Changsha Zhongren Biotechnology Co., Ltd
Tel: +86-731-85995739
Mob: +8613627316358
Email: ninayi@zhrbio.cn
Add: Building B1, Jinke Yida Science and Technology City, Changsha 410129, China
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.
Wide Product Range
The main products of our company include Huperzia Serrata Extract (Huperzine A 1% - 98%), Astragalus Extract (Astragaloside 0.3% - 98%), Apple Extract (Philorizin, Phloritin 70-98%), Paeonia root Extract (8-98% paeoniflorin), honeysuckle Extract (chlorogenic acid 5-98%), Eucommia leaf Extract (chlorogenic acid 5-98%), Turmeric Extract (curcumin 50-98%), Polygonum Cuspidatum Extract (resveratrol 50-98%), Vine Tea Extract (50-98% dihydromyricetin) and other conventional products.
Rich Experience
Changsha Zhongren Biotechnology Co., Ltd. has become a leading factory of plant extracts and nutrients since 2012. Its purpose is to use the best scientific knowledge and technology to provide high-quality products for customers in the nutritional supplements, food, beverage, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries.
Professional Technical Team
Zhongren has also set up a research team composed of professors, doctors, and graduate students. We have a strong project development team and a standard quality monitoring system.
High Quality Service
We have an experienced and professional customer support team to provide flexible service to customers around the world, wholeheartedly providing customers with high-quality extract products and professional, efficient, and thoughtful services.
Reduce dark spots or patches
By inhibiting tyrosinase activity, alpha-arbutin is known to reduce melanin production in the skin. Tyrosine and melanin levels are lower, which means reduced pigmentation, black patches, and a more even skin tone. α-Arbutin can be used to diminish age spots, post-blemish redness and acne. It helps to make you free from freckles or liver spots if you have them.
Moisturizes skin
If your skin is dry and flaky, you can fundamentally profit from arbutin's effective use. It secures and supports the skin, giving you a smoother, youthful look.
Sun protection
Arbutin has sun protection benefits because it inhibits the formation of tyrosinase, which causes the skin to darken after exposure to the sun.
Skin-friendly
In contrast to other skin brightening treatments, arbutin does not irritate or dry the skin. Because arbutin's active component is released slowly, it may be less irritating than other skin-lightening agents, making it ideal for persons with sensitive skin.
Improves uneven complexion
Arbutin can help prevent or eradicate dark spots by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme that aids in the creation of melanin (which results in a more even complexion). α-Arbutin helps to improve skintone.
Safer than Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone was formerly marketed as a skin-lightening wonder ingredient - until the FDA warned that it was cancer-causing (when taken orally rather than applied topically). Arbutin inhibits the enzymes that activate pigment-producing cells, whereas hydroquinones damage the cells that create pigmentation and melanin.
Brightens skin
Arbutin evens and brightens your complexion, making it appear healthier and more vibrant. Consider it similar to a skin care beauty blender; however, instead of blending out with foundation, arbutin literally blends out your actual skin. Arbutin brings out your inner beaming, beautiful angel face.
Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, the Alpha Arbutin works wonderfully as compared to other skin brighteners like Retinol and Glycolic Acid.
Dry Skin
It does not dry out or irritate the skin like other skin brightening agents. Alpha Arbutin protects and nourishes the skin so people with scaly or dry skin can benefit from the topical use of Arbutin.
Acne Prone Skin
It notably fades tough acne scars and prevents future breakouts as well. Over time, it improves the texture of the skin and helps smooth the scarred skin. Acne scars can be stubborn, read our blog on ingredients proven to fade tough acne scars.
α-Arbutin is inert and can generally be safely applied to the skin. However, merely mixing multiple active ingredients would not do any good to your skin. Thus, skin experts suggest choosing a maximum of three active ingredients diligently to cater to most of your skin concerns. You might want the benefits of alpha arbutin, niacinamide and vitamin C, but that is not a good choice to make because niacinamide and Ascorbic acid do not go well together.

