1. Skincarisma
    2. >
  2. Arbutin

Arbutin

Overview

Arbutin is an ingredient which is found naturally in plants such as the bearberry and has the ability to fade brown spots and skin pigmentation.

Arbutin is a molecule that can be found naturally in a number of plants including the bearberry, wheat, and pear tree leaves. It comes in two different forms: Alpha Arbutin and Beta Arbutin with the former being much stronger in effect. It's used at a high 2% concentration versus a standard concentration of 1% and supported with a next-generation form of Hyaluronic Acid for enhanced delivery.1

Arbutin has the ability to reduce the appearance of brown spots and hyperpigmentation in the skin. It works by hindering the melanin-forming activity of the enzyme tyrosinase (which is what causes those brown spots). It is one of the better-known skin brightening ingredients and worth a try if you are trying to combat skin pigmentation.

What is the use of Arbutin?

Arbutin is best used by those who wish to reduce the appearance of blemishes and skin pigmentation such as brown spots from over-exposure to sun. Its benefits are skin-brightening and skin-lightening thanks to its ability to inhibit melanin production.

How to use it and what to use it for

Arbutin is usually included as an ingredient in serums and moisturising creams. These are usually best applied after cleansing and either before moisturising (in the case of serums or essences) or alone as a moisturiser (in the case of moisturising creams), depending on the product.

It is not known to cause sensitivity to sun, so can be used morning or evening.

Things to note: Risks & Side Effects

The safety Arbutin as a skincare ingredient has not been thoroughly investigated, and it is unknown whether arbutin has cancer risks.2

Popular products with Arbutin