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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.
Part of the plant extracted:
Leaves.
Provenance, origin:
Japan.
Chemical characteristics:
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.
Characteristics:
Colloidal solution, emulsion.
Dosage required 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.
Properties:
Depigmenting, soothing, skin lightening.
Benefits:
Skin with spots and/or marks left by imperfections.
Details
Use
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).
Preservation
Store away from light and moisture, and at a temperature between 15 and 25 °C.
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.
Find out more
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.
