View Full Version : Alpha arbutin?
tai18
May 16, 2008, 02:53 PM
Does it really depigment your skin? Or is it just another skin lightening agent?
Gr8stuff
May 16, 2008, 05:22 PM
According to my research it doesn't depigment like mono (becoming ghostly-white) but it can lighten your skin significantly and still look natural... although no one tried it yet on this forum. I'll be trying it soon, so I'll let you know.
You can find more info in this thread:
https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/skin-lightening/alpha-arbutin-167061.html
lilgreg1
Aug 21, 2009, 12:25 PM
Alpha Arbutin does not de-pigment your skin, destroy melanin, or any melanocytes (as monobenzone does). It works by temporarily inhibiting a process known as tyrosinase, which is necessary for melanocytes to produce melanin.
By using Alpha Arbutin, your skin produces less melanin, therefore over time, you turn lighter. Alpha Arbutin is harmless, and is completely reversible and is a good alternative to many other lighteners or depigmenters such as Hydroquinone and Monobenzone.
You must use Alpha Arbutin consistently to get lighter, and use it occasionally to maintain a shade. In order to reverse the effects, you can always stop usage of Alpha Arbutin.
Golden_Girl
Aug 22, 2009, 12:53 PM
Alpha Arbutin does not de-pigment your skin, destroy melanin, or any melanocytes (as monobenzone does). It works by temporarily inhibiting a process known as tyrosinase, which is neccesary for melanocytes to produce melanin.
By using Alpha Arbutin, your skin produces less melanin, therefore over time, you turn lighter. Alpha Arbutin is harmless, and is completely reversible and is a good alternative to many other lighteners or depigmenters such as Hydroquinone and Monobenzone.
You must use Alpha Arbutin consistently to get lighter, and use it occasionally to maintain a shade. In order to reverse the effects, you can always stop usage of Alpha Arbutin.
LilGreg what percentage of Alpha Arbutin should I use for it to really lighten the face and body? What do you mix it with?
haiji
Aug 23, 2009, 11:23 AM
I'am using alhpa arbutin now every since last summer,it a good skin lightener,I went from brown to light brown,like a caramel.I'am east indian and black,I've photos to prove it
lilgreg1
Aug 23, 2009, 12:32 PM
LilGreg what percentage of Alpha Arbutin should I use for it to really lighten the face and body? What do you mix it with?
For best results, stick with a dilute percentage between 4% and 8%. Anything higher may not be absorbed as readily by the skin due to Arbutin's general texture, and anything below will simply take longer to take effect. (Less A-Arbutin inhibiting properties on the Melanocytes.)
As for mixing, use something that is free of, or not based from AHAs, (such as Glycolic or Asorbic acid). A light or simple moisturizing lotion would work great, as would "Canvas base cream", specifically for custom lotion and cream manufacturing.
Golden_Girl
Aug 23, 2009, 12:52 PM
Thanks Lilgreg :), I see you know much about alpha-arbutin. I thought Glycolic and Asorbic acid is AHA? How much percentage do I use of that also? Can you tell me more about the canvas base cream? What is your regimine now that you are using?
Haiji that's great that it worked for you. Did you make your own alpha-arbutin formula or purchase a product with alpha-arbutin already in it. I would love to see picts of your results.
lilgreg1
Aug 23, 2009, 04:10 PM
Thanks Lilgreg :), I see you much about alpha-arbutin. I thought Glycolic and Asorbic acid is AHA? How much percentage do I use of that also? Can you tell me more about the canvas base cream? What is your regimine now that you are using?
Glycolic and Asorbic acid(s) are indeed examples of some AHA's. (So the less amount of AHA's present in the lotion or cream, the better.) The Canvas base cream is simply a cream (some might say lotion) that is composed of very simple ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, avocado, and sesame oils/extracts. Hyaluronic Acid happens to be nonreactive, and works well with Arbutin. It works great as a moisturizer, while allowing the active ingredient such as Arbutin to work at it's furthest extent. Creams such as these dilute actives as well to the point that they can readily be absorbed by the skin.
As for a future regimine, I've used Alpha Arbutin 5% with visible skin lightening, despite having Sun contact over this summer. I'll continue usage over the fall, and begin experimenting on Monobenzone with very low concentrations. Hopefully the two together will prevent major discoloration, or unstable repigmentation, should I be prone to it.
