin fell into the 60% purity category in 2024. This type is widely used in over-the-counter beauty products that require active ingredients in moderate concentrations. North America led this segment, with 9.1 metric tons of consumption, followed by Europe at 6.3 metric tons.
90% (HPLC): With 36 metric tons consumed globally in 2024, this purity level serves the mid-to-premium skincare segment. It is preferred for facial masks, anti-wrinkle products, and pigmentation control lotions. Japan and South Korea remained the top importers for this grade due to its balance of efficacy and cost-efficiency.
98% (HPLC): Representing over 64 metric tons in 2024, the 98% HPLC purity is the gold standard for high-performance formulations. Used predominantly in serums, pharmaceutical-grade ointments, and advanced delivery systems, this segment saw a 5% increase from the previous year. China and the U.S. were the largest markets for this grade.
Other: Other types, including crude extract and 70% purity grades, collectively accounted for 13 metric tons in 2024. These are used in custom blends and specialty formulations, especially in the nutraceutical segment.

By Application

Cosmetic: The cosmetic segment remains dominant, consuming 138 metric tons of glabridin in 2024. It is heavily used in formulations targeting pigmentation, dark spots, and overall skin tone correction. South Korea alone launched over 45 new glabridin-based skincare products, while Europe accounted for 38 brand introductions. Usage in facial serums, night creams, and under-eye treatments is especially prominent.
Pharmaceutical: Approximately 19 metric tons of glabridin were used in pharmaceutical applications in 2024. These include prescription-grade creams for melasma, UV damage, and inflammatory conditions. Germany and Japan led pharmaceutical glabridin adoption, contributing to more than 60% of global usage in drug formulations. Clinical trials increased by 14% in 2024, underscoring the compound’s growing medicinal potential.

Glabridin Regional Outlook

North America

consumed over 43 metric tons of glabridin in 2024, a 7.5% increase from 2023. The U.S. accounted for 38 metric tons, with Canada contributing the remaining 5 metric tons. High adoption in cosmeceuticals and dermatological creams drove demand. Over 29 skincare brands in the U.S. incorporated glabridin into newly launched whitening and anti-aging products. The rise in demand for botanical-based pharmaceutical actives also boosted imports of high-purity glabridin.

Europe

consumed approximately 49 metric tons of glabridin in 2024. Germany led the market with 21 metric tons, followed by France with 13 metric tons. Regulatory approvals for botanical actives in pharmaceuticals fueled uptake in the medical segment. The region also witnessed over 33 new glabridin-based product launches, especially in clean beauty and organic skincare segments.

Asia-Pacific

dominated production and usage with over 81 metric tons consumed in 2024. China, India, and South Korea were the largest contributors. China alone produced over 47 metric tons. High demand for skin-whitening and anti-aging cosmetics drove growth. Japan utilized over 12 metric tons in luxury serums and facial creams. South Korea saw a 19% rise in glabridin imports.

Middle East & Africa

The consumed 9 metric tons of glabridin in 2024. Demand was driven by increasing investment in natural skincare and dermatological formulations. The UAE and South Africa were key markets, accounting for 5.8 and 2.3 metric tons, respectively. Cosmetic brands targeting premium consumers contributed to market expansion.

List of Top Glabridin Companies

Sabinsa
Alchem International
MAFCO
Plamed Green Science Group
Xi'an Zhongying
Spring Autumn Biological
Huaian Brothers Biotechnology
Xi’an Tianye Biotech
Maruzen Pharmaceuticals
SK Bioland
Sunpure Extracts

Top Two Companies with the Highest Share

Sabinsa: Held the largest global share in 2024, producing over 41 metric tons of glabridin, primarily in the 98% (HPLC) segment.

Alchem International: Ranked second with 28 metric tons, specializing in pharmaceutical-grade formulations.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investments in the glabridin market surged in 2024 as companies capitalized on the growing demand for botanical and multifunctional skincare actives. Global funding in extraction and purification technologies exceeded USD 67 million in 2024, with over 23 companies upgrading chromatography systems to increase yield and reduce impurity levels. New pilot plants were established in India, South Korea, and Poland to enhance localized supply chains.

China saw the largest domestic investment, with over 12 new manufacturing units set up in Inner Mongolia and Shandong, increasing national output capacity by 18%. Joint ventures between herbal extractors and cosmetic brands in Europe and Japan resulted in the launch of over 41 co-branded products incorporating glabridin.

Cross-industry partnerships also emerged, particularly between pharmaceutical companies and nutraceutical firms aiming to exploit glabridin’s bioactive potential. Over 58 product development projects were in the pipeline in 2024, focusing on combining glabridin with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and retinol.

Private equity interest increased in high-purity glabridin extraction facilities, with six major acquisitions recorded in 2024. Government funding programs in India and the EU focused on promoting phyto-based innovation and contributed over USD 14 million in subsidies to glabridin manufacturers.

New Product Development

Innovation in the glabridin market accelerated in 2024, driven by R&D advancements and consumer preference for high-efficacy, natural skincare solutions. Over 126 new products containing glabridin were launched globally, including advanced delivery systems like microencapsulation, liposomal formulations, and nano-emulsions.

Several brands introduced serums with glabridin combined with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, offering multi-action benefits such as hydration, pigmentation correction, and anti-aging. In South Korea, eight cosmetic firms launched glabridin-rich ampoules using cold-processing technology, preserving its antioxidant efficacy by up to 42% longer.

Pharmaceutical companies developed over 16 new topical drugs using 98% (HPLC) glabridin for treating hyperpigmentation and chronic skin inflammation. Formulations with improved dermal penetration showed 38% better absorption in clinical trials.

In the dietary supplement segment, encapsulated softgels containing glabridin combined with CoQ10 and Vitamin C gained popularity. Japan introduced six such supplements in 2024. In addition, over 15 patents were filed related to innovative extraction and stabilization techniques to maintain glabridin’s active integrity over extended shelf life.

Five Recent Developments

Sabinsa opened a new facility in Bengaluru in Q2 2024, expanding glabridin production by 6.5 metric tons annually.
Alchem International launched its pharmaceutical-grade 98% glabridin in Europe in Q1 2024 across 14 dermatology clinics.
SK Bioland filed two patents for glabridin microencapsulation and liposomal delivery methods in March 2024.
Xi’an Tianye Biotech increased extraction efficiency by 23% after installing solvent-free purification units in late 2023.
Plamed Green Science Group launched 12 new glabridin-based cosmetics in South Korea between Q1 and Q4 2024.

Report Coverage of Glabridin Market

This comprehensive glabridin market report covers global trends, regional demand variations, and segmental insights across purity grades and applications. Data spanning 2023 to 2024 includes production volumes, consumption patterns, and growth factors across over 25 countries. With over 195 metric tons of global production and more than 126 product launches, the market's scope extends to cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical domains.

It includes detailed segmentation by six purity types and two main application categories. The report highlights 81 metric tons of consumption in Asia-Pacific, 43 metric tons in North America, and 49 metric tons in Europe. Manufacturer profiles for 11 key companies and detailed metrics on top two players are provided. Investment trends, product innovations, market dynamics, and regional performance further enrich the strategic decision-making framework for stakeholders. Over 35 data charts, 18 tables, and five development summaries are included in this market coverage.