ARBUTIN

Arbutin (beta-Arbutin) is naturally sourced from bearberries, pears, cranberries, or blueberries. For the extraction process, the dried plant material is soaked in an alcoholic solvent like ethanol. The resulting extract is filtered and purified.

For synthetic production (which is more common), glucose is enzymatically attached to hydroquinone, which produces the final ingredient. Arbutin produced via this method has greater purity and can be produced on an industrial scale.

The synthetic version is considered to be more effective and is therefore more common in cosmetics.

Arbutin is a phenomenal ingredient for people struggling with hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. It inhibits tyrosinase, which is responsible for melanin production – leading to skin brightening. Also, it helps fade dark spots, melasma, sun spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This ingredient has mild antioxidant effects, which help combat oxidative stress and prevent premature skin aging. It is regarded as a better alternative to Hydroquinone – having fewer risks of irritation.