ProductsSerum › The INKEY List Alpha Arbutin 2% Serum

Serum · $12

Alpha Arbutin 2% Serum

The INKEY List

Alpha Arbutin 2% Serum is middling — some recognized actives, but dosing or disclosure holds it back.

C
63/100
Efficacy grade · how?

Actives pyramid

What's actually in it, ranked by how well it's dosed.

Hero actives (dosed to work)
Alpha Arbutin 2%

What it does

Evidenced benefit intensity, derived from dosed actives.

Brightening
70

The receipt

Every point of this grade, traced to the active, its dose, and the evidence.

Alpha Arbutin at 2% — strong dose

Above the ~2% where alpha arbutin is a stable tyrosinase inhibitor shown to lighten pigmentation around 1-2%.

Pros & cons

The honest tradeoffs.

  • Alpha Arbutin at a strong, research-backed dose (2%)

Best for

Who and when this fits.

Most skin types Hyperpigmentation AM or PM

Dupes & alternatives

Cheaper products in the same category that grade equal or higher.

B The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%
Shares Alpha Arbutin
$10
save 17%
C The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
Shares Alpha Arbutin
$9
save 25%
C The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Brightening Serum
Shares Alpha Arbutin
$10
save 17%
C Minimalist Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Face Serum
Shares Alpha Arbutin
$7
save 42%

Where to buy

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Find on Amazon · $12 Price last seen: $12

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Based on published concentration thresholds and formulation science. Our algorithm predicts likely efficacy — it does not test the product. Individual results vary. Not evaluated by the FDA. You can't pay to move a grade — Visage Theory is paid only for optional audits and seal licenses, never to change a letter.