Arbutin

Arbutin is a molecule that is derived from natural sources of hydroquinone. It is a glycosylated hydroquinone found at high concentrations in certain plants and capable of surviving extreme and sustained dehydration. Arbutin is found in leaves of bearberry, cranberry, mulberry or blueberry shrubs, and also is present in most types of pears, which is found to have skin lightening properties. Arbutin has been shown to inhibit melanin synthesis by inhibition of tyrosinase activity. Inhibition of melanosomal tyrosinase activity, rather than suppression of the synthesis and expression of this enzyme, appears to be the mechanism of action. It prevents the formation of melanin and was effective in the topical treatment of various cutaneous hyperpigmentations characterized by hyperactive melanocyte function. Structurally related to hydroquinone, arbutin is a glycoside(a glycosylated derivative of hydroquinone) relatively simple chemical, with a glucose attached to a hydroquinone. Both hydroquinone and arbutin have skin lightening properties, primarily because they inhibit synthesis of melanin. But the glucose residue makes a difference which makes arbutin special, not having the side effects that hydroquinone seems to have. Arbutin also has anti-cancer activity on melanoma cells. Arbutin and other plant extracts are considered safe alternatives to commonly used depigmenting agents to make the skin fairer