Arbutin
A gentle, over-the-counter melanin-suppressing ingredient for hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone.
Arbutin is a naturally occurring compound found in plants such as bearberry, blueberry and cranberry. It suppresses excess pigment production and is a gentle alternative to hydroquinone. Arbutin is available over the counter in creams and serums to fade hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone. For a full guide to how it works, see what arbutin does for your skin.
Benefits in Skincare
The main way that arbutin works is by inhibiting tyrosinase which is an enzyme crucial in the production of melanin. By blocking this enzyme, arbutin reduces melanin production. This is why it is mainly used to treat hyperpigmentation on the skin and brighten the complexion. Additionally, arbutin is an antioxidant so it can help protect the skin from environmental stressors, premature ageing and free radical damage. Arbutin is popular in both over-the-counter and prescription skincare as a serum or cream on the following skin concerns:
- Hyperpigmentation & Melasma
- Dark Spots & Uneven Skin Tone
- Sun Damage & Age Spots
- Skin Ageing
Does City Skin Clinic Use Arbutin?
Arbutin is a legitimate pigment-fading ingredient, and your doctor could include it in a compounded cream where it suits you. In practice we use it only occasionally, because for prescription treatment there are usually more effective actives to reach for first. Where pigment needs treating, your doctor will more often design a formula around azelaic acid, tranexamic acid or hydroquinone, chosen and dosed for your skin. Arbutin may still have a place for very sensitive skin or as a gentle option during a break from stronger actives.
Arbutin Cream Treatment in the UK
In the UK, arbutin is widely available over the counter in gels, serums and creams, so you do not need a prescription to use it on its own. If you are treating mild pigment yourself, a good over-the-counter arbutin product is a reasonable place to start. If that hasn’t shifted your pigmentation, or your concern is more stubborn, a treatment designed by a doctor tends to work better, because they assess your skin, choose and dose the most effective actives for it and follow up with you, which is where the stronger actives above come in.
Personalised Treatment Fees
VIRTUAL CONSULTATION£30
Your doctor will design a personalised skincare treatment and program for you to follow. Consultation fee credited in full against your first treatment.
PERSONALISED TREATMENT£90-150
This is a 3 month supply of treatment (if used on face). The cost depends on the type so please visit our treatment pages for full break down. Your doctor will create a personalised treatment taking into account your health, skin concerns, goals and wishes.
Treatment Time
15 Minutes
Duration of effect
3-4 Months
Back to Work
Same Day
Important Information
Arbutin is suitable for a wide range of skin types and conditions and available in many serum or cream products in the UK. Although this is a popular skincare ingredient, you should be aware of potential risks, side effects and contraindications.
Combining Arbutin with Other Ingredients
Arbutin can be safely combined with several other skincare ingredients to enhance its effects. However, it’s important to take care whilst using arbutin with strong exfoliants or irritants such as retinoids and seek the help of a doctor especially if you have sensitive skin.
Contraindications
People with known allergies to arbutin or its plant sources should avoid using arbutin-containing products. As with any skincare ingredient, it is best to consult with a healthcare provider if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have any underlying skin conditions to ensure it is safe for you to use.
Safety and Side Effects
Arbutin is typically well-tolerated, but some people may experience mild side effects such as redness, itching, or irritation. This is especially likely if used in high concentrations. These effects are usually temporary and can be managed by adjusting the frequency of use or the concentration. If you experience severe reactions or allergies, discontinue use and seek medical help.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store arbutin skincare products in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Always check the expiration date on the product packaging and discard any product that has changed in colour, consistency, or smell.
Google Reviews
I would highly recommend City Skin Clinic. I have had a great experience with Dr Amel so far. She is extremely knowledgable and has explained my treatment plan in detail. I had a lot of questions initially and this was met with fast and in depth responses by Dr Amel. The ordering and delivery of the product is quick and easy and Dr Amel has remained in contact throughout my treatment to check progress. It has only been a couple of months but I have already seen an improvement in my hair and trust that I will continue to do so.
Fabulous company and fabulous service!
I have had the best experience ever, I was postpartum dealing with a lot of hyperpigmentation on my face. I felt really seen, heard and listened to you. I was provided with the upmost care and kindness. Including in-depth explanation on how to use what I was prescribed And I felt well equipped to carry out the treatment. The outcome of the treatment has been the best thing ever for me. I look amazing and my skin is magnificent. I’ve been complimented by almost everyone I know, including strangers. This is genuinely changed my life and I would recommend this to anyone. So thankful to Amel and her team 🥹❤️
Amazing service and are always helpful with any query that I have. I always recommend them to friends and family 👍🏾
Very helpful and professional. I totally trust their advice. They show real care. I highly recommend.
Fantastic service. Super responsive and great clinicians. I have been using them for about a year now, for tretinoin. My skin has cleared and the formula and treatment was tailored to my skin. Really loved the outcome!
Can not recommend this place anymore. All the staff are super lovely, doctors lovely, has great chat and I'm so pleased with my results!
Such a professional experience, with amazing results that I couldn't have even imagined.
I’ve been going to see Amel for about a year now and am very happy with the results. The service she provides is very personalised and has made a real difference to how my skin looks and feels. I would definitely recommend City Skin Clinic even if you have tried other, similar services.
