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Send EmailBeta Arbutin, Hydroquinone Beta-D-glucopyranoside, Bearberry Extract, 497-76-7
BETA-ARBUTIN – BETA-ARBUTİN
CAS Number: 497-76-7
EC Number (EINECS): 207-850-3
Molecular Formula: C₁₂H₁₆O₇
Molecular Weight: 272.25 g/mol
INCI Name: Arbutin
SECTION 1: CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND DEFINITION
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name (IUPAC) | 4-Hydroxyphenyl β-D-glucopyranoside |
| Other Names | Beta-Arbutin, β-Arbutin, Bearberry Extract, Arbutin, Hydroquinone β-D-glucopyranoside |
| Chemical Formula | C₁₂H₁₆O₇ |
| Molecular Weight | 272.25 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 497-76-7 |
| EC Number (EINECS) | 207-850-3 |
| Chemical Class | Glycoside (hydroquinone derivative) |
| Appearance | White to off-white, crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Physical State (20°C) | Solid (crystalline powder) |
| Source | Natural: Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), Blueberry, Pear; also synthetically produced |
SECTION 2: PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white, crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molecular Weight | 272.25 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 195 – 200 °C |
| Density (20°C) | ~1.55 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in Water (20°C) | Soluble (~50 g/L) |
| Solubility in Ethanol | Soluble |
| Solubility in Propylene Glycol | Soluble |
| Solubility in Oils | Insoluble |
| pH (1% aqueous solution) | 5.0 – 7.0 |
| Optical Rotation [α]D²⁰ | -65° to -70° |
| Log P (octanol/water) | -0.5 to -1.0 |
| Purity (HPLC) | ≥ 99.0% |
| Loss on Drying | ≤ 0.5% |
SECTION 3: CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
| Property | Information |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | C₁₂H₁₆O₇ |
| Molecular Weight | 272.25 g/mol |
| Chemical Class | Glycoside (hydroquinone derivative) |
| Functional Groups | Phenolic hydroxyl, glycosidic bond |
| Structure | Hydroquinone + Glucose (β-D-glucopyranoside) |
| SMILES | C1=C(C=CC(=C1)OC2C(C(C(C(O2)CO)O)O)O)O |
| InChI Key | BJRNKVDFDLYUGJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
| Stability | Stable under normal storage conditions |
| Light Sensitivity | Sensitive to light; store in light-resistant containers |
| Heat Sensitivity | Stable up to 60°C; degradation above 80°C |
| Oxidation | Susceptible to oxidation in alkaline conditions |
| Incompatible Materials | Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, strong bases |
Chemical Structure:
OH
|
C₆H₄-O-C₆H₁₁O₅
|
(Hydroquinone - Glucose)
4-Hydroxyphenyl β-D-glucopyranoside / Arbutin
SECTION 4: MECHANISM OF ACTION
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Function | Skin lightening agent; depigmenting agent |
| Target | Tyrosinase enzyme (key enzyme in melanin synthesis) |
| Mechanism | Inhibits tyrosinase activity; competes with L-tyrosine for active site |
| Melanin Reduction | Reduces melanin production by 30-70% (concentration dependent) |
| Antioxidant Effect | Scavenges free radicals; protects skin from oxidative damage |
| Hydroquinone Release | Slowly releases hydroquinone in the skin (glucose moiety provides stability) |
| Safety Profile | Safer than pure hydroquinone; reduced irritation and toxicity |
| Kojic Acid Comparison | Similar mechanism to kojic acid; more stable |
SECTION 5: COSMETIC AND SKIN CARE APPLICATIONS
| Application | Function |
|---|---|
| Skin Lightening Creams | Reduces hyperpigmentation; evens skin tone |
| Dark Spot Correctors | Fades age spots, sun spots, and melasma |
| Anti-Aging Products | Antioxidant protection; prevents oxidative damage |
| Serums | Targeted skin brightening |
| Lotions | Even skin tone; moisturization |
| Eye Creams | Reduces dark circles |
| Sun Care Products | Prevents pigmentation after sun exposure |
| Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation | Treats dark marks from acne and inflammation |
Typical Usage Concentration:
| Application | Recommended Concentration |
|---|---|
| Serums | 1.0 – 2.0% |
| Creams and Lotions | 0.5 – 1.5% |
| Eye Creams | 0.5 – 1.0% |
| Maximum Allowed (EU) | 2.0% |
| Maximum Allowed (USA) | 2.0% |
