Did intense research on skin lightening and getting rid of hyperpigmentation lead you to the arcane Alpha Arbutin? Well it’s brought you to the right place. We’ve got you covered coz even though we’ve been led to believe otherwise, skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. What is Alpha Arbutin? Alpha Arbutin and Beta Arbutin are chemically derived versions of Arbutin, which is a naturally occurring glycoside found in plants such as Bearberry, Mulberry and Cranberry. Both Alpha Arbutin and Beta Arbutin are skin lightening agents but Alpha Arbutin is found to be more stable, potentially less irritating and almost 10 times more effective than Beta Arbutin. How does Alpha Arbutin work? Alpha Arbutin acts as a tyrosinase inhibitor, in other words, it inhibits tyrosinase and interferes with Melanogenesis. Unlike one of the most potent and popular skin lightening ingredients Hydroquinone, Alpha Arbutin does not harm the cells that produce melanin. Instead, Alpha Arbutin competes with tyrosine and impedes the effect of tyrosinase which is responsible for the production of melanin. Less melanin means less pigmentation. Benefits of Alpha Arbutin for skin
  • It can effectively reduce hyperpigmentation or PIH.
  • It can improve uneven skin tone and texture.
  • It can help fade acne scars and dark spots.
  • It can improve the appearance of tanning and damage caused by sun exposure.
  • It can safely lighten skin.
Who should use Alpha Arbutin? If the thought of using a skin lightening agent worries you, fear not, for Alpha Arbutin can generally safely be used by all skin types. It’s best to include Alpha Arbutin in your skincare routine if you have stubborn pigmentation that you just can’t seem to get rid of. You can also use Alpha Arbutin as a spot treatment to fade acne scars and spots. How to use Alpha Arbutin? If you’ve managed to get over your skepticism concerning Alpha Arbutin, you might be wondering how you should add it to your skincare routine. While it’s best to use it at a concentration of 2% or less, a concentration of up to 4% has shown to be safe and effective. As with other actives, higher concentration can cause irritation. Ingredients that pair well with Alpha Arbutin Alpha Arbutin itself, is a skin lightening agent, but the fact that it pairs well with other brightening agents such as Vitamin C or Kojic acid is just the cherry on top of the cake. When used with other brightening ingredients, it can effectively reduce pigmentation. Alpha Arbutin can also be used alongside an AHA or a BHA for better absorption. It’s also often paired with Niacinamide to achieve smoother and brighter skin. Ingredients to keep Alpha Arbutin away from Alpha Arbutin can safely be used with most ingredients out there. While there are no known negative interactions with other ingredients, alkaline conditions may cause Alpha Arbutin to convert into hydroquinone. So make sure to investigate the pH of products you plan on using with Alpha Arbutin. Potential Side Effects of Alpha Arbutin Although unlikely, Alpha Arbutin may have potential side effects such as skin irritation, sun sensitivity and redness. It’s also important to know that heat reduces the potency of Alpha Arbutin, so make sure to keep your Alpha Arbutin product away from sunlight and store it in a cool place. Deconstruct’s range of Alpha Arbutin products Buy it here: With 2% Alpha Arbutin, this serum is formulated with an ideal concentration to effectively get rid of hyperpigmentation to offer clear skin. The 5% Niacinamide provides UV protection and hydration, resulting in clearer, brighter skin. Buy it here: Formulated with a low concentration of Alpha Arbutin, the serum is perfect for Alpha Arbutin beginners. And no, a lower concentration of Alpha Arbutin does not mean it won’t brighten your skin. It’s a potent serum containing 10% of Niacinamide, which teamed with 0.3% of Alpha Arbutin helps reduce pigmentation, tanning, dark spots and provides an overall brighter complexion. Note: Keep in mind to do a patch text prior to using any new skincare product. As an added benefit, all the products mentioned above are Cruelty, Silicone, Fragrance, Paraben, Phthalate and SLS free. Conclusion Alpha Arbutin is a safe skin lightening ingredient that works well alongside other ingredients. Due to lesser side effects, it’s a good alternative to conventional skin lightening ingredients such as Hydroquinone. While Alpha Arbutin isn’t an absolute necessity in your skincare routine, it is hands down one of the most effective ingredients to treat hyperpigmentation and dark spots. FAQs
  • Is Alpha Arbutin safefor skin?
Alpha Arbutin can safely be used by all skin types. As it comes without the nasty side effects, it’s considered a good alternative for hydroquinone. Alpha Arbutin safely works on the skin by inhibiting tyrosinase to tackle pigmentation and lighten skin.
  • Can Alpha Arbutin and Vitamin C be used together?
Absolutely yes! Alpha Arbutin and Vitamin C are potent skin lightening agents. Combining the two together increases their efficacy and may produce a much better result.
  • Does Alpha Arbutin cause purging?
Alpha Arbutin does not typically cause purging. In case of irritation, consider switching to a formulation with different actives or a lower concentration of Alpha Arbutin.
  • Does Alpha Arbutin permanently lighten skin?
No, Alpha Arbutin does not permanently lighten skin. Since it works by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase, the lightening effect on the skin only lasts as long as Alpha Arbutin is used.