Alpha-arbutin

Alpha-arbutin is a skin-brightening ingredient derived from hydroquinone-bearing plants such as bearberry, blueberry, and cranberry. It is a water-soluble compound that works by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin production. By slowing down melanin synthesis, alpha-arbutin helps to reduce hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone.

Unlike hydroquinone, which can be harsh and irritating, alpha-arbutin is considered a safer and more stable alternative for skin brightening. It is well tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin, and is commonly found in serums, creams, and brightening treatments. Regular use can help fade dark spots, sun damage, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation caused by acne.

Alpha-arbutin is often combined with other brightening ingredients such as vitamin C, niacinamide, and kojic acid to enhance its effects. It is most effective when used consistently, and results are typically visible over time with prolonged application. Due to its gentle nature, it is suitable for both morning and evening skincare routines and can be safely used alongside other active ingredients.

Alpha-arbutin (Wikipedia)

Not to be confused with the structurally similar stereoisomer β-arbutin.

α-Arbutin, is a glycosylated hydroquinone, and an anomer of the naturally occurring arbutin. α-Arbutin is used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries for its skin lightening effects, treatment of hyperpigmentation, and as a safer alternative to hydroquinone.

α-Arbutin

Names
IUPAC name 4-Hydroxyphenyl-α-d-glucopyranoside
Systematic IUPAC name (2R,3S,4S,5R,6R)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-6-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)oxane-3,4,5-triol
Other names α-arbutin Hydroquinone-O-α-d-glucopyranoside 4-Hydroxyphenyl α-d-gluco-hexopyranoside
Identifiers
CAS Number	84380-01-8 Y
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
Beilstein Reference	89675
ChEMBL	ChEMBL226495 Y
ChemSpider	139552 Y
DrugBank	DB14109
ECHA InfoCard	100.103.679
EC Number	440-470-8/617-561-8
KEGG	C12079 Y
PubChem CID	158637
UNII	72VUP07IT5 Y
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID20233358
InChI InChI=1S/C12H16O7/c13-5-8-9(15)10(16)11(17)12(19-8)18-7-3-1-6(14)2-4-7/h1-4,8-17H,5H2/t8-,9-,10+,11-,12+/m1/s1 Y Key: BJRNKVDFDLYUGJ-ZIQFBCGOSA-N Y
SMILES C1=CC(=CC=C1O)O[C@@H]2[C@@H]([C@H]([C@@H]([C@H](O2)CO)O)O)O
Properties
Chemical formula	C12H16O7
Molar mass	272.25
Melting point	201 °C (394 °F; 474 K)
Boiling point	285 °C (545 °F; 558 K) at 102.17 kPa
Solubility in water	151 g/L
log P	2.05×10−2
UV-vis (λmax)	280 nm
Pharmacology
ATC code	D11 (WHO)
Routes of administration	Topically
Pharmacokinetics:
Bioavailability	0.53% percutaneous absorption
Legal status	US: Not FDA approved EU: Unscheduled
Hazards
Occupational safety and health (OHS/OSH):
Ingestion hazards	Harmful
Eye hazards	Mild irritant
Skin hazards	Non-irritant
GHS labelling:
Pictograms
Signal word	Warning
Hazard statements	H302
NFPA 704 (fire diamond)	0 1 0
Related compounds
Related compounds	Arbutin (β-Arbutin) γ-Arbutin
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). Infobox references