The Raw Arbutin 2% Serum

The Raw Arbutin 2% Serum
5.1
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
4.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers

Review

Results you may expect from using The Raw Arbutin 2% Serum:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using The Raw Arbutin 2% Serum:

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.1 out of 10.
  • Considerable anti-wrinkle efficacy: The Raw Arbutin 2% Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 4.5 out of 10, indicating a moderate ability to reduce wrinkles.
  • Soothing: The Raw Arbutin 2% Serum contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

How moisturizing is it?

Quite moisturizing: The Raw Arbutin 2% Serum has a moisturizing rating of 5.1 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.2 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%), Biosaccharide Gum-1 (est. ≈4.0%) and Niacinamide (est. ≈3.0%).

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, The Raw Arbutin 2% Serum has a moderate anti-wrinkle rating of 4.5 out of 10. It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈3.0%),
 one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients.
 
Among others, The Raw Arbutin 2% Serum also contains Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, an ingredient marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, this ingredient does not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, could deliver additional anti-wrinkle efficacy through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Antioxidant benefits

We estimate that The Raw Arbutin 2% Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Niacinamide (est. ≈3.0%) and Arbutin (est. ≈2.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Skin soothing

Based on the ingredient list analysis, The Raw Arbutin 2% Serum is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Biosaccharide Gum-1 (est. ≈4.0%) and Niacinamide (est. ≈3.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
Water
6
Glycerin
4
Biosaccharide Gum-1
3
Niacinamide
2.2
Propylene Glycol
2.1
Butylene Glycol
2
Arbutin
1
Dipropylene Glycol
0.3
1,2-Hexanediol
0.3
Caprylyl Glycol
0.3
Glutathione
0.3
Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
0.3
Panthenol
0.3
Acetyl Tyrosine
0.3
Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract
0.3
Paeonia Suffruticosa Seed Oil
0.3
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
0.3
Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid
0.3
Oleanolic Acid
0.3
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
0.3
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
0.3
Hydroxyacetophenone
0.3
PEG-60 Almond Glycerides
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Carbomer
0.3
Citric Acid
0.3
Sodium Sulfite
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Arbutin
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Glutathione
Function:
Origin:
Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Tyrosine
Function:
Origin:
Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract
Function:
Origin:
Paeonia Suffruticosa Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Oleanolic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Function:
Origin:
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyacetophenone
Function:
Origin:
PEG-60 Almond Glycerides
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Sulfite
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
18.8
6
4
3
2.2
2.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 18.8 10
10.0
6
4
3
2.2
2.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
4
3
2.2
2.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 18.8 10
10
All humectants
18.8
6
4
3
2.2
2.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 3 4.5
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
4.5
Niacinamide
4.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
3
Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
4.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
3
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 7.7 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
7.7
Niacinamide
3
Arbutin
2
Glutathione
0.3
Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
0.3
Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract
0.3
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
0.3
Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid
0.3
Oleanolic Acid
0.3
Hydroxyacetophenone
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Sodium Sulfite
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
4
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 8.8 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
8.8
4
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Biosaccharide Gum-1
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Biosaccharide Gum-1A polysaccharide with humectant moisturizing and soothing properties.
Niacinamide
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Propylene Glycol
Est. %2.2
Function
Origin
Propylene GlycolA clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %2.1
Function
Origin
Butylene GlycolA clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.
Arbutin
Est. %2
Function
Origin
ArbutinOne of the few potent anti-pigment compounds found naturally in bearberry or cranberry leaves. When applied to the skin, this ingredient converts into hydroquinone, with tyrosinase inhibiting effects.
Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Dipropylene GlycolA clear, colorless liquid that has several uses. One of its main functions is as a solvent. Dipropylene glycol is also used to reduce the thickness of skincare products.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Glutathione
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GlutathioneA naturally occurring tripeptide that combats free radicals and acts as a reducing agent.
Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aminopropyl Ascorbyl PhosphateOne of the most recent vitamin C derivatives. Although the manufacturer claims it has all the powers of ascorbic acid (e.g., it is collagen-boosting and able to treat hyperpigmentation), this has not been proven in scientific studies.
Panthenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Acetyl Tyrosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl TyrosineAcetyl tyrosine is a derivative of the amino acid tyrosine. It is used as a tanning agent in skincare, helping pigment cells (melanosomes) to produce more dark skin pigment.
Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Saxifraga Sarmentosa ExtractA soothing extract obtained from the strawberry saxifrage plant. It contains antioxidant flavonoids.
Paeonia Suffruticosa Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Paeonia Suffruticosa Seed OilDescription is coming soon
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root ExtractA powerful antioxidant, soothing, and astringent extract derived from the roots of Baikal/Chinese skullcap. It contains various unique flavonoids that are believed to soothe irritated and inflamed skin and protect from UV-induced oxidative damage.
Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Nordihydroguaiaretic AcidA powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytochemical obtained from Creosote bush. It can also be created synthetically.
Oleanolic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oleanolic Acid

A plant-based terpenoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateA licorice root derivative with powerful anti-inflammatory and soothing activities. It is often used as a flavoring agent in lip products.
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6A polymeric ingredient that works best in water-based formulas to create gel textures. It helps to stabilize emulsions and control viscosity.
Hydroxyacetophenone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HydroxyacetophenoneAn antioxidant compound that can be found in many plants, although it is manufactured synthetically for skincare purposes. It can boost the preservative action of other conservants.
PEG-60 Almond Glycerides
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-60 Almond GlyceridesDescription is coming soon
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Sodium Sulfite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium SulfiteAn inorganic salt that defends against oxidation.