What the science says about Arbutin

• Most studies found it helped fade dark patches
• Studies on melasma found patches often became lighter
• One study found arbutin lowered measured skin color darkness
• One study also found smoother skin and fewer visible wrinkles when used with a home radiofrequency device
• The most common side effects were mild redness and itching, though some studies reported none

9 studies

1. 1.

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

   Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD·2019Systematic reviewNeutral

   A large review listed arbutin among skin treatments for melasma, but did not report how well it worked.

   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

   The alpha-arbutin and kojic acid cream had similar melasma scores, less recurrence, and fewer side effects than triple-combination cream.

   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·2020RCTPositive

   In a one-month study of 18 people, a cream with arbutin and other ingredients improved facial dark spots more than hydroquinone and caused less irritation.

   PubMed 33022197

4. 4.

   A cream of herbal mixture to improve melasma.

   Journal of cosmetic dermatology·2019RCT90 participantsPositive

   Arbutin cream improved melasma, but did not reduce redness or inflammatory cells; two people had mild redness and itching.

   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%Positive

   In an 8-week trial of 102 women, a cream with arbutin from five-leaf serratula lowered skin pigment and lightened melasma and sun spots.

   PubMed 26119285DOI

6. 6.

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

   The Journal of dermatology·2008RCT29 participantsPositive

   In a study of 30 people with melasma, an arbutin gel lowered measured skin pigment.

   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 improved melasma scores, dark spots, wrinkles, and skin texture, with no reported side effects.

   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

   A cream with arbutin and other ingredients reduced melasma scores and the amount of skin affected.

   PubMed 26682557