{"title":"Alpha Arbutin","entity_type":"Ingredient","slug":"alpha-arbutin","canonical_url":"https://skinknowledgebase.com/ingredients/alpha-arbutin","dates":{"date_modified":"2026-05-18","date_reviewed":"2026-05-18"},"mcp_eligible":true,"evidence_sources":[{"title":"Sephora Product Page — The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA","canonical_citation_url":"https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/sephora-product-page-the-ordinary-alpha-arbutin-2-ha","original_source_url":"https://www.sephora.com/product/the-ordinary-deciem-alpha-arbutin-2-ha-P427412","source_type":"retailer_product_page"}],"product_fact_sources":[{"title":"Official Product Page — The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA","canonical_citation_url":"https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/official-product-page-the-ordinary-alpha-arbutin-2-ha","original_source_url":"https://theordinary.com/en-us/alpha-arbutin-2-ha-serum-100401.html","source_type":"official_product_page"}],"related_entities":[{"title":"Official Product Page — The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA","url":"https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/official-product-page-the-ordinary-alpha-arbutin-2-ha"},{"title":"Sephora Product Page — The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA","url":"https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/sephora-product-page-the-ordinary-alpha-arbutin-2-ha"},{"title":"Melasma","url":"https://skinknowledgebase.com/concerns/melasma"},{"title":"The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA","url":"https://skinknowledgebase.com/products/the-ordinary-alpha-arbutin-2-ha"},{"title":"Dr. Idriss Major Fade Hyper Serum","url":"https://skinknowledgebase.com/products/dr-idriss-major-fade-hyper-serum"},{"title":"Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum: Rice + Alpha-Arbutin","url":"https://skinknowledgebase.com/products/beauty-of-joseon-glow-deep-serum-rice-alpha-arbutin"},{"title":"Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum","url":"https://skinknowledgebase.com/products/anua-niacinamide-10-txa-4-serum"},{"title":"Peace Out Dark Spots Serum","url":"https://skinknowledgebase.com/products/peace-out-dark-spots-serum"}],"body_sections":[{"heading":"Quick Summary","paragraphs":["Alpha arbutin is a brightening-positioned skincare ingredient used in cosmetic formulas for dark-spot appearance and uneven-looking tone support. In The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA, it is the named lead ingredient in a water-based serum with hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate and propanediol support."]},{"heading":"What It Is","paragraphs":["Alpha arbutin is a cosmetic brightening ingredient commonly discussed in routines for facial hyperpigmentation appearance, post-blemish mark appearance, and uneven-looking tone. The Ordinary product page names alpha-arbutin directly in the INCI and positions the product around uneven skin and dark spots. This ingredient page keeps the framing consumer-friendly: alpha arbutin is a tone-appearance ingredient, not a diagnosis tool or a prescription pigmentation treatment."]},{"heading":"Mechanism","paragraphs":["For SKB’s cosmetic language, alpha arbutin belongs in the brightening and dark-spot appearance category. It is often paired with hydration or delivery-support ingredients because many leave-on serums need a comfortable water-based base. In this product, hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate supports hydration feel, while propanediol and other formula ingredients support texture and solvent context. Sunscreen remains important in any daytime hyperpigmentation-appearance routine because UV exposure can keep uneven pigment looking more visible."]}]}