Cosmetic-grade α-Arbutin

Arbutin is a naturally occurring skin-lightening agent found in various plant families, including marjoram, cranberry, blueberry, and several species of pear. It exists as two isoforms: α-arbutin (4-hydroxyphenyl-α-D-glucopyranoside) and β-arbutin (4-hydroxyphenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside). Although both forms share a similar core structure and mechanism of action, they have subtle differences. Generally, β-arbutin is extracted from the leaves of various plants and the peels of fruits. In contrast, α-arbutin does not occur naturally and is typically biosynthesized through microbial enzymes or microorganisms. Unlike β-arbutin, α-arbutin is resistant to light and heat, making it suitable for use both day and night. Additionally, α-arbutin is more structurally stable and less prone to degradation. In terms of potency, α-arbutin is approximately ten times more effective than β-arbutin in inhibiting melanogenesis, the process responsible for skin darkening. α-arbutin helps to even out skin tone, reduce age spots, diminish acne scars, and alleviate redness from blemishes. Additionally, it possesses antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Due to these benefits, α-arbutin has become one of the most popular skin-lightening ingredients globally, with extensive applications in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.

CHANDORKAR, NIKHIL, et al. "Alpha Arbutin as a Skin Lightening Agent: A Review." International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research (09752366) 13.2 (2021).

α-Arbutin Product Options

Cosmetic Grade α-Arbutin

Purity≥98% (HPLC)

Pharmaceutical Grade α-Arbutin

Purity≥99.5% (HPLC)

Research Grade α-Arbutin

Purity≥98% (HPLC)

Cosmetic Grade α-Arbutin Product Overview

α-Arbutin is widely utilized in both skincare and cosmetic products due to its various beneficial properties. It is primarily employed for its skin-lightening and brightening effects. It helps to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, age spots, and melasma, promoting a more even skin tone. It is often incorporated into formulations to provide skin-enhancing benefits. By imparting a brightening effect, it helps to create a more luminous and youthful appearance. Additionally, the antioxidant properties of α-Arbutin make it useful in protecting the skin against free radicals and environmental damage, contributing to overall skin health.

Property		Key Benefits	Product Type	Function	Typical Dosage
Chemical Name	4-Hydroxyphenyl α-D-glucopyranoside ( Cat #MCLX0092)	Reduces melanin synthesis	Whitening creams/serums	Reduces dark spots, evens tone	0.2% – 2%
Molecular Formula	C₁₂H₁₆O₇	Fades age spots, acne scars, melasma	Anti-pigmentation masks	Brightens dull skin, reduces hyperpigmentation	1% – 2%
Molecular Weight	272.25 g/mol	Even skin tone and improve radiance	Eye creams	Lightens under-eye dark circles	0.5% – 1%
CAS Number	84380-01-8	Safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin	BB & CC creams	Enhances complexion luminosity	0.2% – 0.5%
Characteristics	White crystalline powder, Water-soluble (up to 20 mg/mL at room temp), pKa: ~8.7 (phenol group), Stable in pH 4.5–6.5; heat-sensitive at pH >7		Sunscreens	Prevents UV-induced dark spots	0.5% – 1%

* Recombination Usage
Recommended concentration 0.2-2%, add to water phase of formula. The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has suggested concentrations of α-arbutin i.e., up to 2% in face creams and up to 0.5% in body lotions for the safety of consumers that use α-arbutin based cosmetic products.

Optimized Production Platform

Creative Biogene utilizes a wide range of microorganisms to produce hyaluronic acid for cosmetic uses. Our fermentation facility is fully equipped and complaint with the current good manufacturing practice. We can provide you with efficient solutions for large-scale manufacturing.

Request a Custom Production

α-Arbutin Production

α-Arbutin is a synthetic substance that can be produced by enzymatic glycosylation of hydroquinone in the presence of α-amylase and dextrin. Producing α-arbutin via microbial fermentation is an efficient and eco-friendly alternative to chemical synthesis. The process relies on glucosyltransferases to attach glucose to hydroquinone (HQ), yielding α-arbutin with high regioselectivity and purity. It has been done in recombinant Escherichia coli, using amylase of Bacillus subtilis and sucrose phosphorylase of Leuconostoc mesenteroides.