How Does α-Arbutin Work?
α-Arbutin is the preferred choice when it comes to skin brightening because it is a derivative of Hydroquinone, making it an effective skin brightening and spot fading ingredient.
Our skin tone is determined by the measure of melanin on our skin, more the melanin, darker the skin. However, melanin also acts as a protective shield against the sun’s harmful rays but excessive exposure can lead to an uneven skin tone which is the cause for hyperpigmentation.
α-Arbutin works by inhibiting an enzyme called tyrosinase within melanocytes. Melanocytes control the melanin production - melanin is responsible for the pigment levels which imparts the skin its colour. In simpler words, less tyrosinase means less pigment, which means less discolouration and unwanted dark spots. Thanks to its water-soluble nature, α-arbutin absorbs faster into the skin and is overall more effective than its beta counterpart and much safer as compared to Hydroquinone.
α-Arbutin is used as a key substance in a spectrum of skin-lightening products like creams, serums, face washes, gels, and lotions. Additionally, it is one of the most sought-after ingredients in overnight masks and water creams. It can be used twice a day- once in the morning and at night. However, ensure to do a patch test prior to trying to avert the risk of any allergic reactions.
Apply it on clean and dry skin after cleansing and toning but before applying any heavy sunscreens and moisturizer. Else product will not effectively diffuse into your skin.
You can apply it directly on the hyperpigmented regions of the face as spot treatment or on the entire face (avoiding eyes, lips, and mouth).
α-Arbutin can be blended with other skin-lightening ingredients like chemical peels and retinol, as well as with vitamin C and creams and serums to enhance their efficacy.
α-Arbutin is safe for topical use in concentrations up to 2%, while beta arbutin up to 7% concentration is considered safe for use in skin care products. It is always best to consult a dermatologist to know the right dosage and frequency based on your skin type, underlying skin problems and skin sensitivity.

The answer to this question depends on a few factors, such as the concentration of elements in your product and how often you apply it. Generally speaking, you can expect some results within a few weeks of regular use. However, it's important to be consistent with your α-Arbutin treatments for the best results.
Another factor that will affect how long it takes for the product to work is your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, you may need to start with a lower measurement or frequency of treatment until your skin adjusts. Conversely, if you have very dry skin, you may find that an adequate concentration or more frequent treatments are necessary.
Of course, everyone's skin is different, so it's important to experiment a bit to find what works best for you.
The color of one's skin depends on the amount of melanin that it contains. It is stimulated by tyrosinase, an enzyme present in the skin cells. Tyrosinase is activated when the UV rays of the sun come in contact with the skin. It is α-Arbutin that blocks the tyrosinase to get active when the skin comes in contact with the UV rays. α-Arbutin slows down the pigmentation process caused by UV rays, which helps skin keep the tan and dark spots away.
This is how α-Arbutin works to help in lightening the skin.
While other skin lightening agents are quite harsh on the skin, α-Arbutin is relatively mild and gentle to the skin. It does not irritate the skin to the extent that other skin lightening agents do.
The effect of brightening the skin through α-Arbutin usage is the strongest when used in its cream formulation. Polyacrylate is used as the base for creams' production, and the process is carried out in cold, controlled temperatures.
When used in concentrations ranging between 2 and 6 percent, α-Arbutin in creams have a stable format. The color, the consistency, the smell remain quite consistent. However, it is the PH and the viscosity that decreases when stored for long. The minimum storage time of creams with α-Arbutin is 12 months, which is good enough to store your facial creams. Also, creams produced using 6% polyacrylate as the base have better stability physically.
Another important question that comes to mind for using any ingredient that we are just learning about is who could use the same. Many different skin types and conditions of the body do not allow just about any ingredient to be applied topically or consumed orally.
Things to Note When Using α-Arbutin
Patch Test
While α-Arbutin is safe for all skin types, it is always recommended to do a patch test before introducing any new ingredient in your skincare. For sensitive skin types, it is extremely important to do a patch test to rule out allergic reactions like itching, redness or burning sensation of the skin. It is a rarity, but in some cases, using α-Arbutin can cause mild acne for people with sensitive skin.
