Alpha Arbutin: The Hidden Skincare Gem

By Shammi Mondal 

If your skin concerns are hyper-pigmentation, discolouration or acne scars, you might have heard of trending skincare solutions like vitamin C, kojic acid and glycolic acid. While all these ingredients have earned their reputation, there is one underdog that shines. Meet alpha arbutin, the skin-brightening agent that’s safe for all skin types.   

What is alpha arbutin?  

Naturally derived from plants like bearberry, cranberry and blueberry, alpha arbutin is known to reduce the appearance of sunspots, freckles and pigmentation. It works at the root of pigmentation caused by inflammation or UV rays by reducing the production of melanin. It is also an antioxidant that protects your skin from further sun damage   

Why should you try it?  

This potent skin-brightening ingredient; gives you radiant, even-toned skin by fading out pigmentation. It also reduces loss of skin elasticity, all this without increasing sun sensitivity. 

How to use alpha arbutin? 

The biggest perk of alpha arbutin in skincare is that it can be used by everyone. You heard us right! It is generally safe for all skin types. Use it in the form of a serum, moisturiser or cream, and apply it twice daily. To start with, you can pick up a formulation with 2%-3% concentration of the active.  

Don’t want to leave your current serum? 

Don’t worry, another great benefit of alpha arbutin is that you can use it with any other skincare ingredient or product. Usually, other skin-brightening components like vitamin C cannot be used with actives like an AHA or BHA, but that’s not the case with alpha arbutin.  

You can layer it with an AHA or a BHA, or a glycolic acid. It even works well as a skin-brightening pair with vitamin C.