What is the Difference Between Arbutin and Alpha Arbutin?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Arbutin and alpha arbutin are both compounds used in skincare products to reduce hyperpigmentation, but they have some differences in terms of potency, stability, and origin. Here are the main differences between arbutin and alpha arbutin:
- Potency: Alpha arbutin is a synthetic form of arbutin and is considered to be 10 times more potent than beta arbutin, the plant-derived form of arbutin, in inhibiting melanogenesis.
- Stability: Alpha arbutin is more resistant to heat, has more light stability, and has high water solubility properties compared to beta arbutin. Beta arbutin is more easily broken down by UV rays and heat, making it less stable.
- Origin: Alpha arbutin is a synthetic form of arbutin, while beta arbutin is derived from plants like bearberry, cranberry, wheat, and other plants.
- Skincare products: Alpha arbutin is commonly found in serums, masks, and moisturizers, while beta arbutin is primarily found in natural or organic skincare products.
Both alpha and beta arbutin work by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in the process of melanin synthesis in the skin. This helps to suppress excessive melanin accumulation, reduce pigmentation, and even out skin tone. However, due to its synthetic nature and increased potency, alpha arbutin is more commonly found in skincare products.
Comparative Table: Arbutin vs Alpha Arbutin
Arbutin and alpha-arbutin are both skin-lightening agents that inhibit melanin production, but they have some differences in their properties and effectiveness. Here is a table comparing the two:
Property | Arbutin | Alpha-Arbutin |
---|---|---|
Definition | Arbutin is a glycosylated hydroquinone that inhibits tyrosinase, preventing the formation of melanin. It is derived from plants like bilberry leaves, cranberry leaves, pear leaves, bear berries, and blueberries. | Alpha-arbutin is one of the two forms of arbutin and is more resistant to heat, shows more light stability, and has higher water solubility properties than the other form (beta-arbutin). It is about 10 times more potent than beta-arbutin in inhibiting melanogenesis. |
Formation | Arbutin is obtained by reacting glucose with hydroquinone. | Alpha-arbutin can only be produced through enzymatic synthesis (microbial fermentation). |
Stability | Arbutin is a mixture of alpha-arbutin and beta-arbutin, with the safe concentration for use being 2% for alpha-arbutin and 7% for beta-arbutin. | Alpha-arbutin is more structurally stable and not easily degraded by UV rays and heat. |
Effectiveness | Arbutin inhibits tyrosinase to even out skin tone and reduce pigmentation. | Alpha-arbutin is more potent than beta-arbutin in inhibiting melanogenesis and has antioxidant properties that improve skin texture. |
Usage | Arbutin can be used during both day and night. | Alpha-arbutin can be used during both day and night and works stably inside the cell, making it more effective and non-toxic. |
Side Effects | Alpha-arbutin is associated with fewer risks than many other whitening ingredients, such as kojic acid. |
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