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Arbutin

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes · How the Fit score works

Arbutin

Arbutin gently reduces melanin levels, lightens dark spots, and improves moisture and elasticity for a clearer, more even complexion. It suits dry skin and oily skin best, and it comes in serums, usually at a concentration of 2 percent. It fits easily into a routine because it layers simply with other skincare products.

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Arbutin serums

What reviewers say about popular arbutin products

The highlight reviewers mention most for each popular arbutin product on Lovi.

Other arbutin products

Arbutin for dry skin

Arbutin for oily skin

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Arbutin for acne-prone skin

All arbutin products

See all 38 arbutin products

Questions and answers

What does arbutin do for the skin?

Arbutin helps fade hyperpigmentation, melasma, and dark spots by decreasing skin melanin levels. It also helps lighten skin discolorations.

How do you use arbutin?

Arbutin is used in topical creams and partner formulas to help fade skin discolorations and reduce melanin levels. It is often paired with ingredients like kojic acid or vitamin C to improve hyperpigmentation.

Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2020

Should you use arbutin in the morning or at night?

Arbutin can be used in your routine both in the morning and at night to help fade dark spots and even out skin tone.

Can you use arbutin every day?

Yes, you can use arbutin every day as part of your routine to help fade dark spots and even out skin tone. Studies show that daily application helps reduce melanin levels and improves hyperpigmentation safely over time.

Does arbutin cause purging or irritation?

Arbutin is unlikely to cause purging or irritation and is generally well tolerated.

Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2020Biomaterials Science, 2023

Which skin types is arbutin best for?

Arbutin is best for dry, oily, combination, sensitive, acne-prone, and mature skin types, with Lovi rating products like Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream as a Superior fit across multiple categories. Topical arbutin helps decrease melanin levels and lighten skin discolorations.

Research on arbutin

Behind this ingredient guide

Lovi checks every ingredient with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

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