Cosmetic Active System
Alpha-Arbutin
≥99.6% HPLC Alpha-Arbutin for brightening and even-tone cosmetic formulations.
Noyain supplies Alpha-Arbutin for cosmetic formulation and commercial ingredient sourcing. It is a water-soluble active suitable for serums, essences, creams, lotions and other brightening formulations.
For a new formula or supplier evaluation, you can start with a sample and review the current-batch COA and technical documents before moving to bulk purchasing.
INCI
Alpha-Arbutin
CAS
84380-01-8
Assay
≥99.6% by HPLC
Appearance
White crystalline powder
pH
5.0–7.0, 1% water solution
Product Overview
Alpha-Arbutin Product Overview
Alpha-Arbutin is a water-soluble cosmetic active commonly used in brightening formulations designed for uneven-looking skin tone, dullness and the appearance of dark spots.
It works particularly well in water-based products such as serums, essences, lotions and creams. For formulators, its good water solubility makes it relatively straightforward to incorporate into the water phase, provided that pH, temperature and finished-formula stability are properly controlled.
Noyain supplies Alpha-Arbutin with a ≥99.6% HPLC assay specification. Samples, current-batch COA and technical documents are available for formulation testing and supplier qualification.
Buyer decision path
Why Source Alpha-Arbutin from Noyain?
01
Defined ≥99.6% HPLC Specification
Our Alpha-Arbutin is supplied to a defined ≥99.6% HPLC assay specification.
The specification also covers hydroquinone, moisture, elemental limits and microbiological quality, so your technical and purchasing teams have clear parameters to review before approval.
02
Review the Actual Batch
A product specification tells you the acceptance limits. The COA tells you what the available batch actually tested.
You can request the current-batch COA before commercial purchasing and review the assay and other required quality parameters against the specification.
03
Test It Before Scale-Up
We recommend evaluating Alpha-Arbutin in your own formulation before moving to commercial quantities.
A sample allows your formulation team to check dissolution, clarity, pH behavior, color, compatibility and finished-product stability under your actual formulation conditions.
Formula concepts
Where Can Alpha-Arbutin Be Used?
Alpha-Arbutin is mainly selected for cosmetic products positioned around brighter-looking skin and a more even-looking skin tone.
Brightening Serums
Its water-soluble profile makes it suitable for lightweight water-based serums and concentrated brightening formulations.
Essences and Toners
Alpha-Arbutin can be evaluated in water-rich products where dissolution and formula clarity are important.
Face Creams
It can be used in facial formulations developed for dull-looking skin, uneven-looking tone and the appearance of dark spots.
Body Lotions
Alpha-Arbutin can also be considered for body-care formulations developed around uneven-looking tone and body-brightening concepts.
Tips: Final concentration and product-category suitability should always be checked for the destination market.
Regulatory
EU Regulatory Considerations
In the EU, Alpha-Arbutin is regulated under Annex III of Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009. The maximum concentration is 2% in face creams and 0.5% in body lotions. Hydroquinone levels in formulations containing Alpha-Arbutin must remain as low as possible and must not exceed unavoidable trace levels.
Requirements for other product types and markets should be confirmed according to the intended product category and destination market.
Formulation Guide
How to Use Alpha-Arbutin in Formulations
Alpha-Arbutin is easy to evaluate in a simple water-based serum. The starter formula below keeps the system intentionally simple so you can see how the material dissolves and behaves before building a more complex finished formula.
Starter Formula: 1% Alpha-Arbutin Brightening Serum
A basic lab formula for dissolution, compatibility and stability screening.
Alpha-Arbutin 1.0%Target pH 5.2–5.8Add below 40°C
| Phase | Ingredient / INCI | % w/w | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Deionized Water / Aqua | q.s. to 100 | Carrier |
| A | Glycerin | 4.00 | Humectant and pre-dispersion medium |
| A | Hydroxyethylcellulose | 0.30 | Viscosity modifier |
| A | Disodium EDTA | 0.05 | Chelating agent |
| B | Alpha-Arbutin | 1.00 | Brightening active |
| B | Sodium Metabisulfite | 0.05 | Helps limit discoloration |
| C | Phenoxyethanol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin | 0.80 | Preservative system |
| C | Citric Acid / Sodium Hydroxide Solution | q.s. | Adjust final pH to 5.2–5.8 |
Basic Process
01
Prepare Phase A
Add Disodium EDTA to the main water phase and mix until dissolved.
