All You Need to Know About Alpha Arbutin.

Arbutin is a cosmetic active ingredient also known as alpha arbutin or 4-Hydroxyphenyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside. This molecule is naturally present in certain plants, such as ash heather, cranberry, or bilberry. However, it is in bearberry leaves that it is possible to extract the maximum amount. This active ingredient can also be produced synthetically, in particular from hydroquinone, a chemical substance known for treating skin discoloration or hyperpigmentation.

Note: Beta-arbutin (β-arbutin) is an isomer of alpha-arbutin (α-arbutin) also found in some anti-hyperpigmentation treatments. However, studies have shown that alpha-arbutin is ten times more effective than beta-arbutin on hyperpigmentation.

Arbutin is often referred to as a natural hydroquinone because of its pigment-regulating properties. When applied to the skin, its remarkable effectiveness is due to its perfect affinity with the active site of tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin formation. Thus, this competitive inhibition of the active site of the enzyme blocks its activity and consequently the synthesis of melanin. Due to its lightening properties, this active ingredient is recommended for fading acne marks (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), sun spots and pregnancy masks.

Because of these properties, this active ingredient is present in our alpha-arbutin Serum for Hyperpigmentation at a level of 2%, combined with another lightening compound, lemon extract. We recommend that you use this treatment daily for a minimum of 6 weeks in order to see the effects on your pigmentation spots.