Golden_Girl
Aug 23, 2009, 06:10 PM
How many shades did the Alpha-Arbutin lighten you? It's somewhat hard for me to eally lighten when it's 90-100 degrees outside and I have to go outside... even though I use strong sunblock and try not to go outside as much. Good luck on your mono regimine. Do you think it will lighten you evenly?
How come AHA's being present in the lotion or cream, the better? What percentage do you suggest for glycolic acid, is 10% fine? Thanks for answering all my questions, as I have a lot too ask.
haiji
Aug 24, 2009, 08:58 AM
No I buy my cream,it's name gluta-c,it's works wonders!
lilgreg1
Aug 24, 2009, 12:35 PM
How many shades did the Alpha-Arbutin lighten you? It's somewhat hard for me to eally lighten when it's 90-100 degrees outside and I have to go outside...even though I use strong sunblock and try not to go outside as much. Good luck on your mono regimine. Do you think it will lighten you evenly?
How come AHA's being present in the lotion or cream, the better? What percentage do you suggest for glycolic acid, is 10% fine? Thanks for answering all my questions, as I have alot too ask.
Alpha Arbutin (over the course of approximately 28 days) lightened myself an entire shade, two if you consider dark brown to brown then bronze. You can literally see the melanin decreasing overnight. No skin peeling, burning, itching, or anything else of that sort. As for the Monobenzone, yes, I think I'll be able to dilute and use it evenly enough as to keeping a solid skin tone, nor becoming too light. (God bless)
As for AHA's, they are more staunch acid-wise. They react with the Alpha Arbutin, while creating a layer over the skin, and make it's absorption into the skin much harder than usual. It's possible to use AHA's for skin exfoliating, but it's best to remove any remnants before applying A-Arbutin. Once again, I have no idea what percent is "best" when it comes to AHAs; the basic concept is that the less the better, or in other words, 0%. (Due to many lotions and moisturizers you find in department stores containing some form of AHA such as glycol).
Golden_Girl
Aug 24, 2009, 06:21 PM
From dark brown to brown then bronze, I would definitely consider that as 2 shades! That's good, 2 shades in about a month. Retin-A would be good to use to help lighten as it will help your skin to absorb better. Will you be using this along with your mono?
lilgreg1
Aug 25, 2009, 12:29 PM
From what I've researched, Retin-A (Tretinion) is great for acne as well, and does make you a bit paler/lighter. That said, it's a good skin peeler too, which would be the reason for helping your skin absorb better.
I might stick with just Mono and Alpha Arbutin for the first week or so, and use some sort of AHA body exfoliate for faster absorption later on.
If necessary however, I'll give Retin-A a chance I suppose; skin lightening and acne fighter together? Sounds pretty cool.
so sexy
Aug 25, 2009, 02:14 PM
Which is more effective Retin A or Tretinion? Because they are sold separate as well as I guess the two being combined..
lilgreg1
Aug 25, 2009, 02:38 PM
"Tretinoin is the acid form of vitamin A and so also known as all-trans retinoic acid or ATRA."
Retin-A generally stands for "retinoic acid", and is a brand; they are both the same thing.
so sexy
Aug 25, 2009, 03:23 PM
Thanks
"Tretinoin is the acid form of vitamin A and so also known as all-trans retinoic acid or ATRA."
Retin-A generally stands for "retinoic acid", and is a brand; they are both the same thing.
Golden_Girl
Aug 25, 2009, 03:37 PM
Also Tretinoine is generic which means it costs much less. And if you find a good place to purchase it from, then that is even better.
so sexy
Aug 25, 2009, 04:22 PM
I've seen it as a gel, sounds promising!
