Alpha-Arbutin (α-Arbutin) — Cosmetic Ingredient

Product Overview

Alpha-arbutin (4-hydroxyphenyl alpha-D-glucopyranoside) is a hydroquinone glucoside in which hydroquinone is glycosidically bound to glucose in the alpha configuration. The glycosidic bond makes the molecule water-soluble and far less irritating than free hydroquinone, which is why alpha-arbutin became the standard skin-tone active in cosmetic – as distinct from medicinal – products. VeraVita Bio supplies the alpha anomer; the beta form (arbutin) is a different material with different permitted use levels and is quoted separately.

Key Features

• Alpha anomer – the form used in cosmetic skin-tone formulations
• Water-soluble crystalline powder; no solubiliser required in aqueous systems
• Well-established regulatory framework in the EU and other markets
• Compatible with niacinamide, vitamin C derivatives and exfoliating acids, subject to stability testing
• Available with hydroquinone-impurity documentation on request
• Bulk supply with specific rotation and assay data on request

How It Works

• Glycoside form – the sugar moiety improves water solubility and reduces the free-hydroquinone exposure associated with the parent molecule.
• Reported mode of action – literature describes inhibition of tyrosinase activity in melanin-synthesis models. This is a mechanistic finding, not a clinical claim; product claims must be substantiated for your market.
• Anomer identity is critical – alpha- and beta-arbutin differ in physical properties and in permitted use levels; always specify the anomer on the purchase order.
• Hydrolysis risk – aqueous solutions can hydrolyse over time, releasing hydroquinone. Prepare fresh, buffer appropriately and monitor colour.

Typical Applications

• Skin-tone and brightening serums
• Facial creams and essences
• Body lotions (lower use level applies)
• Spot-treatment gels
• Men’s skin care
• Post-inflammatory tone-care regimens (claims subject to local rules)

Key Specifications

INCI Name	Alpha-Arbutin
CAS Number	84380-01-8
Molecular Formula	C12H16O7
Molecular Weight	272.25 g/mol
Appearance	White to off-white crystalline powder
Anomer	Alpha – beta-arbutin quoted separately
Assay / Purity	Available on request
Specific Rotation	Available on request
Hydroquinone Content	Available on request
Packaging	Available on request
MOQ	Available on request

Storage & Handling

Store in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry place, protected from light and moisture. Aqueous solutions should be prepared fresh and monitored for colour development, which indicates hydrolysis. Avoid prolonged storage of stock solutions.

EU regulatory position (Regulation (EU) 2024/996, Annex III entry 377): alpha-arbutin is restricted to a maximum of 2% in face creams and 0.5% in body lotions, and free hydroquinone in the finished product must remain at unavoidable trace levels only. Non-compliant products could not be placed on the EU market from 1 February 2025 and could not be made available from 1 November 2025. Formulators working outside the two named product types should verify the applicable entry for their category and market. Source: Regulation (EU) 2024/996 amending Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009; SCCS/1642/22 final opinion, 31 January 2023.

Why Choose VeraVitabio

• Bulk B2B supply — flexible MOQ from sample kits to full production quantities
• Full documentation — COA, MSDS, and specification sheets available on request
• OEM / ODM support — finished capsule, tablet, powder, and private-label development
• US & EU market experience — documentation support for importers and brand owners
• Stable supply chain — vetted manufacturing partners with batch-level traceability

Request a Quote — Looking to source Alpha-Arbutin for your next formulation? Send your specification and target volume to info@veravitabio.com or WhatsApp +86 157 7194 0528. Samples and full documentation are available for qualified B2B buyers. Web: veravitabio.com

For cosmetic and personal care formulation use. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Specifications shown are for general reference; full Certificate of Analysis and supporting documentation are available upon request. Formulators are responsible for confirming permitted use levels and claim language in their target markets.