Arbutin is a molecule extracted from the bearberry plant and is known to prevent the formation of melanin. Arbutin is often compared to a few other skin brightening agents, kojic acid and licorice root being some of them. Various skin brightening agents are extracted from natural ingredients, and they all provide lightening and brightening effects to the skin.
How does our skin get the brown spots?
A pigment called melanocytes is produced in our skin cells, which leads to brown spots. These pigments contain tyrosinase enzymes that activate when your skin is exposed to the sun. So, spending too much time in the sun without protecting your skin results in brown spots that make your skin uneven.
So, how can arbutin help prevent the formation of brown spots?
Arbutin is a natural ingredient that acts as a shield between your skin and the harmful UV rays. Arbutin blocks tyrosinase, keeping dark spots away.
What are the Benefits of Alpha Arbutin?
There are several benefits associated with the use of alpha arbutin. Let’s have a closer look at them one by one.
Protects from sun
Arbutin restricts the production of tyrosinase, which helps reduce the degree of skin darkening when your skin is exposed to UV rays. Therefore, you can use this magical ingredient to protect your skin from sun spots, hyperpigmentation, freckles, etc.
Improves uneven complexion
Arbutin is known to inhibit tyrosinase, an enzyme that restricts the production of melanin. As a result, arbutin creams and serums help fade dark spots, leading to smooth skin and even complexion.
Brightens skin
Arbutin reduces the production of melanin and helps fade dark spots and pigmentation on your skin. As a result, it offers a noticeable brightening effect that makes your skin look glowy and even.
Helps fade scars
Arbutin will not just fade dark spots, but it is equally capable of fading those red-purple acne scars that feel forever on your skin.
Works well with sensitive skin
Many people have complaints about brightening agents making their skin dry, but arbutin isn’t one of them. Arbutin is less irritating than any other skin brightening agent. Hence, people will sensitive skin love its feel. According to experts, arbutin releases its active component slowly compared to its other counterparts. Therefore, it works better for people with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Safer than Hydroquinone
Alpha arbutin is considered a safer alternative to hydroquinone. Both these ingredients help fade pigmentation. Hydroquinone functions by killing the cells that produce pigmentation and melanin, whereas arbutin inhibits the tyrosinase enzyme that stimulates pigment-producing cells. Hydroquinone was later declared carcinogenic by the FDA (when consumed orally), making arbutin much safer.
In what forms is alpha-arbutin available?
You can find alpha-arbutin in both natural and synthetic forms. Different manufacturers prepare it synthetically from the reaction of hydroquinone and acetobromoglucose, which is done in alkali.
However, the powdered variant is known to be the purest one. You can find arbutin in various skin-lightening serums, creams, lotions, and overnight masks.
What is the right concentration for alpha-arbutin?
Since alpha-arbutin is water-soluble, it gets easily incorporated into the cosmetics with water formulation. So, you can use this skin-lightening ingredient in a 1-2% concentration. For using above 2% concentration, ensure consulting your dermatologist. Furthermore, if you have sensitive skin or other skin issues, you should always consult your dermatologist before introducing any skincare product into your routine.
What is the best alpha-arbutin serum?
Suganda Ayurveda comes with one of the best alpha-arbutin serums that give you double the brightness. This skin brightening serum is formulated with the two most powerful skin brightening agents, alpha-arbutin and vitamin C.
Arbutin works to fade the dark spots and even out the skin tone, while vitamin C adds a brightening effect to the skin. Vitamin C also helps reduce photo-aging that makes you look young and fresh. The 10% vitamin C and 2% alpha-arbutin serum produced by Suganda Ayurveda suits all skin types, as it is made free from artificial fragrance. The product is also cruelty-free.
Is if safe to use alpha-arbutin daily?
It is absolutely safe to use alpha-arbutin from AM to PM. You can apply it twice a day to get maximum benefit. But, like any other skincare product, always do a patch test to make sure that the ingredient doesn’t irritates you.
References:
National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem compound summary for CID 440936, arbutin. Updated Oct. 24, 2020.
Cleveland Clinic. How to get rid of age spots (or liver spots) and avoid more. Updated March 12, 2020.
Boo YC. Arbutin as a Skin Depigmenting Agent with Antimelanogenic and Antioxidant Properties. Antioxidants (Basel). 2021 Jul 15;10(7):1129. doi: 10.3390/antiox10071129