Arbutin a glycosylated hydroquinone is used in studies on melanin biosynthesis and as an inhibitor to identify differentiate and characterize tyrosinase(s).

For R&D use onlynot for drug household or other uses.

Arbutin is a glycoside a glycosylated hydroquinone extracted from the bearberry plant in the genus Arctostaphylos. It inhibits tyrosinase and thus prevents the formation of melanin. Arbutin is therefore used as a skin-lightening agent. Arbutin is found in wheat and is concentrated in pear skins. It is also found in Bergenia crassifolia. Arbutin was also produced by an in vitro culture of Schisandra chinensis.