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.

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(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.