Alpha-Arbutin
Discoloration care, Alpha-Arbutin
All skin, regardless of color, contains melanin pigment. This pigment plays a very important role in our skin throughout our lives, but sometimes it can be a problem in terms of aesthetics. For those with such concerns, we recommend 'Alpha-Arbutin'. This ingredient is widely recognized for its exceptional effectiveness in reducing melanin pigmentation, as shown in numerous studies that have been used as a reference point.
Alpha-Arbutin
Alpha-Arbutin is a water-soluble ingredient extracted from berry plants such as blackberries. Its structure is a combination of hydroquinone and glycoside, and it is broadly divided into α-arbutin (Alpha-Arbutin) and β-arbutin (Beta-Arbutin) based on the combination form. Alpha-Arbutin not only acts as an antioxidant, but is also known for its exceptional ability to treat skin hyperpigmentation problems. This makes it a popular choice in cosmetic formulations.
What are the benefits of Alpha-Arbutin?
Deep within the epidermal layer of our skin, melanocytes are found alongside the epidermal cells. These melanocytes are responsible for producing melanin to maintain and protect our skin color. While it would be ideal if we could always produce as much melanin as we need, various internal and external factors stimulate melanocytes to produce more melanin than necessary.
When stimulated melanocytes produce too much melanin, the excess melanin gradually moves to the skin's surface and appears as hyperpigmentation.
Alpha-arbutin is known to inhibit these stimulated melanocytes from producing too much melanin. It works either by suppressing the activity of tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin synthesis in the complex process of melanin production, or by preventing the produced melanin from moving to the skin's surface.
The effectiveness of alpha-arbutin has been proven in numerous studies, and in South Korea, it has been functionally certified by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety as a skin-whitening ingredient.
What skin types should it be used on?
Alpha-Arbutin can be used by anyone who is concerned about uneven skin tone or mottled pigmentation. It can help brighten and tone the skin, regardless of their natural skin tone. Many factors can cause hyperpigmentation on the skin, and while it can sometimes fade naturally, it can also leave marks for a long time. Therefore, if you are concerned about uneven skin tone, using ingredients like Alpha-Arbutin that help reduce pigmentation can be very helpful. Of course, it is necessary to use sunscreen together.
Can Alpha-Arbutin be used for acne marks?
Yes, it can be used on acne scars. Acne often leaves scars because melanocytes are stimulated to produce more melanin during the acne process. While some acne scars may fade naturally over time, severe cases can leave scars that are more visible and last longer than the acne itself, which is a cause for more concern. If you are concerned about acne scars, using products containing alpha-arbutin to improve post-acne hyperpigmentation may be a good approach instead of ignoring them.
Is there a difference between 'Arbutin' and 'Alpha-Arbutin'?
If you look closely at the names of cosmetic ingredients, you will see two different types of arbutin: arbutin and alpha-arbutin. The term “Arbutin” includes both alpha-arbutin and beta-arbutin, so an ingredient labeled as arbutin could be alpha-arbutin, beta-arbutin, or both. If you are looking for products with arbutin, we recommend that you choose those with alpha-arbutin. This recommendation is based on research showing that alpha-arbutin is more effective than beta-arbutin. Studies have shown that alpha-arbutin is more effective at inhibiting tyrosinase, the melanin-synthesizing enzyme, than beta-arbutin, and some research suggests that alpha-arbutin’s effectiveness may be up to 10 times greater. So if you are using an arbutin product with the same content, you can expect more effective results from a product that contains alpha-arbutin.
Is alpha-arbutin safe for the skin?
In South Korea, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has set the concentration of alpha-arbutin for certification of whitening efficacy at 2-5%. On the other hand, the European SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety) has stated that alpha-arbutin is safe up to a concentration of 2% in facial products by 2023.