Golden_Girl
Aug 25, 2009, 04:32 PM
Yeah it is. And so healthy for the skin as it also helps build collagen which includes help preventing thinned skin and stretch marks.
davonte44
Aug 25, 2009, 04:35 PM
Alpha Arbutin (over the course of approximately 28 days) lightened myself an entire shade, two if you consider dark brown to brown then bronze. You can literally see the melanin decreasing overnight. No skin peeling, burning, itching, or anything else of that sort. As for the Monobenzone, yes, I think I'll be able to dilute and use it evenly enough as to keeping a solid skin tone, nor becoming too light. (God bless)
As for AHA's, they are more staunch acid-wise. They react with the Alpha Arbutin, while creating a layer over the skin, and make it's absorption into the skin much harder than usual. It's possible to use AHA's for skin exfoliating, but it's best to remove any remnants before applying A-Arbutin. Once again, I have no idea what percent is "best" when it comes to AHAs; the basic concept is that the less the better, or in other words, 0%. (Due to many lotions and moisturizers you find in department stores containing some form of AHA such as glycol).
Where can we get Alpha Arbutin and Retin as well
lilgreg1
Aug 26, 2009, 12:13 PM
Alpha Arbutin is pretty common knowadays, with most sources being legitimate. Due to advertising rules on this forum board, I'd rather not post a source directly. However, if you still can't find a supplier after searching, then I'll be more than happy to send a private query stating a decent supplier.
As for Retin, I've never used it in the past, and can't give you real source until I've found one myself.
mysterious5
Aug 26, 2009, 09:47 PM
I found this site, well it turn out to be a PDF about alpha arbutin, but it called PENTAPHARM. And it has supposedly researched and tested arbutin saying that it more effective and safer. But it has part that says product specifications stating that it less than 2 ppm of arsenic and less than 20 ppm of heavy metals. Is it me or does that not sound too safe?
lilgreg1
Aug 27, 2009, 12:08 PM
i found this site, well it turn out to be a PDF about alpha arbutin, but it called PENTAPHARM. and it has supposedly researched and tested arbutin saying that it more effective and safer. but it has part that says product specifications stating that it less than 2 ppm of arsenic and less than 20 ppm of heavy metals. is it me or does that not sound too safe?
I'd say compared to Hydroquinone, it's much safer, while being more effective than natural things like Kojic Acid.
Golden_Girl
Aug 27, 2009, 04:26 PM
Alpha Arbutin is pretty common knowadays, with most sources being legitimate. Due to advertising rules on this forum board, I'd rather not post a source directly. However, if you still can't find a supplier after searching, then I'll be more than happy to send a private query stating a decent supplier.
As for Retin, I've never used it in the past, and can't give you real source until I've found one myself.
Lilgreg I'm still waiting for your pm for alpha arbutin :(
Mysterious5 I remember reading the pdf article from Pentapharm's research on Alpha Arbutin earlier this year, I will have to read it again for more clarification on how much it can lighten.
lilgreg1
Aug 27, 2009, 04:58 PM
Lilgreg I'm still waiting for your pm for alpha arbutin :(
Ah, sorry about that. I'll send you a link right now; I definitely recommend searching for other sources of course, the more the merrier.
Golden_Girl
Aug 27, 2009, 05:11 PM
Thanks! I agree, the more the merrier as it is always best to be over prepared than underprepared.
guerdanhoward
Aug 27, 2009, 11:29 PM
Hey lilgreg1, can you please pm or email (
[email protected]) me your source for alpha arbutin. I tried search online, but most of the manufacturers make it bulk sizes for cosmetic companies (minimum orders of 1kg). I would really appreciate if you send that information to me.
Thanks
Golden_Girl
Aug 28, 2009, 10:28 AM
no i buy my cream,it's name gluta-c,it's works wonders!
Haiji out of curiosity, how do you know it is the gluta c whitening cream giving you the results if you are also using alpha arbutin for 1 year now along with kojic acid soap, plus using the mono 20% ?:confused: How do you know which one is working and which one is not?
lilgreg1
Aug 28, 2009, 12:24 PM
Hey lilgreg1, can you please pm or email (
[email protected]) me your source for alpha arbutin. I tried search online, but most of the manufacturers make it bulk sizes for cosmetic companies (minimum orders of 1kg). I would really appreciate if you send that information to me.
Thanks
Sure, not a problem.
Nurse24
Sep 8, 2009, 09:15 AM
Little greg can you pm me your souce? I am really interested in trying it myself... please
dominicanmami
Jan 13, 2011, 02:17 PM
Hey are you able to upload your results? I'm sure many of us are eager to see some photographic evidence of the results of alpha arbutin :)