Alpha-Arbutin (α-Arbutin) – Premium Skin Brightening Raw Material
AIHerba® Alpha Arbutin is a high-purity cosmetic-grade active ingredient designed for professional formulators, OEM/ODM manufacturers, and bulk suppliers. Sourced from premium botanical extracts, our alpha arbutin ensures ≥99% purity, superior stability, and reproducible quality for cosmetic, nutraceutical, and functional food applications. Ideal for large-scale production, AIHerba offers bulk supply with full traceability, COA documentation, and GMP-certified manufacturing standards. Our clients benefit from customized formulations, professional technical support, and fast delivery from China’s leading plant extract factory. Alpha Arbutin is widely recognized in the industry for its reliable performance in skin brightening, anti-oxidation, and formulation versatility, making it a preferred choice for B2B buyers seeking high-quality cosmetic raw materials and functional ingredient solutions.

2. What is Alpha Arbutin
Alpha Arbutin (α-Arbutin) is a naturally derived glycosylated hydroquinone compound extracted from plant sources such as bearberry leaves (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) and certain medicinal herbs. It is widely used in cosmetics and skincare formulations due to its stability, high solubility in water, and reproducible purity, providing a reliable raw material for industrial applications.
3. Product Source and Origin
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Botanical Source: Bearberry leaves (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), wheat, and other natural plant materials.
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Extraction Method: Water-ethanol extraction, refined purification, optional microbial fermentation for enhanced stability.
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Origin: China (Shaanxi Province), GMP-certified AIHerba production facility.
4. Main Mechanism & Functional Benefits
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Enzyme Modulation: Alpha Arbutin inhibits tyrosinase activity in a stable, non-reactive manner.
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Oxidative Balance: Acts as a potent antioxidant in cosmetic and functional formulations.
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Formulation Compatibility: Highly soluble in water-based systems, stable across pH 3–7.
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Application Flexibility: Suitable for creams, serums, masks, lotions, and functional foods.
Note: Avoid direct therapeutic claims; focus on cosmetic and functional ingredient performance.
5. Recommended Usage & Guidelines
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Typical concentration in skincare formulations: 1–2% (cosmetic application).
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Functional food/nutraceutical formulations: consult AIHerba technical team.
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Incorporate into water-based or hydroalcoholic systems; avoid strong oxidizing agents.
Traditional Applications: Used in skin brightening, cosmetic formulations, and as a functional cosmetic active ingredient.
6. Product Specifications & COA
| Parameter Category | Item | Specification | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identity & Purity | Alpha Arbutin | ≥ 99% | HPLC |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder | Visual / Organoleptic | |
| Solubility | Water solubility | Soluble | USP/EP |
| Moisture | Loss on drying | ≤ 0.5% | Karl Fischer |
| Ash | Total ash | ≤ 0.1% | AOAC |
Residual Pesticide Testing
| Name | Limit | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Chlorpyrifos | ND | GC-MS |
| DDT | ND | GC-MS |
| Other organics | ND | GC-MS |
Heavy Metals
| Name | Limit | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 2 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 1 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Mercury (Hg) | ≤ 0.1 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ≤ 1 ppm | ICP-MS |
Microbial Testing
| Name | Limit | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Total Plate Count | ≤ 1000 CFU/g | AOAC 990.12 |
| Yeast & Mold | ≤ 100 CFU/g | AOAC 997.02 |
| E. coli | Negative | USP <62> |
| Salmonella | Negative | USP <62> |
| Staphylococcus aureus | Negative | USP <62> |
7. Manufacturing Process
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Raw material selection → washing → drying
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Water-ethanol extraction → filtration → concentration
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Purification → crystallization → drying → milling
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Quality control & COA generation → packaging → storage
GMP-certified, ISO-compliant facilities with traceable batch production.
8. Storage & Shelf Life
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Storage Conditions: Cool, dry, dark environment (<25°C, <60% RH).
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Shelf Life: 24 months from production date, unopened.
Packaging: 25kg drum, 27 drums/pallet; customized packaging available.
Sample Policy: Small sample quantities available upon request.
Transport & MOQ: FOB/CIF, MOQ 1 kg, bulk supply available for OEM/ODM.
9. Clinical Data & Recent Research
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PubMed studies indicate α-Arbutin is a stable, water-soluble cosmetic active, inhibiting tyrosinase without cytotoxicity (PubMed link)
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FDA GRAS references for hydroquinone derivatives in cosmetic use (FDA link)
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NIH and cosmetic regulatory compliance references (NIH link)
10. Industry Applications & Use Cases
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Cosmetic Industry: Serums, lotions, masks, creams, eye-care formulations
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Nutraceuticals: Functional powders, skin health supplements
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Food & Beverage: Functional drinks, cosmetic-infused beverages
Usage Methods: Direct incorporation, pre-dissolve in aqueous solutions, maintain formulation stability.
11. Factory Experience, Certifications & Brand Authority
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Over 28 years of R&D and plant extract production experience
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ISO9001, GMP, FDA-compliant production
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Full traceable COA and third-party testing
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OEM & ODM professional support for global clients
Contact: 📧 sales@aiherba.com | info@aiherba.com | liaodaohai@gmail.com
Website: 🌐 www.aiherba.com
12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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What is the typical purity of AIHerba Alpha Arbutin?
≥ 99%, verified by HPLC. -
Is alpha arbutin safe for cosmetic use?
Yes, within recommended formulation concentrations. -
Can it be used in water-based formulations?
Yes, fully water-soluble and stable across pH 3–7. -
Do you provide COA and testing documentation?
Yes, full COA including heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial tests. -
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
MOQ starts from 1 kg, bulk pricing available. -
Do you support OEM/ODM formulations?
Yes, AIHerba provides full technical support for customized formulations.
13. References & Regulatory Links
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PubMed – Alpha Arbutin studies: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
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FDA GRAS Reference: https://www.fda.gov/
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NIH Database on Skin Cosmetic Actives: https://www.nih.gov/
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ISO 9001:2015 Standard for Quality Management Systems
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Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Reports
Bulk Supply & Technical Support
Get direct factory quotes, COA, and MSDS within 12 hours. We support bulk supply and custom specifications.





