White Mulberry
Botanical name: Morus alba L.
INCI: Morus Alba Extract, Morus Alba Bark Extract
Plant family: Moraceae (mulberry family)
Cosmetic use: antioxidant, skin-soothing, evens out skin tone
Key mode of action: Influences tyrosinase activity and melanin formation
White Mulberry (Morus alba) – Plant extract for an even complexion
The White Mulberry (Morus alba) is far more than just a traditional crop plant: its leaves, bark, twigs, and—in particular—its roots and root bark contain a multitude of secondary plant compounds that are also of interest for modern skincare. In cosmetic formulations, Morus alba extract is used primarily for its antioxidant, skin-soothing, and balancing properties.
The White Mulberry receives particular attention in the treatment of uneven skin tone and pigmentation spots. Studies show that various extracts and constituents of Morus alba can influence the activity of tyrosinase—a key enzyme in melanin formation.
What is White Mulberry?
White Mulberry bears the botanical name Morus alba L. and belongs to the mulberry family (Moraceae). It originates from Asia and is closely linked to traditional silk production, as its leaves serve as food for silkworms.
The plant is also of interest in cosmetics. Depending on the part of the plant used and the extraction method, Morus alba contains various secondary plant compounds. These include, among others, flavonoids, stilbenes, and other phenolic compounds. Studies have identified substances such as rutin, isoquercitrin, resveratrol, and morin, as well as various compounds characteristic of the mulberry.
Important to note: Not all mulberry extracts are the same. Leaves, fruits, twigs, wood, and roots differ in their composition. Therefore, study results regarding a specific extract cannot automatically be applied to every cosmetic active ingredient derived from Morus alba.
How does White Mulberry affect the skin?
White Mulberry combines several properties that make it interesting for modern facial care. Key benefits include a more even skin appearance, antioxidant protection, and skin-soothing effects.
- White Mulberry for pigmentation spots and uneven skin tone
One of the most interesting applications of Morus alba is in the care of skin with pigmentation irregularities.
The pigment melanin is primarily responsible for skin color. Its production is a natural protective mechanism of the skin. However, if excessive amounts of melanin are produced locally, visible pigment spots or areas of hyperpigmentation can develop.
The enzyme tyrosinase plays a crucial role in melanin synthesis. This is precisely where various ingredients and extracts derived from the white mulberry come into play: in laboratory and preclinical studies, *Morus alba* extracts have been shown to influence tyrosinase activity and melanin production. Consequently, the white mulberry is of particular interest for skincare regimens aimed at achieving a more even and radiant complexion. - Antioxidant effect against free radicals
Oxidative stress is caused by factors such as UV radiation and other environmental influences. This process can generate reactive oxygen species that stress cellular components and promote premature skin aging.
*Morus alba* contains various phenolic plant compounds with antioxidant potential. Studies on different parts of the plant demonstrate properties such as radical scavenging and reducing activity.
In skincare, antioxidant ingredients can therefore help support the skin in protecting itself against oxidative stress. - Soothing properties
Morus alba can also be of interest for sensitive skin or skin prone to irritation. In a comparative study of various plant extracts, a Morus alba extract demonstrated significant inflammation-modulating activity, influencing—among other things—the release of specific inflammatory mediators.
In the context of cosmetic applications, this does not mean that the plant treats skin diseases. However, its properties make Morus alba extracts interesting ingredients for soothing and balancing skincare formulations.
Which constituents make Morus alba interesting for cosmetics?
Its composition depends heavily on which part of the white mulberry is used and how the extract is produced.
The classes of compounds studied include, among others:
- Flavonoids
- Stilbenes and stilbene glycosides
- Phenolic compounds
- Mulberrosides
- Oxyresveratrol
- Resveratrol
- Rutin
- Morin
Some of these substances are being investigated specifically for their antioxidant properties and their influence on tyrosinase and melanogenesis.
White Mulberry for Hyperpigmentation: What Does the Research Say?
The cosmetic use of white mulberry to address uneven skin tone is scientifically plausible. Various in vitro studies demonstrate that extracts derived from the plant's leaves, roots, twigs, or wood can influence tyrosinase activity and/or melanin production.
Individual constituents of the plant have also been investigated. For instance, mulberrosides and oxyresveratrol derived from Morus alba have shown effects on melanin production processes in experimental models.
Furthermore, preliminary clinical data exists: a small, randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 50 participants evaluated a highly concentrated mulberry extract oil for the treatment of melasma. After eight weeks, measurements in the group treated with mulberry extract showed greater improvement compared to the placebo group.
However, the available data should be viewed with nuance: many findings are derived from laboratory, cell, or animal models.
Furthermore, results obtained with specific extracts cannot automatically be applied to every cosmetic product containing *Morus alba*.
For which skin types is White Mulberry suitable?
Cosmetic active ingredients derived from *Morus alba* can be particularly beneficial for:
- uneven skin tone
- visible pigmentation spots
- sun-induced pigmentation irregularities
- a dull or tired-looking complexion
- skin exposed to oxidative environmental stressors
- demanding and mature skin
- sensitive skin, provided the specific extract and the overall formulation are suitable
Combining it with other antioxidant and balancing active ingredients can be particularly effective.
White Mulberry and Sun Protection – An Important Combination
Anyone wishing to prevent pigment spots or reduce their appearance should not rely solely on brightening or skin-tone-evening active ingredients.
Consistent UV protection is an essential part of any skincare routine targeting hyperpigmentation.
UV radiation can stimulate melanin production and intensify existing pigment irregularities. Therefore, adequate broad-spectrum sun protection is a crucial complement to skincare products containing Morus alba.
White mulberry is not a substitute for sun protection.
Conclusion: White Mulberry for Radiant, Even-Looking Skin
White mulberry (Morus alba) is a versatile botanical cosmetic ingredient. It is particularly notable for its combination of antioxidant, skin-soothing, and skin-tone-evening properties.
Research focuses primarily on its impact on tyrosinase activity and melanin formation. This makes Morus alba particularly suitable for cosmetic products addressing pigment spots, uneven skin tone, and a dull complexion.
At the same time, its antioxidant plant compounds offer an additional way to support the skin against oxidative stress. However, the actual efficacy of a cosmetic product always depends on the type of extract used, its concentration, and the overall formulation.
Our product recommendation for white mulberry
FAQ Weiße Maulbeere
White mulberry extracts are used in cosmetics primarily for their antioxidant, skin-soothing, and skin-tone-evening properties. Morus alba is of particular interest for the treatment of pigmentation irregularities.
Various experimental studies show that constituents and extracts of Morus alba can influence tyrosinase activity and melanin formation. Consequently, the active ingredient can help promote a more even-looking skin tone.
Morus alba is the botanical name for the white mulberry. It belongs to the mulberry family and is native to Asia. Various parts of the plant—such as leaves, twigs, fruits, and roots—are used to produce extracts.
Morus alba contains numerous secondary plant compounds, including flavonoids and stilbenes. These are being investigated for reasons including their antioxidant properties and their potential influence on pigment formation processes.
Yes, *Morus alba* extracts can also be beneficial for demanding and mature skin. Their antioxidant properties can help the skin counteract oxidative stress.
From a cosmetic perspective, the more precise term is skin tone-evening. Morus alba extracts can influence melanin production processes and are therefore of particular interest for skincare products that address the appearance of pigment spots and uneven skin tone.
No. Consistent UV protection is particularly important when dealing with pigment spots. Therefore, a skincare product containing white mulberry should be viewed as part of a comprehensive skincare routine and does not replace broad-spectrum sunscreen.