Arbutin

Arbutin is a naturally occurring phenolic glucoside that can be extracted mainly from Uvae uris folium, the leaves of the bearberry. It is also found in other plant species, such as Ericaceae, Lamiaceae, Rosaceae, Caprifoliaceae, etc. As a hydroquinone derivative, it has an inhibitory effect on melanogenesis in external products (extracts of bearberry leaves are often found in (natural) cosmetics), i.e. it lightens the skin. Arbutin is hydrolyzed in the body into hydroquinone and glucose.
Arbutin is also contained in the leaves of the cranberry bush.

Arbutin inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase, which is responsible for the conversion of tyrosine to melanin, thereby reducing melanin production in the skin and thus helping to lighten hyperpigmentation. In the treatment of urinary tract infections, arbutin is metabolized in the body after oral ingestion to hydroquinone, which has antimicrobial properties and has a disinfecting effect in the urinary tract.

Treatment of hyperpigmentation: Arbutin is used topically to lighten various forms of hyperpigmentation such as melasma, lentigines and other pigmentary disorders caused by excessive melanin production.

Urinary tract infections: Arbutin is used orally in the treatment of urinary tract infections, where its action is attributed to the disinfection of the urinary tract through metabolization to hydroquinone.

1. Crocco EI et al (2015) A novel cream formulation
2. nicotinamide 4%, arbutin 3%, bisabolol 1%, and retinaldehyde 0.05% for treatment of epidermal melasma. Cutis 96:337-342.
3. Desmedt B et al (2016) Overview of skin whitening agents with an insight into the illegal cosmetic market in Europe. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 30:943-950.
4. Liang K et al (2016) Arbutin encapsulated micelles improved transdermal delivery and suppression of cellular melanin production. BMC Res Notes 9:254.
5. Morag M et al (2015) A double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial of Serratulae quinquefoliae folium, a new source of β-arbutin, in selected skin hyperpigmentations. J Cosmet Dermatol 14:185-190.
6. Wu SY et al (2015) 4-(Phenylsulfanyl)butane-2-One Suppresses Melanin Synthesis and Melanosome Maturation In Vitro and In Vivo. Int J Mol Sci 16:20240-2057.