Alpha-Arbutin
A cosmetic ingredient used as antioxidant, bleaching, skin conditioning - miscellaneous in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.
What is it?
4-Hydroxyphenyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside
What does it do?
Alpha-Arbutin is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:
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Antioxidant
neutralises free radicals to slow oxidative damage to the formulation or skin
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Bleaching
lightens hair or skin tone by chemically reducing pigment
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Skin conditioning - miscellaneous
improves skin condition through mechanisms not classified under the more specific emollient or humectant subcategories
EU regulatory status
This ingredient is restricted in the European Union.
Alpha-Arbutin is listed under Annex III of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 (entry 377). It is permitted only under specific conditions, concentration limits, or in particular product types.
Notes: Restricted by Regulation (EU) 2024/996. Maximum 2% in face creams and 0.5% in body lotion; hydroquinone content kept to unavoidable trace levels. Applies from 1 February 2025.
Frequently asked questions
What is Alpha-Arbutin?
Alpha-Arbutin is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. 4-Hydroxyphenyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside
Is Alpha-Arbutin allowed in cosmetics in the EU?
Only with restrictions. Alpha-Arbutin is permitted in EU cosmetics only under specific conditions defined in Annex III of Regulation 1223/2009.
What does Alpha-Arbutin do in cosmetic products?
Alpha-Arbutin is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: antioxidant, bleaching, skin conditioning - miscellaneous.
What is the CAS number of Alpha-Arbutin?
The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Alpha-Arbutin is 84380-01-8.
Related ingredients
Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 03/04/2024