SECTION 6: SYNERGISTIC EFFECTS WITH OTHER INGREDIENTS
| Combination | Synergy |
|---|---|
| Beta-Arbutin + Vitamin C | Enhanced antioxidant and skin brightening |
| Beta-Arbutin + Niacinamide | Improved pigmentation reduction |
| Beta-Arbutin + Kojic Acid | Enhanced tyrosinase inhibition |
| Beta-Arbutin + Tranexamic Acid | Improved melasma treatment |
| Beta-Arbutin + Glycolic Acid | Enhanced penetration and exfoliation |
| Beta-Arbutin + Hyaluronic Acid | Brightening + moisturizing |
SECTION 7: COMPARISON WITH OTHER SKIN LIGHTENING AGENTS
| Agent | Mechanism | Efficacy | Safety | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beta-Arbutin | Tyrosinase inhibition | High | Safe (low irritation) | Stable |
| Hydroquinone | Tyrosinase inhibition | Very High | Risk of ochronosis | Unstable |
| Kojic Acid | Tyrosinase inhibition | High | Moderate irritation | Unstable (light) |
| Niacinamide | Melanosome transfer | Moderate | Very safe | Very stable |
| Vitamin C | Antioxidant, tyrosinase inhibition | Moderate | Safe | Unstable |
| Alpha-Arbutin | Tyrosinase inhibition | High | Safe | Stable |
SECTION 8: QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS (COSMETIC GRADE)
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white, crystalline powder |
| Identification | Positive (HPLC, IR) |
| Assay (HPLC) | ≥ 99.0% |
| Melting Point | 195 – 200 °C |
| Loss on Drying | ≤ 0.5% |
| Residue on Ignition | ≤ 0.1% |
| pH (1% solution) | 5.0 – 7.0 |
| Specific Rotation [α]D²⁰ | -65° to -70° |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 10 ppm |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 2 ppm |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 3 ppm |
| Mercury (Hg) | ≤ 1 ppm |
| Hydroquinone | ≤ 20 ppm (critical limit) |
| Residual Solvents | Meets ICH Q3C requirements |
| Total Plate Count | ≤ 100 CFU/g |
| Yeast and Mold | ≤ 10 CFU/g |
SECTION 9: MICROBIOLOGICAL SPECIFICATIONS
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Total Aerobic Mesophilic Bacteria | ≤ 100 CFU/g |
| Yeast and Mold | ≤ 10 CFU/g |
| Salmonella spp. | Negative in 25g |
| Escherichia coli | Negative in 10g |
| Staphylococcus aureus | Negative in 1g |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa | Negative in 1g |
SECTION 10: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Storage Conditions | Cool (15-25°C), dry, well-ventilated area |
| Container Requirements | Tightly closed, light-resistant (amber glass or opaque containers) |
| Protect From | Light, moisture, strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, strong bases |
| Shelf Life | 24-36 months (unopened original packaging) |
| Stability Note | Light-sensitive; color change indicates degradation |
SECTION 11: PACKAGING OPTIONS
| Packaging Type | Quantity | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum foil bag | 1-5 kg | Laminated aluminum |
| Plastic pail | 20-25 kg | HDPE |
| Glass bottle | 100-500 g | Amber glass |
| Fiber drum | 25-50 kg | HDPE + PE |
| Big-Bag | 500-1000 kg | Polypropylene (with PE liner) |
SECTION 12: SAFETY AND HEALTH INFORMATION
GHS Classification (Bulk Powder)
| Hazard Class | Category |
|---|---|
| Eye Irritation | Category 2A (H319) |
| Signal Word | Warning |
Hazard Statements (H-Codes)
| Code | Statement |
|---|---|
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation |
Precautionary Statements (P-Codes)
| Code | Statement |
|---|---|
| P261 | Avoid breathing dust |
| P280 | Wear protective gloves/eye protection |
| P305+P351+P338 | IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present and easy to do; continue rinsing |
SECTION 13: TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Oral LD50 (Rat) | > 5,000 mg/kg |
| Dermal LD50 (Rabbit) | > 2,000 mg/kg |
| Skin Irritation | Non-irritant at 2% concentration |
| Eye Irritation | Mild irritant |
| Skin Sensitization | Non-sensitizer |
| Cytotoxicity | Low cytotoxicity |
| Mutagenicity | Negative in standard tests |
| Hydroquinone Release | Hydroquinone release is slow and controlled |
| Ochronosis Risk | Very low (unlike hydroquinone) |
| Pregnancy Safety | Considered safe at recommended concentrations |
SECTION 14: FIRST AID MEASURES
| Exposure Route | Action |
|---|---|
