Description
Arbutin is a glucoside derived from hydroquinone. Its structure corresponds to an organic molecule in which a glucose unit is linked through a glucosidic bond to a hydroxylated aromatic ring. Within the cosmetic framework, it is assigned the technical functions of antioxidant, bleaching agent and miscellaneous skin conditioner. It is also identified under the name ARBUTIN.
Under Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, this ingredient appears in Annex III, reference 378, corresponding to the list of substances subject to restrictions. The maximum authorized concentration is "7 %" and the permitted product type is "Face cream". Among the additional conditions established, it is stated verbatim: "Hydroquinone levels shall remain as low as possible in formulations containing alpha-Arbutin and shall not be higher than the unavoidable trace level." The regulatory text also includes the following transitional provisions: "From 1 February 2025 cosmetic products containing that substance and not complying with the conditions shall not be placed on the Union market. From 1 November 2025 cosmetic products containing that substance and not complying with the conditions shall not be made available on the Union market." No classification as a CMR substance is recorded, nor additional mandatory labelling warnings apart from the conditions cited.
The information presented is for technical reference only and does not constitute a recommendation for use or an efficacy claim.