Does arbutin work as well as hydroquinone?

Author: Suzanne Wolff  |  Last update: Saturday, May 10, 2025

Alpha arbutin is a more tolerable alternative to hydroquinone and is sometimes referred to as “natural hydroquinone.” Alpha arbutin functions similarly to hydroquinone, due to its molecular structure, but with reduced irritation and melanocytotoxicity.

Is arbutin as effective as hydroquinone?

Although not as effective as hydroquinone itself, arbutin naturally breaks down into hydroquinone on the skin. But it doesn't carry the same risk of side effects, says Chiu: “The hydroquinone is released slowly, and skin is not exposed to too much of it at any time.

What is the best alternative to hydroquinone?

Alternative lightening agents including mequinol, arbutin, kojic acid, and others have shown comparable efficacy to hydroquinone in treating hyperpigmentation with less concerning side effects.

Can arbutin permanently lighten skin?

No. Arbutin does not have the ability to permanently bleach or lighten your skin. Although arbutin can lighten and brighten your skin, it is not destroying melanin - it simply disrupts/slows melanin production.

Is alpha arbutin the best for hyperpigmentation?

Alpha Arbutin has comparatively fewer risks than many whitening ingredients, including kojic acid, making it effective for dark spots and melanin overproduction. While kojic acid has been proven to be more effective than alpha-arbutin, it is hard to store.

How I got rid of HYPERPIGMENTATION with this simple change to my routine!

Does pigmentation come back after stopping alpha arbutin?

The risk of rebound hyperpigmentation also increases if alpha arbutin is stopped abruptly or skin is exposed excessively to sunlight without protection. Otherwise, alpha arbutin can be safe to use in the long term if the correct strength and protocols are followed.

Which is better for hyperpigmentation tranexamic acid or alpha arbutin?

Arbutin works best in those who need to fade mild or moderate hyperpigmentation and with lighter skin tones. Tranexamic acid is also gentle and is a great alternative for those who have not respond well to or wish to avoid tyrosinase inhibitors like hydroquinone or arbutin.

How long does it take for alpha arbutin to fade dark spots?

By inhibiting the Tyrosinase activity, Alpha Arbutin limits the melanin production on the skin. With regular use of this active ingredient, the dark spots and patches on the skin can fade away within a few weeks.

Which serum is best for skin whitening?

  • 4.1|18. LUVYH. Vitamin C & E Face Serum. ...
  • 4|24. LUVYH. Neck Whitening Cream 100gm. ...
  • 4.3|53. INTIMIFY. Vitamin C Serum-30ml. ...
  • LUVYH. Pack of 2 Whitening Face Gel. 349 998 ( 65 % OFF)
  • 3.6|5. INTIMIFY. Underarm Whitening Serum-10ml. ...
  • Color. Brown. Multi. ...
  • 4.4|414. Colorbar. Hydra White Intense Serum. ...
  • 3.8|6. Melalumin. Under Eye Serum - 15ml. 950.

What not to mix with alpha arbutin?

Retinoids: Retinoids like retinol and tretinoin are known for their potential to increase skin sensitivity and can cause irritation when used with alpha arbutin. It's best to separate the application of alpha arbutin and retinoids, using one in the morning and the other at night.

What is more powerful than hydroquinone?

Arbutin has been found to be the most effective active ingredient in our study, even more so than hydroquinone, despite being a naturally occurring derivative.

How do you get rid of melasma without hydroquinone?

10% azelaic acid over the counter products have also been shown to improve hyperpigmentation concerns such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne, sun spots, and melasma; the results being equal to 4% pharmaceutical HQ. Kojic acid is another acid that specializes in reducing unwanted pigment within the skin.

What is the best chemical for skin lightening?

Hydroquinone (HQ)

HQ is the agent of choice for skin lightening. Combining HQ with a steroid cream and tretinoin have superior efficacy when compared to HQ alone. Although it's considered safe, there may be side effects and is subject to pre-market approval by Health Sciences Authority (HSA).

What is the next best thing to hydroquinone?

New Hydroquinone Pigmentation Alternatives
  • Silymarin, derived from milk thistle, inhibits melanin production by targeting tyrosinase and is often combined with other botanical inhibitors.
  • Azelaic acid, a natural fungal derivative, brightens skin by inhibiting tyrosinase and is found in many cosmetic products.

Can you use arbutin long term?

Allergic reactions to arbutin are extremely rare, & unlike hydroquinone, this compound can be used long term without any concerns.

What is the most potent Depigmenting agent?

Monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone (MBEH) is a hydroquinone derivate, also known as monobenzone or by its chemical name, p-(benzyloxy) phenol. At present, it is the most potent depigmenting agent and the mainstay of depigmentation therapy.

What is the most effective skin whitening product?

Summary of recommendations
  • Best for most people: Musely Spot Cream.
  • Best for sensitive skin: Meladerm.
  • Best budget pick: Curology Dark Spot Serum.
  • Best for melasma: Musely Spot Cream.
  • Best for anti-aging: Agency Skincare Future Formula.
  • Best for acne spots: Hers Fast Fader Dark Spot Corrector.

How to get glass skin?

Here are a few clear skin tips to help you on your journey toward healthy-looking glass skin.
  1. Double cleanse. ...
  2. Use an exfoliator. ...
  3. Apply a hydrating serum. ...
  4. Reach for a sheet mask. ...
  5. Layer on a lightweight moisturizer. ...
  6. Always finish with sunscreen.

What is the most effective brightening serum?

Our top picks for best brightening serum of 2024:
  • Best Brightening Serum Overall. SkinMedica 2.0 Lytera Pigment Correcting Serum. Read more.
  • Best Brightening Serum for Dark Spots. PCA SKIN Pigment Gel Pro Dark Spot Corrector. Read more.
  • Best All-Natural Brightening Serum. Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Dark Spot Serum. Read more.

Which is better, hydroquinone or alpha arbutin?

According to experts, arbutin releases its active component slowly compared to its other counterparts. Therefore, it works better for people with sensitive or acne-prone skin. Alpha arbutin is considered a safer alternative to hydroquinone. Both these ingredients help fade pigmentation.

Why is alpha arbutin making me darker?

Alpha Arbutin is a safe option for all skin tones as it does not change the skin colour, only evens out your complexion. It brightens the darker areas of the skin (sun damage and hyperpigmentation), resulting in a natural even skin tone.

Is alpha arbutin or tranexamic acid better?

Tranexamic acid is more of a skin brightener than an exfoliating acid, operating as a tyrosinase inhibitor and plasmin inhibitor. Alpha arbutin, like tranexamic acid, inhibits tyrosinase but also slows melanosome maturation (the organelles that synthesise and store melanin or pigment).

What works better than alpha arbutin?

Results Time- If you are looking for quick results, Kojic acid with its strong action on inhibiting melanin, would be a good option. Alpha Arbutin, though equally effective, takes time to show the results.

What percentage of alpha arbutin is most effective?

What is the Recommended Concentration to use? Studies have shown that Alpha Arbutin is superior in performance when compared to traditional brightening agents such as Kojic Acid and Hydroquinone. It is effective in low strengths and shows great results in concentrations of 1 to 2% when used consistently for 2-3 months.

Which is more effective hydroquinone or tranexamic acid?

This study revealed that intralesional tranexamic acid is the more effective and safe therapeutic modality in treating melasma than topical 4% hydroquinone.

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