Brightening ·
Bearberry Extract
INCI: Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract
What is it?
A botanical extract from the bearberry plant, the natural source of arbutin, studied for its tyrosinase-inhibiting and skin-brightening properties.
What does it do?
According to PubMed, a 1996 study testing ethanol extracts from six Arctostaphylos (bearberry family) plant leaves found two species showed potent inhibition of tyrosinase and melanin biosynthesis, along with superoxide-dismutase-like antioxidant activity and moderate UV-B absorbance, suggesting these bearberry-relative leaves could serve as a skin-whitening agent (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1248/bpb.19.153). This is an older, in-vitro-only study; no human clinical trial of bearberry extract itself was found, though its active compound arbutin is separately well documented in the existing arbutin/alpha-arbutin catalogue entries.
Sources
This page provides general skincare information and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Ingredient interactions and evidence summaries reflect published, cited sources — not a personal assessment of your skin. For medical skin conditions, rashes, pregnancy/lactation questions or persistent concerns, please consult a licensed dermatologist or HPCSA-registered practitioner.