Uneven skin tone and dark spots are some of the biggest skin care concerns. While many products and ingredients claim to brighten skin, alpha arbutin is one that most people have never heard of. Alpha arbutin is a powerful skin brightener that targets dark spots. What makes this ingredient so unique is that it is not only effective, but is also safe for all skin types and tones.
Alpha arbutin, also called Hydroquinone β-D-glucopyranoside, is a naturally occurring antioxidant and skin brightener that is naturally found in the bearberry plant. It reduces melanin formation, improving the appearance of age spots, freckles, melasma, and post-inflammatory pigmentation. It is a glycosylated hydroquinone molecule, meaning a sugar molecule that has replaced one of the hydroxyl (-OH) groups on hydroquinone. Hydroquinone is seen as the gold standard of skin lightening, but there are concerns surrounding this well-studied tyrosinase inhibitor, such as skin sensitization, melanocytotoxicity from oxidative byproducts, and exogenous ochronosis (blue-black splotchy pigmentation) as a result of long-term application.
Alpha arbutin is a more tolerable alternative to hydroquinone and is sometimes referred to as “natural hydroquinone.” Alpha arbutin functions similarly to hydroquinone, due to its molecular structure, but with reduced irritation and Melano cytotoxicity. Alpha arbutin does not pose a risk in regards to exogenous ochronotic and poses minimal irritation and sensitization risk, making it a more tolerable alternative to hydroquinone.
How Does Alpha Arbutin Work?
Arbutin is mostly rivalled by other gentler brighteners like kojic acids and licorice, but it is much more efficient than these elements. It is a derivative of hydroquinone, which is valued as one of the most potential skin-lightening and dark-spot-fading ingredients. Here is how this star ingredient works:
Dark spots emerge from pigments that are produced in skin cells called melanocytes and these cells contain an enzyme called tyrosinase. The cells get triggered as soon as the skin encounters UV light for a longer period resulting in freckles and sunspots. Alpha arbutin releases hydroquinone over time, thus impeding tyrosinase- the enzyme that is responsible for the secretion of melanin.
This skincare substance effectively stops the overproduction of melanin as well as blocks the production of tyrosinase. Thus, eventually improves skin pigmentation and keeps the dark spots at bay without any harmful side effects.
Alpha Arbutin Benefits
Alpha arbutin is a popular skincare ingredient to target hyperpigmentation due to its powerful but gentle skin-lightening properties. Here’s a detailed look at the benefits of alpha arbutin.
Skin Brightening
Alpha arbutin inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase, responsible for melanin production. This helps in reducing hyperpigmentation including melasma and age spots. It leaves the skin looking brighter and more even toned.
Gentle on the Skin
Unlike some other skin-lightening agents, alpha arbutin is known for its gentle action on the skin. Its slow release into the skin reduces the risk of irritation. This makes it better for more sensitive skin.
Works Well with Other Skincare Products
You can use alpha arbutin alongside other active skincare ingredients like Vitamin C, exfoliating acids and retinoids. This flexibility allows it to be part of a comprehensive skincare routine to target multiple skin concerns.
Safe for Regular Use
Since alpha arbutin is less aggressive compared to many other brightening agents, it is typically safe to use in the long-term. That being said, you must use it according to instructions on the packaging or following a professional skincare practitioner’s recommendation.
Effective for Different Skin Tones
Alpha arbutin doesn’t bleach the skin but instead works to reduce excess pigmentation. As a result, it can be beneficial for people of various skin tones seeking to address specific areas of discoloration.
Skin Healing Benefits
1. Reduces Dark Spots: Alpha arbutin eases the skin tone and makes it look nourished and glowing by fading discolouration caused due to inflammation and environmental triggers. Regular use of this product alleviates suntan, age spots, acne scars and melasma. Also, it acts as a natural blending foundation agent for the skin.
2. Treats Acne Scars: It is known to work well in fading red-purple acne scars caused by acne.
3. Improves Skin Tone: This skincare ingredient supports improving an uneven complexion by impeding the production of tyrosinase. Thereby fading dark spots and enhancing skin tone and elasticity.
4. Remedies Hyperpigmentation: Alpha arbutin can remarkably impede melanin production, making it an effective and safe treatment option for hyperpigmentation. It shields the skin from sun-induced pigmentation and free radical damage.
Who Can Use Alpha Arbutin?
Arbutin is considered safe for all types of skin. Specifically beneficial for darker-tone skin, which is more likely to become hyperpigmented, as it has higher amounts of melanin. It is also safe for sensitive skin as the active element in arbutin is released slowly. Moreover, it causes less irritation than other ingredients and is considered a safer alternative.
How To Use?
Alpha arbutin is used as a key substance in a spectrum of skin-lightening products like creams, serums, face washes, gels, and lotions. Additionally, it is one of the most sought-after ingredients in overnight masks and water creams. It can be used twice a day- once in the morning and at night. However, ensure to do a patch test prior to trying to avert the risk of any allergic reactions.
Apply it on clean and dry skin after cleansing and toning but before applying any heavy sunscreens and moisturizer. Else product will not effectively diffuse into your skin.
You can apply it directly on the hyperpigmented regions of the face as spot treatment or on the entire face (avoiding eyes, lips, and mouth).
Alpha arbutin can be blended with other skin-lightening ingredients like chemical peels and retinol, as well as with vitamin C and AHAs-containing creams and serums to enhance their efficacy.
Alpha arbutin is safe for topical use in concentrations up to 2%, while beta arbutin up to 7% concentration is considered safe for use in skin care products. It is always best to consult a dermatologist to know the right dosage and frequency based on your skin type, underlying skin problems and skin sensitivity.
Where to buy Alpha arbutin Powder?
As a professional natural health product supplier, different custom service is available. You can purchase Alpha arbutin powder at Yangge Biotech. Our company is an industry-leading manufacturer and distributor of pure dietary supplements and other food ingredients. From raw materials to finished products, qualification audit, we control it step by step. Aim to supply the qualified product to every customer. Contact us at
newthingsbio.com to place your order today. Conclusion
Alpha arbutin is an important skincare ingredient that offers a gentle and effective solution to brightening and evening out the skin. However, it is not a silver bullet and what works for one person may not work for another. The benefits of alpha arbutin depend on the cause and extent of your hyperpigmentation as well as your skin tone. If you are dealing with severe hyperpigmentation or multiple skin concerns, it’s best to see a dermatologist or aesthetic doctor. They will advise on the safest and most effective treatment for you.
References:
Arbutin as a Skin Depigmenting Agent with Antimelanogenic and Antioxidant Properties
Yong Chool Boo 1
Editors: Irene Dini1, Domenico Montesano1