Arbutin

Arbutin's CosIng-listed function is "skin conditioning - miscellaneous": leaves skin feeling smoother or better cared for.

A glycosylated form of hydroquinone that slowly releases a small amount of hydroquinone on skin — one review found topical 2% arbutin gives only about 0.27±0.13% dermal absorption, with α-arbutin partially hydrolysing to hydroquinone in the skin. Systemic exposure is far lower than hydroquinone itself, but pregnancy-specific outcome data are essentially absent, so it sits in 'probably low risk — use only if your clinician is comfortable', with azelaic acid or vitamin C as better-characterised swaps.

Arbutin appears in 1% of the 7,133 decoded products in our catalog (76 products).

In the products we've decoded, Arbutin appears in formulas from Missha, Anua, Ma:nyo, Cell Fusion C, Dr.Melaxin.

In our decoded catalog, Arbutin shows up mostly in serums (32), sunscreens (15), masks (7), moisturizers (7), toners (7), exfoliants (4).

Based on the categories of the decoded products that list it, Arbutin shows up mostly in leave-on products (64 of 69 classified). This is derived from product category, not a label fact.

On Korean labels, Arbutin is listed as 알부틴.

Typically #17 of a label (middle third) — across 76 decoded labels. Labels list ingredients in descending order only above 1% — position is a rough signal, not a concentration claim.