Alpha Arbutin: The Skin Brightening Champ

By Shammi Mondal  

We all know what a strategically placed highlighter can do, but if you’re looking for a skincare quick fix to deliver that extra dose of glow before the wedding season kicks in. Count on to an ingredient that is every dermatologist’s best kept secret. No we’re not talking about vitamin C, 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 is a one stop solution to your hyper-pigmentation, discolouration and acne scar worries. 

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?  

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.