Microbial Hosts for α-Arbutin Production

Commonly Used Strains	Capabilities
Escherichia coli	Recombinant production of glucosyltransferase	Engineered for high expression
Bacillus subtilis	GRAS host for UDP-glucose-based production	High secretion potential
Xanthomonas campestris	Natural source of amylosucrase	Produces α-arbutin from sucrose & HQ
Corynebacterium glutamicum	Engineered platform strain	Good for large-scale bioproduction

Substrate Feeding Strategy

Substrate	Function	Feeding Strategy
Hydroquinone (HQ)	Acceptor molecule	Typically 0.5–2 g/L; toxic above 3 g/L
Sucrose / Glucose	Sugar donor (UDP-glucose precursor)	Fed to maintain carbon flux
Uridine	Precursor for UDP-glucose	Used in some engineered strains

Extraction and Purification

Centrifuge culture to remove cells

Filter supernatant (0.45 μm)

Concentrate via rotary evaporation or membrane filtration

Purify Methods

Ion exchange chromatography
Reverse-phase HPLC
Crystallization (from ethanol-water)

Advantages of Microbial Production

Regioselectivity

>95% α-arbutin over β-form

High yield

Up to 90–95% conversion from HQ

Eco-friendly

No harsh chemicals or solvents

GRAS strains

Support regulatory acceptance in cosmetics

Agriculture Microbiology

Efficacy Evaluation

We provide in vitro human skin tissue models for cosmetic testing services. Our models are very similar to human skin in terms of morphology, of differentiation markers and of functional characteristics.

In vitro Testing

Hydration Capacity Assay
Skin Barrier Function Tests
Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant Tests

Ex Vivo Skin Model Studies

Use human skin explants to observe penetration and bioactivity.

Our Advantages

GMP-Compliant Manufacturing

Our manufacturing process adheres to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines, ensuring the highest quality standards and consistency in every batch. Our state-of-the-art production facilities are certified to meet international standards, including ISO 9001, and we follow stringent procedures to prevent contamination and ensure batch-to-batch consistency.

Full Regulatory Compliance:

We comply with all relevant global regulatory requirements, including those set by the FDA, EMA, and other cosmetic regulatory bodies.

Quality Assurance:

Extensive quality control processes, including testing for purity, molecular weight distribution, and endotoxin levels, ensure that every batch of HA meets the highest standards for cosmetic use.

Customer Reviews

Partnering on microbial α-arbutin production has been a game-changer for us. The purity and consistency exceeded our expectations, and the team’s tech transfer support was truly world-class. We’ve already integrated it into our brightening serum line with excellent results.

-Dr. Isabelle Chen

R&D Director

We’ve worked with multiple suppliers before, but this team’s fermentation-derived α-arbutin was by far the cleanest and most stable. Their documentation for cosmetic regulatory use in Asia was extremely helpful, and deliveries have always been timely.

-Dr. Marisol Rivera

Product Development Manager

The cosmetic-grade α-arbutin met ISO and EU cosmetic safety requirements and was easy to incorporate into both emulsions and gels. We especially appreciated the detailed COA, heavy metal analysis, and microbial test reports. Highly recommended for premium skincare brands.

-Ms. Laura Feldmann

Senior Formulation Scientist

We needed an eco-friendly and non-synthetic alternative for our skin tone corrector. Their bioproduction process and high-purity α-arbutin gave us the edge in launching a truly green cosmetic. Customer support was fast and transparent.

-Dr. Marisol Rivera

Product Development Manager

Partner with Us

Whether you are looking for a reliable partner for small-scale R&D or large-scale commercial production of α-Arbutin, our Cosmetic-Grade α-Arbutin CDMO services provide the expertise, flexibility, and quality you need. From fermentation and purification to formulation and regulatory compliance, we are equipped to support every stage of your α-Arbutin production process, helping you deliver superior skincare products to your customers.