Moderate evidence

Alpha Arbutin for Melasma

A safer, slower-acting alternative to prescription-strength dark-spot faders. Built for long-term use without irritation.

Why it works for Melasma

Fades patches by slowing pigment production. It is a gentler relative of hydroquinone and does not release free hydroquinone into the skin, so it suits long-term upkeep. There is clinical evidence for 2% alpha-arbutin in melasma and in dark marks left after inflammation, especially in Asian and Latin-American skin.

How Alpha Arbutin works

Hydroquinone-glucoside that competitively inhibits tyrosinase without releasing free hydroquinone.

Evidence

4 citations from our ingredient database. Full citation list on the Alpha Arbutin ingredient page.

review2020

Ma ZY, Lu Y, Melanin synthesis and regulation in vivo and commonly used melanin inhibitors from natural products and traditional Chinese medicine, Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi (China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica) 2020;45(24):5898-5916 — Beijing University of Chinese Medicine review classifies arbutin among tyrosinase-active-site-targeting melanin inhibitors

journal2015

Morag M et al., A double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial of Serratulae quinquefoliae folium, a new source of β-arbutin, in selected skin hyperpigmentations, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2015 — 76% of melasma patients showed clinical lightening over 8 weeks

review2012

Kim H, Choi HR, Kim DS, Park KC, Topical hypopigmenting agents for pigmentary disorders and their mechanisms of action, Annals of Dermatology 2012;24(1):1-6 — review classifies arbutin among hypopigmenting agents via tyrosinase regulation as a hydroquinone alternative

review2012

Seo DH et al., Biotechnological production of arbutins (alpha- and beta-arbutins), skin-lightening agents, and their derivatives, Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 2012;95(6):1417-1425 — review documenting arbutin glycosylated hydroquinones as competitive tyrosinase inhibitors producing skin-whitening effect with improved safety vs hydroquinone

Products with Alpha Arbutin in our catalog

These are the catalog products that list Alpha Arbutin as a tracked ingredient.

Beauty of Joseon

Glow Replenishing Rice Milk

$17 · Toner

COSRX

The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum

$17.5 · Serum

EQQUALBERRY

Vitamin Illuminating Serum

$23.79 · Serum

celimax

Pore+Dark Spot Brightening Cream

$18.99 · Moisturizer

Anua

Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner

$20.9 · Toner

medicube

Deep Vita C Capsule Cream

$19.9 · Moisturizer

Full Alpha Arbutin guide →Melasma overview →