Cosmetics · Quasi-drug actives
Arbutin
アルブチン (Arubuchin)
Also known as: β-Arbutin, Hydroquinone-β-D-Glucopyranoside
At a glance
| Category | Cosmetics |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Arbutin |
| Japanese labeling name | アルブチン |
| Common Japanese notations | アルブチン |
| CAS number | 497-76-7 |
| Origin | Plant-derived or synthetic (originally isolated from bearberry) |
| Typical functions | Quasi-drug whitening active |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Approved as a quasi-drug (医薬部外品) whitening active by Japan's MHLW. |
Arbutin is a glycosylated form of hydroquinone, originally isolated from bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) and other plants. As a quasi-drug whitening active in Japan, it represents one of several MHLW-approved options for medicated bihaku formulations. Internationally, arbutin is widely used in cosmetic skincare across the Asian beauty markets.
Classification
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Product applications
Functions
Regulatory tags
Origin
Used in (typical product categories)
Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.
- Medicated whitening serums and lotions
- Brightening cosmetic skincare
- Spot-care products
What it is
Arbutin is a hydroquinone β-D-glucopyranoside. The glycosylation reduces direct hydroquinone availability while preserving tyrosinase-inhibition activity in the melanin biosynthesis pathway.
Alpha-arbutin is a related but stereochemically distinct compound, offered separately in supplier catalogs.
Typical uses in Japanese products
In Japanese cosmetics, arbutin appears in medicated whitening lines and brightening-positioned skincare across multiple brand portfolios.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Approved as a quasi-drug whitening active by MHLW within defined concentration ranges.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Listed in CosIng. EU SCCS opinions on alpha-arbutin and beta-arbutin recommend specific maximum concentrations — typically 2 percent for alpha-arbutin and 7 percent for beta-arbutin in face creams. Refer to the current SCCS opinions and Cosmetics Regulation annexes for the binding values. |
|---|---|
| USA | INCI recognized. |
| China | Permitted per IECIC listings. |
| Korea | Approved as a functional cosmetic ingredient under KFDA / MFDS for brightening claims. |
Example products
Example finished products will be added after each product's current full ingredient list has been verified.
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Related ingredients
References
- Japan PMDA — quasi-drug active ingredient approval registry
- EU SCCS opinions on alpha-arbutin and beta-arbutin
Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.