Last reviewed: October 2026 · Cleared Peptides research team
Alpha arbutin (4-hydroxyphenyl α-D-glucopyranoside) is a glycoside of hydroquinone. It is the α-anomer of naturally occurring β-arbutin and is used as a reference compound in tyrosinase-inhibition and cosmetic-formulation research.
Alpha Arbutin Structure and Identifiers
| Name | Alpha arbutin |
|---|---|
| Systematic name | 4-Hydroxyphenyl α-D-glucopyranoside |
| CAS number | 84380-01-8 |
| PubChem CID | 158637 |
| Molecular formula | C12H16O7 |
| Molecular weight | ≈272.3 g/mol |
| Type | Glycoside (not a peptide) |
| Form | White crystalline powder |
Alpha vs Beta Arbutin
The two forms differ only in the configuration of the glycosidic bond. The α-anomer is generally reported in the literature to be a more potent inhibitor of human tyrosinase in enzyme assays than β-arbutin.
Laboratory Applications
- Tyrosinase enzyme-inhibition assays
- Melanin-synthesis studies in cultured melanocytes
- Formulation stability testing
This summary describes laboratory research only and makes no claim about effects in humans or animals.
Purity Testing and Storage
Every lot of Alpha Arbutin supplied by Cleared Peptides is tested by an independent laboratory for identity and purity (or composition, for multi-component preparations), and the lot Certificate of Analysis is published on our COA page. Store at room temperature, tightly sealed and protected from moisture and light. Handle according to your institution’s chemical-hygiene procedures.
Research materials referenced in this guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Is alpha arbutin a peptide?
No. It is a glycoside of hydroquinone, supplied alongside our cosmetic-science research peptides.
Is Alpha Arbutin for human use?
No. Cleared Peptides supplies Alpha Arbutin for laboratory research use only; it is not for human or veterinary use.
Selected References
Peer-reviewed literature on the compounds discussed in this guide, listed as scientific background for laboratory researchers. Citation does not imply endorsement by the authors or any use other than in-vitro research.
- Ghofrani NS, et al. New Insight into the Interactions of Arbutin with Mushroom Tyrosinase. Protein J. 2021;40(5):689-698. PubMed 34047882 · DOI
- Rudeekulthamrong P, et al. Optimization of amylomaltase for the synthesis of α-arbutin derivatives as tyrosinase inhibitors. Carbohydr Res. 2020;494:108078. PubMed 32622087 · DOI
Laboratory note: solubility depends on salt form and solvent. This guide does not state a single solubility figure. Handling of lyophilized material is described in the peptide storage guide.
Research Use Only Notice
This guide is provided for educational and laboratory reference purposes. It summarizes published, primarily in-vitro and structural research literature and does not describe, recommend or imply any use in humans or animals. Products sold by Cleared Peptides are for laboratory research use only; they are not drugs, foods, cosmetics or dietary supplements, are not FDA-approved, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate or prevent any disease. No dosing, administration or therapeutic information is provided.