02
Build the Serum Base
Premix Hydroxyethylcellulose with Glycerin, then add slowly to the water phase. Mix until fully hydrated and uniform.
03
Add Alpha-Arbutin
Dissolve Alpha-Arbutin and Sodium Metabisulfite in a small portion of water, then add to the batch below 40°C.
04
Finish the Formula
Add the preservative system and mix until the serum is uniform.
05
Adjust and Check
Adjust the final pH to 5.2–5.8, make up to 100% with water, then check appearance, pH and viscosity.
Formulation note: This is a practical starter formula for lab evaluation, not a validated commercial finished formula. For commercial use, confirm preservative efficacy, stability, packaging compatibility and target-market requirements in the final product.Preservative type and use level should be confirmed according to the selected commercial preservative system.
Technical Specifications
Product Technical Parameters
Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
Trade Name | Alpha-Arbutin |
INCI Name | Alpha-Arbutin |
CAS No. | 84380-01-8 |
Molecular Weight | 272.25 g/mol |
Recommended Dosage | 0.2–2% |
Assay | ≥99.6% by HPLC |
Appearance | White powder or crystals, odorless |
Solubility | Soluble in water |
pH | 5.0–7.0, 1% water solution |
Storage | Keep sealed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place; protect from sunlight, heat, and humidity |
Shelf Life | 2 years |
Documents and Sample Support
Supply Support for Alpha-Arbutin Projects
- Alpha-Arbutin sample availability
- Current-batch COA
- Product Specification
- Latest available SDS/MSDS
- Quotation with MOQ, lead time, packaging, and batch availability
Regulatory Note
Regulatory Note
For the EU market, Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/996 lists Alpha-Arbutin in Annex III with maximum concentrations of:
- 2% in ready-to-use face creams
- 0.5% in ready-to-use body lotions
Hydroquinone must be kept as low as possible and must not exceed unavoidable trace levels.
Requirements differ between markets, so the finished product category, concentration, impurity control and safety assessment should be reviewed for each destination market.
related products
Other related products
Related Documents
Technical Support Materials
Current-batch COA
Product Specification
SDS / MSDS
Composition Statement
Manufacturing Flowchart
Certificate
Related Topics
Product-related articles
No related articles available yet. Stay tuned for more insights and updates.
Ready to Source ≥99.6% Alpha-Arbutin?
Tell us your product type, target market, expected volume, destination, and document requirements. We can confirm sample availability, current-batch COA, MOQ, packaging options, lead time, and bulk quotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions from Formulators and Buyers
- What is Alpha-Arbutin?
Alpha-Arbutin is a cosmetic active commonly used in formulations developed for brighter-looking skin and a more even-looking skin tone.
Its INCI name is Alpha-Arbutin and its CAS number is 84380-01-8.
- Is Alpha-Arbutin the same as Beta-Arbutin?
No.Alpha-Arbutin and Beta-Arbutin are different stereoisomers with different identification and regulatory considerations.
They should not be treated as interchangeable materials in specifications, regulatory documentation or formulation decisions.
- What is the assay of your Alpha-Arbutin?
Our Alpha-Arbutin specification is ≥99.6% by HPLC.
For commercial sourcing, you can also request the current-batch COA to review the actual assay result for the available batch.
- Is Alpha-Arbutin water soluble?
Yes.Alpha-Arbutin is water soluble and can be evaluated in water-based formulations such as serums, essences, creams and lotions.
We recommend confirming dissolution at your intended concentration before scale-up.
- Can I request a sample before placing an order?
Yes.Samples are available for formulation evaluation.
You can request the sample together with the current-batch COA and relevant technical documents so your team can review both the material and the supporting data.
- What do you need for a bulk quotation?
Please provide your required quantity and destination country.
If there are specific document requirements, purchasing schedules or target-market requirements, include those as well so we can confirm the relevant supply details together.