Authority source
Safety basis: EFSA
EFSA
Skin Whitening Agent
Alpha arbutin is a plant-based ingredient that helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation on the skin. It works by inhibiting the production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color.
What it is
Alpha arbutin is a naturally occurring compound derived from the bearberry plant, used to inhibit melanin production and reduce skin hyperpigmentation.
Found in
skincare products, serums, creams, toners
The concern
No significant concerns identified
Legal status
Authorized for use in cosmetics and personal care products in the EU and US, subject to concentration limits.
Alpha arbutin is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products, with no reported adverse effects at typical concentrations.
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Authority source
EFSA
Article / explainer
No highly relevant article explainer found yet.
Video explainer
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Community questions
Community discussions are not used as safety evidence and no highly relevant discussion is shown for this ingredient.
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Last updated: June 9, 2026