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Hydroquinone Derivative · Pause
Can you use Alpha & Beta Arbutin during pregnancy?
⚠️Medical Deferral Notice
Commonly advised against due to metabolic hydroquinone cleavage. Confirm with your doctor. Cosmetic classifications are formulation flags to discuss with your healthcare provider, not medical clearance.
Clinical Summary
A naturally occurring glycosylated hydroquinone that can enzymatically hydrolyze into free hydroquinone on the skin.
Pharmacological Mechanism & Teratogenic Context
Cutaneous microflora and skin esterases can cleave the glycosidic bond of arbutin, releasing free hydroquinone directly at the dermal-epidermal junction. Because safety margins for hydroquinone in pregnancy are narrow, obstetric toxicologists recommend withholding arbutin formulations as well.
Common INCI Names on Packaging
Alpha-ArbutinArbutinBeta-ArbutinBearberry Extract
Permitted Alternatives During Pregnancy
- ✓Azelaic Acid (non-hydroquinone pigment management)
- ✓Niacinamide 2%–5%
- ✓Ascorbyl Glucoside (stable Vitamin C derivative)