The Differences Between β-arbutin And α-arbutin

The Differences Between β-arbutin And α-arbutin2021-01-07

β-Arbutin and α-Arbutin are mainly used in the cosmetics industry. They can be formulated into creams or emulsions and added to skin care products such as lotions, essences, creams, and masks.

(1) Difference in stability: α-arbutin has better stability than β-arbutin.
 
At a high temperature of 100°C, α-arbutin will not decompose; but β-arbutin will decompose a little only above 60°C. Meanwhile, under the condition of pH=5.2-8.0, α-arbutin solution is still not decomposed, but β-arbutin is decomposed.
 
(2) The physical and chemical properties of α-arbutin and β-arbutin are basically similar. They are epimers of each other, but their optical rotations are different.
 
The value of α-arbutin is positive (+174.0~+184.0°), while β-arbutin has a negative value (-64°~-68°). This is also the biggest difference and way of judgment between the two.  
 
(3) The price of α-arbutin is 3 times higher than that of β-arbutin, but its whitening effect is 10 times higher than that of β-arbutin.  
 
(4) β-arbutin exists in nature, but α-arbutin does not exist. The preparation method of α-arbutin is according to sugar conversion of microbial enzymes.