Alpha-Arbutin is a naturally occurring derivative of hydroquinone, a n hydroquinone glycoside, used in skincare products for its skin-brightening and lightening properties. It is a stable form of arbutin that helps to inhibit melanin production in the skin.

Chemical Composition and Structure:

Components:
Alpha-Arbutin: A glycosylated hydroquinone derivative.
Structure:
Molecular Formula: C12H16O7
Molecular Weight: 272.25 g/mol
Chemical Structure: Alpha-Arbutin consists of a hydroquinone molecule linked to a glucose molecule, forming a stable glycoside bond.

Physical Properties:

Appearance: White to off-white powder.
Odor: Odorless or slightly sweet.
Solubility: Soluble in water and various cosmetic solvents.
Texture: Fine powder with a smooth texture.

Production Process:

Extraction: Alpha-Arbutin is derived from natural sources like bearberry, or synthesized from hydroquinone and glucose in a controlled laboratory process.
Purification: The raw material is purified to remove impurities and ensure the stability of the final product.
Formulation: Alpha-Arbutin is incorporated into cosmetic formulations in appropriate concentrations, usually ranging from 0.5% to 2%.

Applications:

Skin Care: Used in serums, creams, and lotions for its skin-brightening effects. It helps to reduce the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone.
Anti-Aging: Often included in anti-aging products to improve skin radiance and reduce age spots.
Cosmetic Whitening: Included in products aimed at lightening the skin tone and improving overall skin clarity.
Medical: Alpha-arbutin reduced reactive oxygen species.
Polouliakh N, Ludwig V, Meguro A, Kawagoe T, Heeb O, Mizuki N. Alpha-Arbutin Promotes Wound Healing by Lowering ROS and Upregulating Insulin/IGF-1 Pathway in Human Dermal Fibroblast. Front Physiol. 2020 Nov 4;11:586843. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2020.586843. Erratum in: Front Physiol. 2021 Mar 12;12:659813. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2021.659813.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

Environmental Impact: Alpha-Arbutin production generally has minimal environmental impact. Sustainable practices should be considered in sourcing raw materials.
Safety: Alpha-Arbutin is considered safe for use in cosmetics when used according to recommended guidelines. It is less likely to cause irritation compared to other skin-lightening agents. Individuals allergic or with very sensitive skin should be cautious.

INCI:


Antioxidant agent. Ingredient that counteracts oxidative stress and prevents cell damage. Free radicals, pathological inflammatory processes, reactive nitrogen species and reactive oxygen species are responsible for the ageing process and many diseases caused by oxidation.

Bleaching agent. This ingredient exerts a depigmentation and/or lightening action on the set of pigments produced by melanocytes and known as melanin, the substance responsible for skin colouration.

Skin conditioning agent - Miscellaneous. This ingredient has the task of modifying and improving the condition of the skin when it is damaged or dry, reducing flaking and restoring its elasticity.
Synonyms:

CAS: 84380-01-8 EC number 617-561-8