What is the difference between α-arbutin and β-arbutin?

Arbutin is a common tyrosinase inhibitor on the market. It can quickly penetrate into the skin. By inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase in the skin and blocking the formation of melanin, it can achieve a whitening effect. It is mostly used in cosmetics. 

At present, α-arbutin and β-arbutin are on the market, while β-arbutin is only produced by a few manufacturers.

α-Arbutin VS β-Arbutin:

1. The price of α-arbutin is about 8 times that of β-arbutin.

2. The whitening effect of α-arbutin is more than 15 times that of β-arbutin.

3. α-Arbutin has a stronger inhibitory effect on tyrosinase activity.

4. The stability of α-arbutin is better, α-arbutin will not decompose at a high temperature of 100°; β-arbutin will decompose a little over 60°.

5. α-Arbutin has no photosensitivity and can be used during the day.

6. α-Arbutin does not exist in nature and can only be obtained by fermentation.