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.
Face care (serums, creams and masks, cleansing gels, unifying moisturizing milks, tonic lotions);
Body care (lotions, milks, creams, soaps);
Make-up (BB creams, CC creams).
Store away from light and moisture, and at a temperature between 15 and 25 °C.
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.