Beta-Arbutin

High-Purity Active for Visible Skin Brightening and Even Tone

INCI Name: Arbutin

Beta-Arbutin is a high-purity crystalline powder renowned for its skin-brightening capabilities. As a glycoside of hydroquinone, it functions as a potent tyrosinase inhibitor, effectively slowing melanin production to address hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven tone. Its excellent water solubility and stability make it a preferred choice for advanced brightening serums, creams, and targeted treatments.

Solubility Notes:

Soluble in water and alcohol. Best added to the water phase of formulations.

Perfect For These Applications

Other cosmetic uses possible—contact us for formulation guidance.

Brightening Face Serums

Delivers concentrated brightening power to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and create a more luminous complexion.
Dark Spot Correctors

Provides targeted action in spot treatments to visibly diminish the size and intensity of age spots, sun spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Even-Tone Moisturizers

Incorporates into daily face creams and lotions to maintain an even, radiant skin tone and prevent the formation of future discoloration.
Brightening Sheet Masks & Peels

Offers an intensive brightening boost in wash-off or leave-on mask formats for immediate radiance and skin tone improvement.
Hand and Body Lotions

Effectively addresses hyperpigmentation on the body, such as sun spots on hands and décolletage, promoting uniform skin color.
Cosmetic Base Formulations

Can be used in foundations and concealers to provide long-term skin brightening benefits alongside cosmetic coverage.

Performance & Formulation Insights for Beta-Arbutin

How Beta-Arbutin Works for Skin Brightening

Beta-Arbutin is a molecule in which hydroquinone is bound to glucose. Its primary mechanism is competitive inhibition of tyrosinase, the key enzyme that catalyzes melanin synthesis. By binding to the enzyme’s active site, Beta-Arbutin blocks the conversion of L-tyrosine to L-DOPA, slowing melanogenesis. This results in a visible reduction of existing hyperpigmentation and helps prevent the formation of new dark spots. Because hydroquinone is released slowly via hydrolysis, Beta-Arbutin offers an effective and gentler approach to brightening compared to direct hydroquinone.

Formulation Guidelines for Optimal Performance

Beta-Arbutin is a white crystalline powder readily soluble in water and alcohol, facilitating easy incorporation into the aqueous phase. For optimal performance, formulate between pH 5.0 and 7.0 and add during the cool-down phase below 50°C to minimize potential degradation. It is highly compatible with other brightening actives, including Vitamin C derivatives and Niacinamide, enabling synergistic, multi-pathway tone-correction formulas. Typical usage levels range from 1–3% for daily maintenance to up to 7% in intensive treatments, a level considered safe by the SCCS for face creams.

Key Formulation Benefits:

Clinically Proven Efficacy: A well-researched active known to visibly reduce sun spots, age spots, and melasma.
Potent Tyrosinase Inhibitor: Directly targets melanin production for effective brightening and tone correction.
Excellent Safety Profile: A gentler alternative to hydroquinone with a lower risk of irritation.
High Purity & Stability: Supplied as ≥99.0% purity for consistent performance within pH 5.0–7.0.
Versatile & Compatible: Water-soluble for effortless use in serums, creams, lotions, and masks.
Synergistic Action: Pairs well with Vitamin C, Niacinamide, and AHAs for multi-pathway brightening.

Heading #1
Benefits	Brightening & Skin Lightening, Dark Spot Reduction, Even Skin Tone, Tyrosinase Inhibition
INCI Name	Arbutin
Usage Rate	1%-7%
Active Type	Botanical Extracts & Phytoactives, Other Botanical Extracts
Solubility	Water-Soluble
Application Area	Body, Eye, Face, Lip, Nail
Physical Form	Powder
Certifications	Cruelty-Free, Vegan

Frequently Asked Questions About Beta-Arbutin

For general brightening and maintenance, 1–3% is effective. For more intensive dark spot treatments, concentrations up to 7% can be used.

Both are effective tyrosinase inhibitors. Alpha-Arbutin is generally considered more stable and potent at lower concentrations, while Beta-Arbutin is highly effective and often more cost-efficient, with a long history of cosmetic use.

Yes. Beta-Arbutin is highly compatible with Vitamin C derivatives and Niacinamide. Using them together can enhance brightening by targeting multiple pathways of pigmentation.

The optimal pH range is 5.0–7.0 for stability and efficacy. Formulating outside this range may impact long-term stability.

Beta-Arbutin is generally well-tolerated and considered a gentle yet effective brightening option. As with any active, a patch test is recommended.

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

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