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New Hydrating Serum A31: Reduced from 11 to 7 ingredients for even better skin penetration.
New formula — Hydrating Serum A31: Light, water-based texture for instant absorption

New formula — Hydrating Serum A31: Light, water-based texture for instant absorption

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Arbutin acid

An alternative to hydroquinone, arbutin acid is an active ingredient commonly used for its depigmenting properties. Learn how this agent can help reduce dark spots and even out skin tone, and also whether its safety profile is reassuring.
Dangers de l'acide arbutine.
Self-tanning and depigmenting agents
9 min of reading
What are the dangers of arbutin acid?

Arbutin acid, also known as alpha arbutin, is an active ingredient used in cosmetics for its brightening properties. It helps reduce the appearance of various types of hyperpigmentation, such as acne marks, sunspots, and melasma (pregnancy mask). Side effects, contraindications, potential risks… Typology provides guidance on the precautions to take when using arbutin acid.

Sérum alpha arbutine et extrait de citron
Self-tanning and depigmenting agents
4 min of reading
When to use arbutin acid?

In dermo-cosmetics, several synthetic or natural active ingredients targeting dark spots and uneven skin tone exist. Alpha-arbutin or arbutin acid is one of them. It is a brightening (not whitening) agent derived from plants such as bearberry. Find here our advice regarding the frequency and timing of application of an arbutin acid skincare product.

Mode d'utilisation acide arbutine.
Self-tanning and depigmenting agents
6 min of reading
How to use arbutin acid?

Derived from plants such as cranberries, blueberries, or bearberries, alpha-arbutin is used as a brightening agent in facial and body care. This molecule helps to reduce hyperpigmentation or skin marks resulting from overexposure to the sun, acne flare-ups, or simply the natural aging of the skin. Here are some tips for effectively incorporating this active ingredient into your routine.

Soins à l'acide arbutine.
Self-tanning and depigmenting agents
4 min of reading
Skincare treatments based on arbutin acid.

Arbutin acid, also known as alpha arbutin, is a water-soluble substance with recognized brightening properties. Less irritating than hydroquinone, which has been banned in cosmetic products since 2001 according to European regulations, arbutin acid is increasingly present in skincare products. Discover the various forms in which you can find this active ingredient.

Associations d'actifs avec l'acide arbutine.
Self-tanning and depigmenting agents
18 min of reading
Which active ingredients should be combined with arbutin acid?

As a natural-origin skin-brightening agent, alpha-arbutin has a molecular structure similar to that of tyrosine, the amino acid that binds to tyrosinase to catalyze melanin synthesis. This resemblance enables alpha-arbutin to occupy the same binding site on tyrosinase, thereby blocking its activity and reducing melanin production—a mechanism that explains its popularity for fading pigment spots. It is possible to enhance alpha-arbutin’s efficacy by combining it with other active ingredients. Which ones? Discover the optimal combinations.

FAQ about arbutin acid

Does arbutin acid remove dark spots?

The arbutin acid helps reduce dark spots by inhibiting melanin production in the skin.

Is arbutin acid photosensitizing?

No, arbutin acid is not photosensitizing and can be used just as well in the morning as in the evening.

Is arbutin acid more effective than kojic acid?

The effectiveness of arbutin acid and kojic acid can vary among individuals, but arbutin acid has a better safety profile. Kojic acid is suspected of being an endocrine disruptor and of having carcinogenic potential.

How long does it take for arbutin acid to work?

It generally takes one to two cell cycles to observe an effect from arbutin acid, corresponding to approximately one to two months.

Is arbutin acid natural?

The arbutin acid found in cosmetics may be of natural origin and extracted from the bearberry plant, or it may be synthetic.

What is the difference between alpha-arbutin and beta-arbutin?

Alpha-arbutin and beta-arbutin differ in the configuration of their glycosidic bond. Alpha-arbutin is generally considered more stable and more effective at inhibiting tyrosinase, and is therefore used more frequently.

Can arbutin acid be combined with vitamin C?

Yes, this combination is possible and relevant for evening out the complexion and reducing pigment spots.

Can arbutic acid cause side effects?

Yes, arbutin acid is sometimes associated with redness and irritation. However, these reactions remain quite rare.

Is arbutin acid allowed during pregnancy?

The available data are limited. As a precaution, it is recommended to seek the advice of a healthcare professional before use.

What concentration of arbutin acid should you choose for visible results?

Concentrations of alpha-arbutin in cosmetic products generally range between 1% and 2%. Its effectiveness also depends on the overall formulation and the stability of the product.

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