Evidence supporting the use of: Arbutin
For the health condition: Skin Care (general)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Arbutin is a glycosylated hydroquinone derived from plants such as bearberry, and it is commonly used in skin care for its skin-lightening and depigmenting effects. Scientific research supports its use, primarily for addressing hyperpigmentation conditions like melasma, age spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Arbutin works by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme crucial to melanin synthesis, thereby reducing the formation of melanin in the skin. Several in vitro and clinical studies have demonstrated that topical application of arbutin can effectively lighten hyperpigmented areas with a favorable safety profile compared to other agents like hydroquinone, which can cause skin irritation and potential cytotoxicity.

Alpha-arbutin, a more stable and water-soluble form, is also widely used in cosmetic products and has shown significant efficacy in reducing UV-induced pigmentation in clinical trials. While most studies are short-term and focus on mild-to-moderate hyperpigmentation, the consistent results across different populations and formulations give strong support for its use. No major adverse effects have been reported with typical topical use, although rare cases of irritation have occurred. Overall, the scientific evidence for arbutin's use in general skin care—especially for brightening and evening out skin tone—is robust and growing, warranting a high rating.

More about arbutin
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Other ingredients used for Skin Care (general)

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Algal protein
Allantoin
Almond fruit
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Alpha hydroxy acids
alpha-terpineol
amaranth
Anserina
anthocyanidins
anthocyanins
apple
apricot
arbutin
argan nut oil
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astaxanthin
avocado
azelaic acid
beet
behenic acid
beta-carotene
beta-zeacarotene
Biopeptide
birch
bird\'s nest
bisabolene
black currant
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borage
bottle gourd
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butternut
California chia
camphor oil
candelilla wax
Carnosine
castile soap
catalase
cereal grass
chervil
chickweed
citral
cocoa butter
colostrum
copaiba oil
cryptoxanthin
cucumber
currant
d-alpha tocopherol
David\'s milkberry
dog rose
dulse
dulse leaf
Dunaliella salina
egg
emu oil
flavans
Gac
geraniol
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glyceryl oleate
Glycolic acid
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goji berry
Haematococcus pluvialis
Heartsease
heartwood
Himalayan salt
Houttuynia
hyaluronic acid
Kachnar
keratin
L-cysteine
L-glutathione
L-histidine
Leptospermum scoparium
Lilium polyphyllum
limonene
linoleic acid (LA)
linseed oil
loquat
lovage
lychee
magnesium
mandarin
mango
manzanita
Mesua
mixed carotenoids
Mung bean
Nectarine
Night jessamine
Oak
oat
omega-3 fatty acids
orchid
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palmitic acid
Panthenol
Pelvetia canaliculata
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procyanidin
procyanidol
pumpkin
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rockweed
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spinach
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vegetable oil
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vitamin A
vitamin C
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Products containing arbutin

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.