Arbutin Powder Benefits for Skin

What Is Arbutin powder?

Arbutin powder is a molecule extracted from the bearberry plant that prevents the formation of melanin, Lin explains. Brown spots come from pigments produced in cells called melanocytes, which contain tyrosinase enzymes. They can activate anytime they come in contact with UV light, which is why you'll notice freckles and sun spots starting to develop if you spend too much time in the sun. That's when arbutin comes in—it blocks tyrosinase and keeps dark spots at bay.

Arbutin Powder Benefits for Skin

Has sun protection properties: Arbutin can reduce the degree of skin darkening after sun exposure by blocking the production of tyrosinase.

Gentle on skin: While other skin brightening agents can dry and irritate the skin, arbutin is less irritating. "Since arbutin's active component is released slowly, it can be less irritating than other skin-lightening agents and better for those with sensitive skin," Lin says.

Improves uneven complexion: Since arbutin inhibits tyrosinase, an enzyme that helps with melanin production, it can prevent dark spots or even help fade them, leading to a more even complexion.

Can be used twice daily: For maximum results, arbutin can be used both in the morning and at night.

Effective at fading scars: Much like its ability to fade dark spots, arbutin is also great at fading those red-purple acne scars that stick around long after a zit is gone.

Brightens skin: As explained above, arbutin prohibits the formation of dark spots, offering a brightening effect on the skin.

How to Add Arbutin to Your Skin-Care Routine?

You can safely use arbutin in concentrations up to 2 percent for face creams and at 0.5 percent in body lotions, Chiu notes, adding that the ingredient is "safer and less aggressive compared to hydroquinone." (While hydroquinone in concentrations above 1 percent has been banned in cosmetic products in the EU, Japan, Australia, and several countries in Africa, arbutin is safe in the above concentrations because the hydroquinone is released slowly and the skin is not exposed to too much of it at any one time, she explains.) You may choose to use more than one brightening ingredient in your routine. Prather suggests pairing arbutin with retinol to enhance skin cell turnover and improve absorption of the product. The good news is that arbutin plays well with other ingredients, says Chiu: "There are no known interactions between it and other skin-care ingredients."   When using arbutin, she recommends applying it to your whole face once or twice a day or using it as a spot treatment to target specific areas.

You also need to be wary of sun exposure, because that can cause hyperpigmentation in the first place. Every day, "use a good mineral-based SPF 50 sunscreen to protect your skin from the hyperactivity of the melanin pathway," Prather says. "If you can't do sunscreen, it's not worth spending money on skin-brightening products." Use arbutin for two to three months before assessing results, says Prather. Talk to a board-certified dermatologist for help creating the best routine incorporating complementary ingredients for your skin concerns.

How Does Arbutin Work?

When used on the skin, arbutin is absorbed into the cells. This is where it takes on the role of a melanin inhibitor. Arbutin effectively block the enzyme responsible for converting tyrosine into melanin, known as tyrosinase. This is significant because melanin is the pigment that gives skin its colour. Overproduction of melanin can lead to dark spots and hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and other pigment-related issues.

Arbutin doesn't stop at merely inhibiting tyrosinase. It competes with the enzyme, binding to certain sites and preventing tyrosinase from fulfilling its role in melanin production. This reduces melanin production and hence fades hyperpigmentation. It also prevents new dark spots from forming. Over time, arbutin helps the complexion to become more even and radiant.

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