Dr Amel is fantastic - she was very transparent in her call with me in terms of what she thought would be best for me, and has over the course of the year since always been very prompt and generous in her responses to my email queries. Highly recommended!
City Skin Clinic allows me to get tretinoin delivered when I am running out rather than a subscription basis. Not only that but I cannot praise their customer service enough. They have been so helpful in all skincare advice not just the tretinoin. The response times are incredible and I feel like a valued customer with a personalised advisor. I have used other companies before and have been recommended others, but I’m not even tempted to move away from City Skin Clinic. They really are amazing.
I'm very pleased with the service and product I have received from City Clinic. The process for prescription is easy enough to follow and I'm very satisfied with my skin improvement.
Excellent results, I would highly recommend - Amel is really lovely and welcoming, she spends time making you feel comfortable and is honest about treatments and results.
Amel is a superstar. You can trust her entirely and know that she will not let you walk away disappointed. Highly recommend City Clinic.
I appreciate the prompt responses and the treatment I am receiving is going well.
I used the online consultation form and received a very quick response with detailed advice about a treatment plan. My two prescription products arrived a couple of days later in the post and I've already had great results in reducing pigmentation on my face after only 4 weeks of use. I'm really pleased with the results and the service and advice I've received from City Skin Clinic has been excellent.
City Skin Clinic helped me find a Treatment plan that really helped my skin problem of pigmentation /malasma.
Amel is amazing she always takes time to understand your concern and will always give you the best treatment and advice and the results have been amazing. Thank you!
I’ve been receiving treatment at City Skin Clinic with Dr Amel and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. From the start, Dr Amel was professional, knowledgeable and genuinely attentive to my skin concerns — she took the time to listen and tailor a plan that suited my needs. Many aspects of the process were clear and reassuring, and I felt well supported throughout. What stood out most was the ongoing support: Dr Amel has continued to check in, answer my questions promptly, and adapt my plan as needed, which has made a real difference in my progress. Overall, a thorough, caring and highly recommended clinic experience.
I cannot recommend Dr Amel highly enough. She is genuinely the best skincare specialist I’ve ever worked with. From the very first consultation she took the time to understand my concerns in detail, explain the science behind everything, and create a personalised plan that actually delivered results rather than promises.
My skin has transformed under her care. Years of stubborn hyperpigmentation, uneven tone and texture that I thought I’d never get on top of have improved more than I thought was possible. Every step of the process has been guided, monitored and adjusted so thoughtfully. She never rushes, she always explains the why behind each change, and she makes you feel like you’re in the hands of someone who genuinely cares about your outcome.
What stands out most is how responsive and reassuring she is. Anytime I had a question or worry, she replied with real clarity and expertise. She pays close attention to detail, picks up on things I wouldn’t even notice, and makes you feel completely supported throughout the whole treatment plan.
If you want a clinician who is knowledgeable, meticulous, honest, and truly invested in achieving the best results for you, Dr Amel is exactly that. My confidence in my skin has never been better, and I’m so grateful to her for the care, patience and expertise she’s given me.
I got in touch having been frustrated with breakouts and early ageing signs. I have been so impressed by the level of communication, empathy and support I have received. It feels so much more caring/personal than booking with other well known brands in this space (who often more of a subscription based model) I would really recommend this company - and Dr Amel - to anyone wanting professional advice and support with their skin concerns
In desperation I trawled the internet looking for alternatives and found this wonderful company. From the very first video consultation, I was listened to and given a plan which worked! I cannot praise Amel enough. She has given such good advice; she responds almost immediately and is so very sensible. I feel cared forand know I am in the most professional and capable hands. My skin has improved significantly and is now brighter, more even toned and hydrated. I am impressed to the extent that I paid for my darling daughter to have a consultation as well. In her words- "Amel is just lovely. She is THE best!" What more can I say??? I won't be going anywhere else as I have complete faith in the company and highly recommend them.
I had a fantastic experience with CitySkinClinic. The online consultation was incredibly convenient and cost just £30 - excellent value for such a professional and personalised service. I was pleased and surprised that the cost of the consultation came off the price of the treatment Dr Amel was extremely easy to talk to, answering all my concerns with great care and professionalism. She was very prudent and thoughtful in her recommendations which made me feel confident and well looked after
Since using the cream my skin has noticeably improved in texture and firmness making me look healthier and less tired. My sun damage spots have also disappeared
I highly recommend CitySkinCity to anyone looking for expert skincare advice with a truly personal touch
I'm not even halfway through my treatment for hyperpigmentation and I've achieved amazing results thanks to City Skin Clinic. The service has been effortless, professional, reliable and most of all very personalised unlike some of the other online clinics where you just fill in a form and wait for treatment in the post. I would definitely recommend to anyone who wants even looking skin!
Really great online service provided. Very friendly and approachable Doctors who are extremely quick to respond, and offer advice on not only services and products they offer, but also non prescription skincare products. Would highly recommend!
Frequently asked questions
Authored by:
Aesthetic Doctor & Medical Director BSC (HONS) MBBS MRCS PHD
Founder City Skin Clinic
Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
Associate Member of British Association of Body Sculpting GMC Registered - 7049611