OBJECTIVE： To compare the in vitro release rate and transdermal characteristics of Glabridin gel and cream， and to provide evidence for the selection and R&D of new dosage form. METHODS： Glabridin gel and cream were prepared. The in vitro release and transdermal test were performed by using HPLC and vertical Franz diffusion cell method with microporous membrane and pig skin as transdermal barrier； in vitro release rate （Fn）， permeation volume （Qn）， transdermal rate （Sn） of glabridin and pig skin residue of Glabridin gel and cream were compared via sampling at 1， 2， 4， 6， 8，10， 12， and 24 h. RESULTS： Fn， Qn and Sn of Glabridin gel were 91.42％， 902.81 μg， 33.19％ at 24 h； fitting equation of transdermal dynamics were Sn＝－1.8t3+3.2t2－0.4t+0.6； the retention of glabridin in pig skin （1.5 cm diameter circle） was （280.86±66.2） μg （n＝3）. Fn， Qn and Sn of Glabridin cream were 83.63％， 396.48 μg， 15.86％； fitting equation of transdermal dynamics were Sn＝－1.1t3+2.3t2－0.3t+0.15； the retention of glabridin in pig skin was（207.11±47.5） μg （n＝3）. CONCLUSIONS： Fn， Qn and Sn as well as retention of pig skin of glabridin in Glabridin gel are higher than those of Glabridin cream.