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Arbutin
By Nur → Last verified 9/26/2026
What it is
Arbutin is a brightening compound used in Korean skincare as part of multi-active formulas, generally paired with other brightening ingredients rather than sold as a standalone treatment.
What the evidence says
In our catalog, arbutin appears specifically in numbuzin's No.5+ Glutathione Vitamin Concentrated Serum, part of an eight-ingredient formula alongside niacinamide, tranexamic acid, a stable vitamin C derivative, and glutathione, a clinically-dosed multi-active approach to brightening rather than a single-ingredient product.
Who it's for
Dark-spot and brightening-focused routines, generally as part of a broader multi-active formula rather than a standalone product.
Worth knowing
No specific group needs to avoid arbutin in the concentrations typically used in leave-on cosmetics.
Where you'll find it
Products in our catalog that list Arbutin as a key ingredient.
- Anua 7 Rice Ceramide Hydrating Barrier Serum
- Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
- Arencia Holy Hyssop Serum 12
- Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum: Rice + Alpha-Arbutin
- EQQUALBERRY Vitamin Illuminating Serum
- Isntree Hyper Niacinamide 20 Serum
- medicube TXA Niacinamide Serum
- numbuzin No.5+ Glutathione Vitamin Concentrated Serum
- ROVECTIN Vita Dark Spot Serum
Frequently asked
What does arbutin do for skin?
It's a brightening compound generally used as part of multi-active formulas targeting dark spots and uneven tone.
Is arbutin usually sold as a standalone product?
In our catalog, it appears as part of a broader multi-active formula (numbuzin's eight-ingredient serum) rather than as a standalone brightening treatment.
What other actives is arbutin typically combined with?
In numbuzin's formula, arbutin is combined with niacinamide, tranexamic acid, a stable vitamin C derivative, ceramide NP, bisabolol, and glutathione.