In your quest to brighten skin, lighten dark spots, or reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, you’re likely curious about your options. One star ingredient that should be on your radar? Arbutin, a topical ingredient famed for its ability to leave your skin aglow. Arbutin has this effect when it reacts with melanin, the natural pigment in your skin. When skin produces excess melanin, hyperpigmentation — that is, spots where skin is darker — can occur.[2] Sun exposure, pregnancy, or the use of certain medications may cause hyperpigmentation. But arbutin acts on the melanin pathway to suppress melanin activity. Alpha arbutin effectively lightens and reduces UV induced pigmentation and free radicals, without increasing sun sensitivity. It fades discoloration caused by inflammation and environmental stressors while evening skin tone. It also addresses glycation, sugar-induced skin sallowness and loss of elasticity. Research has shown that alpha-arbutin works synergistically with other proven ingredients to visibly reduce hyperpigmentation, including tranexamic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, and retinaldehyde (retinal).