Arbutin

Bedst

Plant extracts

Arbutin at a glance

  • Antioxidant backed by research for fading discolourations and evening out tone
  • Can be derived naturally from plants (typically bearberry) or made synthetically
  • The pure natural form of arbutin is referred to as beta-arbutin
  • Synthetic versions (known as alpha-arbutin and deoxyarbutin) have been shown to be more effective
  • Colourless to faint yellow powder (as a raw material)

Arbutin description

Arbutin is antioxidant that may be derived from plants (most commonly the bearberry plant) or made in a lab. The plant-derived form is known as beta-arbutin and the synthetic forms are alpha-arbutin and deoxyarbutin. Each is backed by research for addressing hyperpigmentation issues (i.e. fading dark spots and other discolourations), as well as improving skin’s overall radiance. Arbutin’s main benefit comes from the fact that it naturally breaks down into hydroquinone (which is known to inhibit excess melanin). This allows it to even out skin tone and minimise blotchy/patchy spots that are caused by factors such as unprotected sun exposure. Studies have shown the synthetic derivatives alpha-arbutin and deoxyarbutin are more effective in this regard than the pure natural form of beta-arbutin due to having better stability, longer efficacy, and no risk of sensitivity when exposed to human skin cells. As a raw material, arbutin comes in powder form, with a colourless to faint yellow appearance. The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety recognises up to a 2% concentration of alpha-arbutin and 7% concentration of beta-arbutin as safe in facial skin care products.

Arbutin references

  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, March 2021, ePublication
  • Phytotherapy Research, March 2021, ePublication
  • Molecules, September 2019, pages 1-9
  • PLoS One, May 2017, pages 1-19
  • Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, February 2016, Pages 75-76
  • Phytochemistry Letters, September 2015, pages 35-40
  • BMC Biochemistry, October 2014, pages 15-23
  • Dermatologica Sinica, July 2014, pages 205-210
  • Applied Microbiol Biotechnology, 2012, pages 1,417-1,425
  • Archives of Pharmacal Research, March 2009, pages 1,308-1,309
  • Experimental Dermatology, August 2005, pages 601-608

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ratings af ingredienser

Bedst

Dokumenteret og understøttet af uafhængige studier. Fremragende aktiv ingrediens til de fleste hudtyper eller hudproblemer.

God

Nødvendigt for at forbedre en formulerings tekstur, stabilitet eller penetration.

Middel

Generelt ikke-irriterende, men kan have kosmetiske, stabilitetsmæssige eller andre problemer, der begrænser dets anvendelighed.

Dårlig

Der er risiko for irritation. Risikoen øges, når det kombineres med andre problematiske ingredienser.

Dårligst

Kan forårsage irritation, inflammation, tørhed osv. Kan være en fordel i nogle tilfælde, men generelt har man påvist, at ingrediensen gør mere skade end gavn.

Ukendt

Vi kunne ikke finde denne ingrediens i vores ingrediensordbog. Vi registrerer alle manglende ingredienser og foretager løbende opdateringer.

Ikke ratet

Vi har endnu ikke ratet denne ingrediens, fordi vi ikke har haft mulighed for at gennemgå forskningen om den.