What Is Arbutin? Skin-Care Benefits, Side Effects, How to Use It

In your quest to brighten your complexion, lighten dark spots, or reduce hyperpigmentation, you may be curious about your options.One star ingredient you should be paying attention to? Arbutin, a topical ingredient known for its ability to make your skin glow.Arbutin is a derivative of hydroquinone, a topical skin lightening agent a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology and director of the American Academy of Dermatology in Westlake, Texas.member.The ingredient can be synthesized in the laboratory or extracted from certain plants in the Rhododendron family.

The Skin-Care Benefits of Arbutin 

"Arbutin evens and brightens skin tone, fades dull areas, and helps fade blemishes," says board-certified dermatologist Annie Chiu, MD, MD,Dermatologist at North Redondo Beach Skin Institute in California.This effect occurs when arbutin reacts with melanin, the natural pigment in the skin.Hyperpigmentation (spots with darker skin color) may occur when the skin produces too much melanin.Sun exposure, pregnancy, or use of certain medications can cause hyperpigmentation.But Dr.Prather says arbutin acts on the melanin pathway to inhibit melanin activity.The melanin pathway is essentially the complex process by which skin develops pigmentation.Prather explains that various skin lightening ingredients work on different steps in this pathway.Arbutin itself inhibits the activity of tyrosinase, an enzyme that plays an important role in melanin production, says board-certified dermatologist Suzanne Friedler,MD,of Advanced Dermatology PC in New York City.One review noted that small trials showed that arbutin was more effective than controls in reducing hyperpigmented spots, although some of these studies were underpowered.What's more, the researchers note that arbutin has antioxidant properties, which may also contribute to its brightening benefits by reducing oxidative stress in the skin.