How effective is Alpha Arbutin for skin whitening?
June 9th 2010 18:26
The beauty industry has been looking for a new replacement for hydroquinone since it has been banned worldwide with the exception of the U.S. . At one point Kojic Acid seemed promising but wasn't as powerful. Recently, they found this substance in, of all places, a weed in Canada The substance is natural but just because something is natural doesn't necessarily imply "safe". It is Alpha Arbutin . Compared to other natural whitening ingredients how does Alpha Arbutin compare?
The Straight Dope on Alpha Arbutin
No one can dispute the possible dangers of hydroquinone . If taken as directed, hydroquinone can whiten skin. But many women have found that abusing this powerful bleaching cream can actually whiten skin permanently or, in some cases, make the skin darker over time Because it is absorbed through the skin in a cream, if taken over long periods of time, it could cause kidney failure and liver damage. In some rarer cases, death has actually occurred .
Is Alpha Arbutin safer?
Because Alpha arbutin is naturally found in the wild, there is a misconception that it is safe . But in reality, the body doesn't treat arbutin any differently than it treats hydroquinone . In other words, the synthesis and how it reacts to the body is the same. In fact, the chemical responsible for inhibiting melanin is broken down the same way regardless of what the two chemicals are labeled.
As far as testing is concerned, hydroquinone has been studied for decades now. Contrast this with years of new & non-conclusive research with arbutin. One thing is clear though- A-arbutin is not as effective as hydroquinone and given the fact that studies have not conclusively proved that one is better than the other, hydroquinone may be the better option....if you can get it.
If you are looking for a bleaching cream that doesn't have the harmful side effects there are other options . Kojic acid and some of the other beta hydroxies may be milder but exhibit none of the harmful side effects . In fact, the difference between the beta hydroxies is that the bleaching effects go away after the user stops using the product. And for some women, that could be enough not to chance a bleaching cream with potential hidden dangers .
Hydroquinone is dangerous. But considering the alternatives, there is no other skin bleaching ingredient that is more effective. . And while Alpha Arbutin may appear to be a substance that could rival it, the jury is still out as to whether it is truly safer.
The Straight Dope on Alpha Arbutin
No one can dispute the possible dangers of hydroquinone . If taken as directed, hydroquinone can whiten skin. But many women have found that abusing this powerful bleaching cream can actually whiten skin permanently or, in some cases, make the skin darker over time Because it is absorbed through the skin in a cream, if taken over long periods of time, it could cause kidney failure and liver damage. In some rarer cases, death has actually occurred .
Is Alpha Arbutin safer?
Because Alpha arbutin is naturally found in the wild, there is a misconception that it is safe . But in reality, the body doesn't treat arbutin any differently than it treats hydroquinone . In other words, the synthesis and how it reacts to the body is the same. In fact, the chemical responsible for inhibiting melanin is broken down the same way regardless of what the two chemicals are labeled.
As far as testing is concerned, hydroquinone has been studied for decades now. Contrast this with years of new & non-conclusive research with arbutin. One thing is clear though- A-arbutin is not as effective as hydroquinone and given the fact that studies have not conclusively proved that one is better than the other, hydroquinone may be the better option....if you can get it.
If you are looking for a bleaching cream that doesn't have the harmful side effects there are other options . Kojic acid and some of the other beta hydroxies may be milder but exhibit none of the harmful side effects . In fact, the difference between the beta hydroxies is that the bleaching effects go away after the user stops using the product. And for some women, that could be enough not to chance a bleaching cream with potential hidden dangers .
Hydroquinone is dangerous. But considering the alternatives, there is no other skin bleaching ingredient that is more effective. . And while Alpha Arbutin may appear to be a substance that could rival it, the jury is still out as to whether it is truly safer.
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