Description
Alpha-Arbutin is a hydroquinone glucoside, that is, a molecule derived from the union of a glucose unit and a phenolic ring of the hydroquinone type through a glycosidic bond of alpha configuration. In cosmetics it is assigned the technical functions of antioxidant, bleaching agent and miscellaneous skin conditioner.
Under Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Alpha-Arbutin appears in Annex III of restricted substances, under reference 377. The maximum authorized concentration is set differently according to product type: "(a) 2 %" for face creams and "(b) 0,5 %" for body lotions. The entry includes an additional literal condition: "Hydroquinone levels shall remain as low as possible in formulations containing alpha-Arbutin and shall not be higher than the unavoidable trace level." Two regulatory milestones are also set: "From 1 February 2025 cosmetic products containing that substance and not complying with the conditions shall not be placed on the Union market. From 1 November 2025 cosmetic products containing that substance and not complying with the conditions shall not be made available on the Union market." The substance is not classified as CMR and no additional mandatory labelling warnings are listed.
The information presented is for technical reference only and does not constitute a recommendation for use or an efficacy claim.