The Science of Mulberry Extract in Skin Care
Mulberry extract is known for its skin lightening and pigmentation reducing properties.
Derived from the mulberry tree (Morus spp.), it also has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a versatile ingredient that helps reduce signs of aging and redness.
To find out if mulberry extract can be incorporated into your daily skincare routine, check out an in-depth review of this ingredient, its skin benefits, and side effects.
Mulberry extract is known for its skin lightening and pigmentation reducing properties.
Its powerful antioxidants also make it an effective anti-aging agent.
Mulberry extract may have estrogenic effects when taken orally.
What is mulberry extract?
Mulberry extract is extracted from various parts of the mulberry tree, a plant that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
There are three main types of mulberries: red mulberries (Morus rubra), black mulberries (Morus nigra), and white mulberries (Morus alba).
These species vary in fruit color and geographic origin, but all contain common active ingredients that make them valuable for skin care.
In skin care products, mulberry extract is usually extracted from the leaves or roots of the mulberry tree.
Root extracts tend to be rich in skin lightening agents, while leaf extracts provide powerful antioxidants.
Active Ingredients in Mulberry Extract
Mulberry extract contains a variety of bioactive compounds that contribute to its skin-improving benefits. The most important associations include:
Arbutin. Arbutin is a glycoside with skin-lightening properties that inhibits the activity of tyrosinase, a key enzyme in the production of melanin.
This makes mulberry extract an effective ingredient for reducing pigmentation and achieving a more even skin tone.
Morin A. Another glucoside in mulberry root extract, Morin A, is known for its powerful skin-lightening properties.
It inhibits melanin production by specifically targeting tyrosinase, making it very effective for treating pigmentation and reducing dark spots.
Flavonoids. These polyphenolic compounds have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Mulberry is rich in anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid with strong antioxidant properties that can protect the skin from oxidative stress and premature aging.
In addition, mulberry contains the flavonoid astragaloside, which can increase estrogen and progesterone levels when taken orally (3).
Alkaloids. These nitrogenous compounds play an important role in inhibiting tyrosinase, enhancing the ability of mulberry extract to reduce melanin synthesis and whiten the skin.
Phenols. Mulberry extract contains high concentrations of phenolic compounds such as catechins, ferulic acid, quercetin, and resveratrol.
These compounds have powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties that can scavenge free radicals, reduce inflammation, and promote skin cell turnover.
Benefits of Mulberry Extract for Skin
Mulberry extract has a variety of skin benefits, including:
Skin whitening. Mulberry extract, in particular, helps brighten the skin and improve dark spots and other pigmentation symptoms.
This is achieved by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production.
Antioxidant protection. Rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds, mulberry extract provides powerful antioxidant protection.
It neutralizes free radicals that cause oxidative stress, thereby preventing premature skin aging and skin damage.
Anti-aging.
The antioxidants in mulberry extract can also help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, promoting a more youthful appearance by protecting skin cells from damage and supporting collagen production.
Anti-inflammatory. Mulberry extract contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and help treat conditions such as acne and rosacea.
Anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. Mulberry extract has natural anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that protect the skin from harmful microorganisms and reduce the risk of infection or irritation.
Side Effects of Mulberry Extract
Most side effects occur when mulberry extract is taken orally or applied topically to large areas and are less noticeable when used in smaller amounts in skin care products. Generally harmless.
However, before using mulberry extract, be sure to be aware of possible side effects and consult a doctor if you have any concerns.
The three most common side effects when taking mulberry extract orally or applying large doses topically are:
Increased estrogen levels. Mulberry extract may have a mild estrogenic effect, which may cause concern for people with hormone problems or skin sensitivities.
However, if you have skin problems during menopause, this may be helpful.
Lowering blood sugar levels. Mulberries can lower blood sugar. Therefore, people taking diabetes medications should consult a doctor before use.
Indigestion. Some people may have Minor digestive discomfort can occur, but this is rare when applied topically.
Who shouldn’t use mulberry extract?
Because mulberry extract can affect estrogen levels, hormone-sensitive people should consult their doctor before using mulberry extract.
However, these side effects are generally rare at low topical doses.
This also applies to people with a history of breast, ovarian, or uterine cancer or those who are taking hormone replacement therapy.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before using products containing mulberry extract.
Products with mulberry extract
Skin care products containing mulberry extract are often designed to brighten the skin, reduce dark spots, and improve uneven skin tone.
The amount of mulberry extract in Skinceuticals Phyto Corrective Serum is very small, so its effectiveness is likely minimal.
Some of my favorites:
Research
Skin Whitening Studies: Mulberry extracts, especially those from species such as Morus alba and Morus nigra, have been extensively studied for their skin whitening properties.
Studies have shown that several components, including Morin F and oxyresveratrol, are able to inhibit tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for melanin production.
Lee et al. (2002) found that Morin F inhibited tyrosinase activity and melanin biosynthesis in vitro, making it a promising skin whitening agent.
Additionally, a 2011 study of Filipino patients showed significant improvement in melasma after treatment with 75% white mulberry extract.
Melanin content and severity of melasma were reduced (Alvin et al., 2011, J Drugs Dermatol).
Anti-Redness Studies: While direct studies on the anti-redness properties of mulberry extract are limited, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties suggest that it may reduce skin redness.
For example, the presence of quercetin and other polyphenols in mulberry leaves have shown antioxidant effects in various models, alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation that cause redness (Enkhmaa et al., 2005, J Nutr).
Anti-Aging Research: Mulberry extracts have also shown promise in anti-aging research due to their antioxidant properties.
Studies of mulberry leaf extracts have shown that they can reduce markers of oxidative stress that contribute to skin aging.
For example, mulberry extracts have been shown to modulate enzymes involved in oxidative damage, suggesting potential for anti-aging formulations (Prasad et al., 2004, J Pharm Pharmacol).
Additionally, compounds such as oxidized resveratrol in mulberries have shown potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which are important for preventing and treating signs of aging.
Overall, these studies suggest that mulberry extracts are an effective, multifunctional ingredient in dermatological products that can help whiten skin, reduce redness, and fight aging.
Conclusion
Mulberry extract is a powerful natural ingredient that has a variety of benefits for the skin, from brightening the complexion to protecting the skin from environmental stressors.
It has the ability to inhibit melanin production, making it particularly effective for treating hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
However, due to its potential estrogenic effects, mulberry extract may not be suitable for everyone.
If you are concerned about elevated estrogen levels, consult your doctor before using this ingredient.
