MORUS ALBA ROOT EXTRACT

📋 Quick facts

Description: MORUS ALBA ROOT EXTRACT — brightening, tyrosinase inhibitor (Mulberry Root).

All Functions: brightening, tyrosinase inhibitor (Mulberry Root)

Quick Facts:

• Category: active

Proven Benefits At A Glance:

• Morus alba root extract has been used in traditional Asian skincare for anti-aging and hyperpigmentation concerns
• Research shows it can reduce melanin accumulation in skin cells without harming cell viability
• Contains compounds like mulberroside A and oxyresveratrol with identified bioactive properties
• Also studied for potential antibacterial effects against certain bacteria and hair growth support
• Rich in natural compounds including flavonoids, phenolics, and tannins

📊 Comedogenicity

🛡️ Safety rating

Safety tier is a starting heuristic from regulatory status and comedogenic rating, not a dermatological verdict — see our Terms for the full disclaimer. Research confidence reflects how many real cited studies back this ingredient, not the strength of their findings.

🌍 Regulatory Status

💧 Skin Type Compatibility

Derived from this ingredient’s irritancy potential and comedogenicity rating against the needs of each skin type — e.g. oily and acne-prone skin are marked down for pore-clogging ingredients, sensitive skin for irritants. A starting heuristic, not a dermatological verdict.

⚠️ Don’t Combine With

📚 Research & Evidence

🔬 The Science

Morus alba root extract (often called MAR) has gained attention in skincare research, particularly for two skin concerns. #1: Hyperpigmentation and dark spots — A 2023 study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that MAR reduced melanin accumulation in skin cells by inhibiting an enzyme called tyrosinase, which controls melanin production. The extract worked in a dose-dependent manner (meaning higher concentrations had stronger effects) without damaging the skin cells themselves. The mechanism involved a signaling pathway called S1P-S1PR3-ERK and the degradation of a protein called MITF, which regulates pigment production. Specific compounds identified in the extract with this activity include mulberroside A and oxyresveratrol (J Ethnopharmacol, 2023).

#2: Hair growth — A 2021 study in Pharmaceutics demonstrated that Morus alba root extract (MARE) containing chlorogenic acid and umbelliferone activated a protein called β-catenin in hair follicle cells, which is crucial for transitioning hair from a resting phase to a growth phase (telogen-to-anagen transition). The extract enhanced growth factor secretion at non-toxic concentrations (J Ethnopharmacol, 2023; Pharmaceutics, 2021). The broader phytochemical profile of Morus alba includes tannins, steroids, flavonoids, phenolics, alkaloids, and anthocyanins (Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol, 2023). While traditional uses span many applications, the skincare-specific research remains concentrated on melanin regulation and hair follicle support. A 2025 study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology identified antibacterial compounds in Morus alba root bark (sanggenon C and related compounds) active against gram-positive bacteria, though this research focused on internal health rather than topical skincare applications.

📄 Related Research

Matched by search — not necessarily verified support for every statement above.

• Batiha GE et al. (2023). Morus alba: a comprehensive phytochemical and pharmacological review. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol.
• Zheng Y et al. (2023). Morus alba L. root decreases melanin synthesis via sphingosine-1-phosphate signaling in B16F10 cells. J Ethnopharmacol.
• Gafriller J et al. (2025). Sanggenon C – A novel anti-enterococcal agent from Morus alba root bark. J Ethnopharmacol.
• Hyun J et al. (2021). Morus alba Root Extract Induces the Anagen Phase in the Human Hair Follicle Dermal Papilla Cells. Pharmaceutics.
• Yuvaraj K et al. (2018). Effect of Morus alba root bark extract on gene-level expression of inflammatory markers in rats subjected to ethanol and cerulein induced pancreatitis- influence of heat shock protein 70. J Complement Integr Med.

🧴 Products Containing MORUS ALBA ROOT EXTRACT

• Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Eye Crème
• The saem Aloe smoothing gel
• sirius groom shampoo