Alpha Arbutin Acid: All You Need to Know About This Active I

Alpha Arbutin Acid

Commonly known as: Arbutin acid, Alpha-arbutin, Arbutoside, 4-hydroxyphenyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside, Hydroquinone-alpha-D-glucopyranoside.

I.N.C.I. list name: Alpha-Arbutin.

Extraction process: Biotechnology.

Source: Vegetable.

Botanical name: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry, Common bearberry, Bearberry).

Family: Ericaceae.

Extracted part of the plant: Leaves.

Origin, provenance: Japan.

Chemical properties: Phenolic heteroside; Hydroquinone alpha glucoside; Soluble in any aqueous medium; Stable in the pH range of 3.5 to 6.5; Molecular weight: 272.25 g/mol.

Properties: Colloidal solution, emulsion.

Required dosage in cosmetic products: From 0.2% to 2% in face and neck care, but up to 0.5% in body care.

Function: Antioxidant, lightening agent, skin care agent.

Specificities: Depigmenting, soothing, skin lightening.

Benefits: Skin with spots and/or marks left by imperfections.

Contra-Indications and Precautions Contra-Indications and Precautions

In cutaneous application, alpha-arbutin does not present any risk. However, in high concentration, arbutin acid can generate slight irritation and/or redness. We advise you not to use a product containing more than 4% of this active ingredient in order to avoid these cutaneous inconveniences.

Note: When ingested, this substance is contraindicated for nursing and pregnant women, as well as those suffering from severe liver disorders or digestive irritations.

Derived from bearberry leaves, alpha-arbutin is known for its lightening properties. It is a molecule that inhibits the synthesis of melanin at non-cytotoxic concentrations by blocking the activity of the tyrosinase enzyme in the skin, which is responsible for the formation of pigmentation spots. On the other hand, arbutin acid is also a urinary and intestinal antiseptic on colibacilli, germs responsible for urinary infections.