Product Name: Beta-arbutin

Synonyms: 4-Hydroxyphenyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside; p-Arbutin

Molecular Formula: C12H16O7

Molecular Weight: 272.25

CAS No.: 497-76-7

EINECS: 207-850-3

Description:

Arbutin is hydroquinone glycoside obtained from various plants like a strawberry tree, bearberry, heather, huckleberry, etc. The percentage of arbutin found in each of the mentioned plants differs concerning the species, the time when the component has been collected, and the plants' growing environment. The plant with the highest concentration of arbutin is a small shrub found in Africa called the Myrothamnus flabellifolia. It has a concentration of 27% of the plant's dry weight of arbutin.

However, it is bearberry that is the most used plant and most sourced plant for deriving arbutin in the skincare industry. It is mainly used in products meant to lighten skin. It is often compared to hydroquinone (the main agent from which arbutin is derived) and is, for most parts, found to be safer and less toxic than hydroquinone.

Alpha arbutin is usually a natural plant derivative. However, it can be prepared synthetically. In an alkali, acetobromoglucose and hydroquinone are made to react to form the synthetic form of alpha arbutin. The powdered form of alpha arbutin is the purest.

Arbutin is found in two different formats; alpha arbutin and beta arbutin. It is often confusing to realize what the difference could be given that they both are arbutin.

1. Alpha Arbutin – more water-soluble and has a higher heat resistance; it has better light-stability properties than beta arbutin.

2. Beta Arbutin – the only thing that this format is better in is the price format as it is cheaper than alpha arbutin. The reasons are quite obvious, but to mainly highlight the same would be that alpha-arbutin is better at performance than beta arbutin. Thus, it is used in the skincare industry more than its counterpart, making beta arbutin lose market importance and price.

Main Benefits:

Lightens dark spots, lessens appearance of acne scars, helps even out skin tone. Who should use it: Arbutin is generally safe for all skin types. How often can you use it: Arbutin can be used twice a day. It is safe to apply on clean skin with other creams and serums.