| Inhalation | Move to fresh air. If respiratory irritation persists, seek medical attention. |
| Skin Contact | Wash with plenty of soap and water. |
| Eye Contact | Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention. |
| Ingestion | Rinse mouth. Drink plenty of water. Seek medical attention. |
SECTION 15: REGULATORY STATUS
| Region / Authority | Status |
|---|---|
| European Union | Approved for use in cosmetics (Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009) |
| USA (FDA) | Approved for cosmetic use |
| Turkey | Approved (Turkish Cosmetic Regulation) |
| China | Approved (CFDA) |
| Japan | Approved (Quasi-drug) |
| Korea | Approved as functional cosmetic ingredient |
| Maximum Concentration (EU) | 2.0% |
| Maximum Concentration (USA) | 2.0% |
SECTION 16: TRANSPORT INFORMATION
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| UN Number | Not regulated (not dangerous goods) |
| Hazard Class | Not applicable |
| Packing Group | Not applicable |
| ADR/RID | Not regulated |
| IMDG Code | Not regulated |
| IATA (Air) | Not regulated |
| Marine Pollutant | No |
SECTION 17: FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Fire Hazard | Combustible organic solid |
| Suitable Extinguishing Media | Water spray (mist), CO₂, dry chemical powder |
| Specific Hazards | When heated, emits CO, CO₂ |
| Decomposition Products | CO, CO₂ |
| Protective Equipment | Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), full protective clothing |
SECTION 18: ACCIDENTAL SPILLAGE AND CLEANUP
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Personal Protection | Nitrile gloves, protective goggles, dust mask (N95) |
| Cleaning Methods | Collect mechanically (sweep or spatula) |
| Environmental Precautions | Prevent entry into drains, soil, and surface waters |
| Waste Disposal | According to local regulations; incineration or landfilling at licensed facilities |
SECTION 19: OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS
| Type | Name |
|---|---|
| Turkish Names | Beta-Arbutin, β-Arbutin, Ayı Üzümü Ekstresi |
| English Names | Beta-Arbutin, β-Arbutin, Bearberry Extract, Arbutin |
| Chemical Names | 4-Hydroxyphenyl β-D-glucopyranoside, Hydroquinone β-D-glucopyranoside, p-Hydroxyphenyl glucoside |
| INCI | Arbutin |
| CAS Number | 497-76-7 |
| EC Number | 207-850-3 |
| PubChem CID | 440936 |
SECTION 20: SUMMARY AND CRITICAL NOTES
Product Summary
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Product | Beta-Arbutin |
| CAS Number | 497-76-7 |
| Appearance | White to off-white, crystalline powder |
| Molecular Weight | 272.25 g/mol |
| Primary Function | Skin lightening, tyrosinase inhibitor |
| Maximum Usage | 2.0% in cosmetics |
Critical Notes
-
Skin Lightening Agent: Beta-arbutin effectively reduces melanin production by inhibiting tyrosinase enzyme activity.
-
Natural Source: Naturally found in bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), blueberry, pear, and other plants.
-
Safer Hydroquinone Alternative: Beta-arbutin slowly releases hydroquinone in the skin, providing efficacy with reduced irritation and toxicity risk.
-
Stable Compound: More stable than hydroquinone and kojic acid; less prone to oxidation.
-
Synergistic: Works synergistically with vitamin C, niacinamide, and kojic acid for enhanced skin brightening.
-
Light-Sensitive: Should be stored in light-resistant containers to prevent degradation.
-
Controlled Release: The glucose moiety provides controlled release of hydroquinone in the skin.
-
Regulatory Compliance: Approved for cosmetic use in EU (2% max), USA, Turkey, China, Japan, and Korea.
-
Non-Sensitizing: Generally non-sensitizing and well-tolerated at recommended concentrations.
-
Versatile Applications: Used in creams, serums, lotions, eye creams, and sun care products.
IMPORTANT DECLARATION: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and has been prepared based on available technical data. The user is responsible for determining the product's suitability for their specific application and for complying with all local, national, and international regulations. For complete safety, storage, use, transport, waste, and regulatory compliance information, refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. This document does not replace medical advice.
