arbutine
Arbutin, commonly spelled arbutin, is a glycoside of hydroquinone. Chemically it is hydroquinone O-beta-D-glucopyranoside and occurs mainly as the beta anomer in nature, with the alpha form (alpha-arbutin) also known, typically produced synthetically or isolated in certain plants. It is found in several plants, most notably bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) leaves, and can be extracted from other members of the Ericaceae family.
Mechanism: Arbutin acts as a tyrosinase inhibitor, reducing melanin synthesis in melanocytes. It is generally considered
Applications: In cosmetics, arbutin is used as a skin-lightening agent to treat hyperpigmentation, age spots, and
Safety and regulation: Adverse effects include skin irritation and rare allergic reactions. Because hydroquinone release is