Moisturise
Keeping your skin hydrated is crucial so that α-Arbutin can do its job well. Let your Arbutin based cream or serum completely dry off before applying moisturiser, let the ingredient seep into the skin so that it can work its magic.
Sunscreen
α-Arbutin has the tendency to make your skin sensitive to UV rays and susceptible to sun damage because it limits the melanin production, leaving your skin vulnerable to sunburn. So do not miss out on the sunscreen at any cost and if possible, limit your time in the sun.
Cleanse with a gentle cleanser. Ensure it's suitable for your skin type. Opt for double cleansing, if required. This will ensure that your skin is clean of all makeup, impurities & dirt and is ready to absorb the goodness of all the subsequent products in your routine.
Cleansing removes dirt that can sometimes open your pores and disturb your pH level. Use an alcohol-free toner to tighten your pores and maintain the skin's pH balance. Use your palms or a cotton pad to gently dab the toner on your skin. Allow it to air dry.
To reap the optimum benefit of α-Arbutin on the skin, use a face serum. Being a water-soluble ingredient, α-Arbutin serum penetrates deep into the layers of your skin to help fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Leave it for a few seconds to allow it to absorb into your skin before following up with another serum or a moisturizer. α-Arbutin serum is infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid that fades tan and reduces dark spots, boosts hydration and brightens and refines skin texture.
The most essential step of any skincare routine is to hydrate your skin. Apply a moisturizer that best suits your skin concerns and time.
What is the Difference Between α-Arbutin & Hydroquinone?
α-Arbutin and hydroquinone both have skin-lightening properties. As such they are both important and often used for fading hyperpigmentation. However, they are not identical in their structure, function, or use in skincare.
α-Arbutin is a naturally occurring compound that consists of a hydroquinone molecule linked to a sugar molecule (usually glucose). It works by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase thereby suppressing the production of melanin. As it is bound to a sugar molecule, α-Arbutin is released slowly into the skin. This provides a controlled and gradual lightening effect on the skin. For this reason, it provides a gentler alternative to hydroquinone. Side effects are rare but may include minor irritation. Hence, it is suitable for prolonged use.
Hydroquinone is the active component within α-Arbutin. It can also be synthetically produced. It also inhibits tyrosinase but does so more directly and intensely. Its immediate action can provide quicker results. Although effective, hydroquinone can cause skin irritation, redness, and even a condition called ochronosis with prolonged or improper use. In some countries, hydroquinone is available only by prescription due to its potency and potential risks.
The results of using α-Arbutin may vary from person to person, but with consistent use, you can expect to see the following changes in your skin:
● Reduced Dark Spots: Over time, you'll notice a visible reduction in dark spots, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation, leading to a more even complexion.
● Brighter Skin: α-Arbutin can give your skin a brighter and more luminous appearance, restoring a youthful glow.
● Improved Texture: It can help improve the overall texture of your skin, making it smoother and softer.
● Hydration: Your skin will feel more hydrated and plump, thanks to α-Arbutin's ability to retain moisture.
α-Arbutin is a skincare powerhouse that can address a range of concerns, from dark spots and hyperpigmentation to uneven skin tone and hydration. When used correctly and consistently, this natural ingredient can work wonders for your skin, leaving you with a radiant and more youthful complexion. So, if you're on a quest for flawless skin, consider adding α-Arbutin to your skincare routine and prepare to be amazed by the transformative results.
Up to now, our company has obtained more than 20 invention patents.




Changsha Zhongren Biotechnology Co., Ltd.,has been committed to the research, development, manufacturing and sales of natural products for a long time. The company has a strong project development team and a standard quality monitoring system. While providing plant extraction and processing business, we are also pleased to cooperate with domestic and global partners to promote personal health and a better life through firm initiatives and development concepts.
