What the science says about Arbutin

• Arbutin usually helped fade dark spots or patches, especially in melasma and sun spots
• 9 studies back this, including several clinical trials
• Some studies found it worked better than a placebo, while one found it worked less well than a herbal cream
• Several studies tested arbutin with other ingredients or devices, so the benefit was not always from arbutin alone
• No common side effects were reported in these findings

10 studies

1. 1.

   Topical Treatments for Melasma: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

   Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD·2019Systematic reviewNeutral

   This large review of clinical trials mentions arbutin for melasma, but the abstract does not say how well it faded dark patches on its own.

   PubMed 31741361

2. 2.

   The Efficacy of Topical Cosmetic Containing Alpha-Arbutin 5% and Kojic Acid 2% Compared With Triple Combination Cream for the Treatment of Melasma: A Split-Face, Evaluator-Blinded Randomized Pilot Study.

   Journal of cosmetic dermatology·2025RCT30 participants5%Mixed

   In a 12-week trial of 30 people with melasma, arbutin used with kojic acid faded dark patches about as well as standard treatment, with less return after stopping.

   PubMed 39555866DOI

3. 3.

   Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of a Topical Formulation Containing Epidermal Growth Factor, Tranexamic Acid, Vitamin C, Arbutin, Niacinamide and Other Ingredients as Hydroquinone 4% Alternatives to Improve Hyperpigmentation: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Split Face Study.

   Journal of cosmetic science·2020RCT18 participantsPositive

   In a 1-month split-face trial of 18 adults with facial dark patches, a skin formula containing arbutin improved dark patches more than hydroquinone 4%.

   PubMed 33022197

4. 4.

   A cream of herbal mixture to improve melasma.

   Journal of cosmetic dermatology·2019RCT90 participantsPositive

   In a 12-week trial of 90 people with melasma, arbutin cream reduced how dark and widespread the patches were, but less than the herbal cream.

   PubMed 30980618DOI

5. 5.

   A double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial of Serratulae quinquefoliae folium, a new source of β-arbutin, in selected skin hyperpigmentations.

   Journal of cosmetic dermatology·2015RCT102 participants2.51% arbutinPositive

   In an 8-week trial of 102 women with melasma or sun spots, a cream with arbutin-rich plant extract lightened dark patches more than a placebo.

   PubMed 26119285DOI

6. 6.

   Efficiency of ellagic acid and arbutin in melasma: a randomized, prospective, open-label study.

   The Journal of dermatology·2008RCT10 participantsPositive

   In a clinical trial of 10 people with melasma, arbutin put on the skin reduced how dark the patches were.

   PubMed 18837701DOI

7. 7.

   Effectiveness and Safety of Combined Use of Home-Based Radiofrequency Device and Arbutin Cream in Melasma and Facial Rejuvenation.

   Journal of cosmetic dermatology·2025Clinical trial38 participantsPositive

   In a 38-person study, arbutin cream used with a home radiofrequency device reduced melasma over 8 weeks.

   PubMed 39918262DOI

8. 8.

   A novel cream formulation containing nicotinamide 4%, arbutin 3%, bisabolol 1%, and retinaldehyde 0.05% for treatment of epidermal melasma.

   Cutis·2015Clinical trial3%Positive

   In people with epidermal melasma, a cream with 3% arbutin used with other ingredients reduced how dark and widespread the patches were.

   PubMed 26682557