The Basics On Arbutin
What is Arbutin?
A glycoside; a glycosylated hydroquinone extracted from the leaves of the bearberry shrub, cranberry, blueberry, among others.
What are other names for Arbutin?
4-HYDROXYPHENYL BETA-D-GLUCOPYRANOSIDE, 4-HYDROXYPHENYL-B -D-GLUCOPYRANOSIDE, ARBUTIN, ARBUTINE, and P-HYDROXYPHENYLB -D-GLUCOSIDE
What is Arbutin used for?
Due to its ability to cause decreased tyrosinase activity and to also inhibit melanosome maturation, Arbutin is a highly effective pigment-lightening agent. Arbutin, along with Aloesin, was observed to synergistically inhibit melanin production by combined mechanisms of noncompetitive and competitive inhibitions of tyrosinase activity3. Arbutin is not toxic to melanocytes and is used in a variety of pigment-lightening preparation at 1-3% concnetrations4. Studies have shown that arbutin is less effective than kojic acid in skin lightening with the treatment of melasma5.
How Arbutin is classified
Plant Extracts
Recommendations for using Arbutin during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Limited data suggests no known risk
Arbutin During Pregnancy
What we know about using Arbutin while pregnant or breastfeeding
Limited information available.
N/A
General safety info about Arbutin from CIR
No report found.
Use this, not that!
Products where you might find Arbutin
DHC Alpha-Arbutin White Mask, Jan Marini Luminate Face Lotion, Obagi-C Fx System C-Therapy Night Cream; The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA, The INKEY List Alpha Arbutin Brightening Serum, Obagi Clinical Vitamin C+ Arbutin Brightening Serum
List of References
General sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/
1. Zhu W, Gao J. The Use of Botanical Extracts as Topical Skin-Lightening Agents for the Improvement of Skin Pigmentation Disorders. Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings. 2008;13(1):20-24. 2. Draelos ZD. Skin lightening preparations and the hydroquinone controversy. Dermatologic Therapy. 2007;20(5):308-313. doi:10.1111/j.1529-8019.2007.00144.x 3. Jin Y, Lee S, Chung M, Park J. Aloesin and arbutin inhibit tyrosinase activity in a synergistic manner via a different action mechanism. Archives of Pharmacal Research. 1999;22(3):223-236. 4. Rendon M, Gaviria J. Review of skin-lightening agents. Dermatol Surg. 2005;31(7 Pt 2):886-9; discussion 889. [PubMed] 5. Piamhongsant T. Treatment of melasma: a review with personal experience. International Journal of Dermatology. 1998;37(12):897-903. 6. Arbutin. EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Database. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/700487/ARBUTIN/#.W7BxUWgzZhE. Published 2018. Accessed October 2018.
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
