Description
Arbutin is a naturally occuring derivative of hydroquinone found in
the leaves of cranberry, bearberry, and blueberry shrubs, most
types of pears, and many other plants. Arbutin may inhibit
melanogenesis by affecting tyrosinase activity.
Arbutin has been used in the treatment of disorders of
hyperpigmentation such as postinflammatory hyperpigmentation caused
by acne, trauma, allergic reactions, infections, injuries,
phototoxic reactions, reactions to medications, reactions to
cosmetics, and inflammatory diseases.
Arbutin concentration protocols for skin whitening have not yet
been established. Low concentrations have no effect, while high
concentrations of about 5% or more can be as irritating as
hydroquinone and may potentially result in unexpected
hyperpigmentation (darkening).
Shiseido patented the use of Arbutin in skin-whitening cosmetics.
Some companies bypass the patents by using Arbutin-containing plant
extracts such as bearberry. There is inadequate research data
showing that Arbutin extracted from plants has any skin whitening
effects
