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Specialty Additives Available — Bulk Only

Alpha Arbutin (α-Arbutin)

u00ceu00b1-Arbutin
CAS 84380-01-8 · Formula C12H16O7 · MW 272.25 g/mol

Alpha arbutin (CAS 84380-01-8) is the alpha-anomer glucoside of hydroquinone, supplied as a fine-chemical cosmetic ingredient. It is used in skin-care formulations as a skin-conditioning and antioxidant functional additive.

Part of Active Ingredients
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HS Code
2938.90
At a Glance
Material Family
Specialty Additives
Record Type
Pure compound
Primary Role
Conditioning
Functional Roles
Conditioning
INCI Name
ALPHA-ARBUTIN
CosIng Functions
ANTIOXIDANTBLEACHINGSKIN CONDITIONING - MISCELLANEOUS
Industries Served
Beauty & Personal Care
Applications & Use Cases
  • ▸ Skin brightening: Cosmetic skin-lightening/brightening ingredient.
  • ▸ Skin conditioning: Cosmetic skin-conditioning functional class (CIR).
  • ▸ Cosmetic antioxidant: Antioxidant functional additive in skin-care formulations.
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request

A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.

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HS / Tariff Classification
Harmonized System (HS) Code — 6-digit international heading
2938 . 90
Chapter 29
Organic chemicals
Heading 29.38
Internationally harmonized (WCO HS)
Subheading 2938.90
6-digit international code — national tariff line adds further digits
Chemical Identity
CAS Number
84380-01-8
Molecular Formula
C12H16O7
Molecular Weight
272.25 g/mol
IUPAC Name
(2R,3S,4S,5R,6R)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-6-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)oxane-3,4,5-triol
INCI Name
ALPHA-ARBUTIN
PubChem CID
158637
InChI Key
BJRNKVDFDLYUGJ-ZIQFBCGOSA-N
Synonyms & Trade Names
alpha-Arbutin alpha arbutin ORISTAR AAT Derma Pella Intimate Brightening P-HYDROXYPHENYL-alpha-D-GLUCOPYRANOSIDE 4-Hydroxyphenyl a-D-glucopyranoside a-Arbutin 4-hydroxyphenyl alpha-D-glucopyranoside (2R,3S,4S,5R,6R)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-6-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)oxane-3,4,5-triol a-D-Glucopyranoside, 4-hydroxyphenyl alpha-D-Glucopyranoside, 4-hydroxyphenyl
Full Description

Alpha arbutin (CAS 84380-01-8, C12H16O7) is the alpha-anomer glucoside of hydroquinone — a glycoside. In cosmetic formulations arbutin is documented for use as a skin-brightening (skin-lightening) ingredient and as a cosmetic skin-conditioning and antioxidant additive. Supplied as a fine-chemical cosmetic ingredient.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is alpha arbutin used for in cosmetics?

Alpha arbutin (CAS 84380-01-8, C12H16O7) is the alpha-anomer glucoside of hydroquinone. In cosmetic formulations it is documented for use as a skin-brightening (skin-lightening) ingredient and as a skin-conditioning and antioxidant functional additive. Supplied as a fine-chemical cosmetic ingredient.

What is the chemical formula and CAS number for alpha arbutin?

Alpha arbutin has the molecular formula C12H16O7 and CAS 84380-01-8. It is a glycoside (the alpha-anomer of arbutin); purity is confirmed on the Certificate of Analysis per lot.

What is the difference between alpha arbutin and beta arbutin?

Both are glucosides of hydroquinone differing in anomeric configuration — alpha vs. beta linkage. Alpha arbutin (CAS 84380-01-8) is the alpha-anomer. We supply alpha arbutin to a defined cosmetic specification stated on the CoA; specify the anomer you require.

What HS code applies to alpha arbutin?

Alpha arbutin classifies under HS 2938.90 — glycosides and their derivatives, other. Confirm the destination-country tariff line with your customs broker.

What is the cost of bulk alpha arbutin?

Bulk pricing depends on purity grade and order volume. We supply cosmetic manufacturers in drums and bulk packaging — request a quote with your target grade and tonnage for current pricing, SDS, and CoA.

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Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.
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