Arbutin

Summary: Sourced from bearberry, arbutin helps reduce the appearance of dark spots, post-acne marks and uneven skin tone by targeting excess melanin production.

Because it targets excess pigment production at its source, arbutin is widely used in products designed to address dark spots, uneven skin tone and post-blemish marks. It works by helping to inhibit tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production. Therefore, it supports a brighter and more uniform-looking complexion over time.

Natural arbutin is primarily extracted from the dried leaves of the bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) plant. It is found in smaller amounts in the leaves of cranberries, blueberries, wheat, and pears. It may also be sourced in its synthetic form, whereby a laboratory extracts arbutin by enzymatically binding glucose molecules to hydroquinone.

Unlike more intensive brightening ingredients, arbutin is usually quite well tolerated by the skin. 

Its gradual action helps reduce the appearance of skin discolouration without disrupting the skin barrier. 

From brightening serums and dark spot treatments to moisturisers and targeted pigmentation products, arbutin is often paired with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and vitamin C to support a more even-looking complexion.