Arbutin

Arbutin is a natural skin-lightening ingredient that has gained popularity in recent years as a safer alternative to hydroquinone, a chemical commonly used in skin lightening products. Arbutin is derived from the leaves of several different plants, including bearberry, blueberry, and cranberry. It can fade age spots, scars and melasma and help in preventing future pigmentation developing. It is a tyrosinase inhibitor and better tolerated than hydroquinone. Finally, arbutin also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Some studies have suggested that arbutin may have potential side-effects and do not recommend its use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.