- 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
Cautions
- Arbutin is glucosylated hydroquinone,and may carry similar cancer risks, although there are also claims that arbutin reduces cancer risk The German Institute of Food Research in Potsdam found that intestinal bacteria can transform arbutin into hydroquinone, which creates an environment favorable for intestinal cancer
Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arbutin