AccessWHITE Arbutin

High-Purity Active for Advanced Skin Brightening and Dark Spot Reduction

INCI Name: Arbutin

AccessWHITE Arbutin is a high-purity skin brightening active that effectively reduces hyperpigmentation and promotes an even skin tone. As a natural glucoside of hydroquinone, it competitively inhibits the tyrosinase enzyme, a key step in melanin production, without the safety concerns of pure hydroquinone. Its excellent stability and water solubility make it an ideal choice for formulators creating powerful, targeted treatments for dark spots, age spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Solubility Notes:

Water-soluble. Add to the water phase of your formulation, ideally below 40°C (104°F).

Perfect For These Applications

Other cosmetic uses possible—contact us for formulation guidance.

Brightening Treatments

Delivers a concentrated dose in serums and spot correctors to visibly reduce the appearance of dark spots and discoloration.
Even Tone Serums

Promotes a uniform, radiant complexion in daily-use serums designed to help prevent future hyperpigmentation.
Face Creams & Moisturizers

Incorporates easily into daily moisturizers and night creams to provide continuous brightening and maintenance.
BB & CC Creams

Adds functional skin-evening benefits to color cosmetics, working to correct tone over time.
Facial Masks

Provides an intensive brightening boost in sheet, clay, or leave-on overnight masks for a more luminous complexion.
Body Lotions

Targets areas of hyperpigmentation on the body, such as the hands, chest, and shoulders.

Performance & Formulation Insights for AccessWHITE Arbutin

How Arbutin Works: Tyrosinase Inhibition

AccessWHITE Arbutin achieves its skin-brightening effects by targeting the primary enzyme responsible for melanin synthesis: tyrosinase. Arbutin’s molecular structure is similar to tyrosine, the natural substrate for this enzyme. When applied to the skin, arbutin acts as a competitive inhibitor, binding to the active site of tyrosinase. This blocking action prevents conversion of tyrosine into melanin precursors, effectively slowing and regulating pigment production. As a result, arbutin helps fade existing dark spots and prevents new ones from forming, promoting a clearer, more even skin tone—without the safety concerns associated with free hydroquinone.

Formulation Guidelines

AccessWHITE Arbutin is a crystalline powder readily soluble in water. For optimal results and stability, add it to the water phase during cool-down at temperatures below 40°C (104°F). It is stable across pH 3.5–6.6, with a recommended final formulation pH of 4.5–5.5 for maximum efficacy and skin compatibility. Arbutin pairs synergistically with other brightening agents such as Vitamin C derivatives and Niacinamide, and with exfoliants like AHAs that can enhance penetration and performance.

Key Formulation Benefits

Clinically Proven Efficacy: Visibly reduces hyperpigmentation, including sun spots, age spots, and melasma.
Safer Brightening Alternative: A glucoside of hydroquinone with a stronger safety profile and without permanent melanocyte damage.
Excellent Stability: More stable than Kojic Acid and less pH-dependent than many Vitamin C derivatives for consistent performance.
Versatile & Compatible: Easily incorporates into serums, creams, lotions, and masks; works well with Vitamin C derivatives, Niacinamide, and AHAs.
Gentle on Skin: Generally well-tolerated for daily use and suitable for long-term brightening regimens.
Antioxidant Properties: Offers secondary antioxidant support against environmental stressors contributing to uneven tone.

Heading #1
Benefits	Brightening & Skin Lightening, Dark Spot Reduction, Even Skin Tone, Tyrosinase Inhibition
INCI Name	Arbutin
Usage Rate	0.5%-2%
Active Type	Botanical Extracts & Phytoactives, Other Botanical Extracts
Solubility	Water-Soluble
Application Area	Body, Face
Physical Form	Powder
Certifications	Cruelty-Free, Vegan

Frequently Asked Questions About AccessWHITE Arbutin

The typical and effective usage rate is 0.5% to 2%. Up to 2% is common in targeted treatment products for maximum efficacy.

Arbutin (often called Beta-Arbutin) is the naturally occurring form, while Alpha-Arbutin is a biosynthetic isomer generally considered more stable and effective at lower concentrations. Both inhibit tyrosinase; Alpha-Arbutin is typically viewed as the more potent version.

Arbutin is stable from pH 3.5 to 6.6. For best stability and skin compatibility, formulate in the slightly acidic range of pH 4.5 to 5.5.

Yes. Arbutin is highly compatible with Vitamin C derivatives and Niacinamide for multi-pathway brightening. It can be used in routines that include Retinol; many prefer Arbutin in the morning and Retinol at night.

Arbutin is considered safe and generally well-tolerated by most skin types. As with any active, advise a patch test for very sensitive skin.

Visible improvements in tone and dark spot reduction typically appear after 8–12 weeks of consistent twice-daily use.

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