Arbutin is white needle crystal or powder. It is white needle-like crystal or powder, the chemical formula is C12H16O7, the relative molecular mass is 272.25, the melting point is about 200 degrees, and the boiling point is 561.6 degrees. Soluble in hot water, methanol, ethanol and propylene glycol, glycerol aqueous solution, insoluble in ether, chloroform, petroleum ether, etc. Arbutin is unstable under acidic conditions and is easily hydrolyzed. It is a hydroquinone glycoside compound.
It can prevent the formation of melanin by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase in the body, thereby reducing skin pigmentation, removing pigmentation and freckles, and also has bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effects. Mainly used for the preparation of advanced cosmetics.
Alpha-arbutin is similar to beta-arbutin, which can inhibit the production and deposition of melanin, and remove pigmentation and freckles. Studies have shown that α-arbutin can inhibit tyrosinase activity at relatively low concentrations, and its inhibitory effect on tyrosinase is better than β-arbutin.
