Tosowoong Arbutin 5% Whitening Cream Review

Tosowoong Arbutin 5% Whitening Cream
3.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
6.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.2Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Ingredients

Tosowoong Arbutin 5% Whitening Cream Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Arbutin, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Glycerin, Isopropyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Stearyl Alcohol, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Allantoin, Bisabolol, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Adenosine, Butylene Glycol, Fructan, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Alcohol Denat., Fucus Vesiculosus, Prunella Vulgaris Extract, Glutathione, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Review

Does Tosowoong Arbutin 5% Whitening Cream Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Tosowoong Arbutin 5% Whitening Cream has to offer:
 
✅ Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 3.8 out of 10.
✅ Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: Tosowoong Arbutin 5% Whitening Cream has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.2 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of Tosowoong Arbutin 5% Whitening Cream

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Tosowoong Arbutin 5% Whitening Cream:
 

🔵 Lightweight Moisturizer Well-Suited for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Tosowoong Arbutin 5% Whitening Cream is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 3.8 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 1.0 out of 10 and a high humectancy of 6.6 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈3.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is well-suited for oily skin, providing moderate hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It can also be a good option for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

💧 A Humectant Enhancement for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant enhancement will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

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

🟣 Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Tosowoong Arbutin 5% Whitening Cream has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 2.2 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈1.5%),
 one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients. A clinical study involving 30 participants (Kawada et al.) confirmed that a cream with 4% niacinamide reduced the average depth of wrinkles around the eyes by 9% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without niacinamide).
 
Among others, Tosowoong Arbutin 5% Whitening Cream also contains some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Adenosine, Centella Asiatica Extract, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, and Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.
 
Therefore, these ingredients do 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, can deliver some additional anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

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

🍀 Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Tosowoong Arbutin 5% Whitening Cream is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Arbutin (est. ≈5.0%).

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.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Pros & Cons of Tosowoong Arbutin 5% Whitening Cream

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Tosowoong Arbutin 5% Whitening Cream to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing well-suited for oily skin
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing enhancement, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
 

⭕ Cons: 

✅ We couldn't find any
   

Summary: Tosowoong Arbutin 5% Whitening Cream

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Tosowoong Arbutin 5% Whitening Cream
, when used alone, delivers lightweight, humectant-rich moisturizing that is well-suited for oily skin. As part of a moisturizing routine, it provides a humectant enhancement, beneficial for all skin types.
 
Tosowoong Arbutin 5% Whitening Cream contains ingredients with proven evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy that may provide a modest anti-wrinkle effect. As a result, you can expect a positive, though not very significant, impact on wrinkles.
 
With its high antioxidant content, Tosowoong Arbutin 5% Whitening Cream helps protect against free radical damage and offers multiple benefits for all skin types, including preventing premature aging, defending against environmental damage, and calming inflammation.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
60
9
5
4
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Arbutin
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Isopropyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyacetophenone
Function:
Origin:
Stearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Tromethamine
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Bisabolol
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Fructan
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Althaea Officinalis Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Fucus Vesiculosus
Function:
Origin:
Prunella Vulgaris Extract
Function:
Origin:
Glutathione
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
Function:
Origin:
Centella Asiatica Extract
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Function:
Origin:
Copper Tripeptide-1
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
6.6
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
2.0
2.0
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
3.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 6.6 10
6.6
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 2.0 20
1.0
2.0
Moisturizing rating
3.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 6.6 10
6.6
All humectants
6.6
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
2
All occlusives 2.0 20
1.0
All occlusives
2.0
2.0
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 1.5 2.2
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
2.2
Niacinamide
2.2
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
1.5
Adenosine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Centella Asiatica Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Copper Tripeptide-1
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
5
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 8.9 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
8.9
Arbutin
5
Niacinamide
1.5
Hydroxyacetophenone
0.3
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
0.3
Althaea Officinalis Root Extract
0.3
Prunella Vulgaris Extract
0.3
Glutathione
0.3
Centella Asiatica Extract
0.3
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
0.3
Copper Tripeptide-1
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 3.6 5 No
All soothing
3.6
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %60
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.
Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %9
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.
Arbutin
Est. %5
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.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Ethylhexyl PalmitateA rich emollient without the oily after-feel, making it a popular replacement for mineral oil. It is derived from natural sources such as palm oil and palm kernel oil. Ethylhexyl palmitate is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Glycerin
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Isopropyl Palmitate
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Isopropyl PalmitateAn emollient ester of palmitic acid and isopropanol that gives the skin a smooth, soft, dry, non-oily after-feel. Isopropyl palmitate is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Niacinamide
Est. %1.5
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.

1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %1.3
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.
Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP CopolymerA polymeric ingredient that creates lightweight and refreshing gel textures. It also works as a viscosity controlling agent.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
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.
Stearyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stearyl AlcoholA natural fatty alcohol that thickens, stabilizes, and keeps emulsions a bright white color. It has many uses, the main one being as an emulsifier. It also acts as an opacifying agent and emollient.
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.
Tromethamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TromethamineAn ingredient based on amino acids that is commonly used as a pH adjuster. It has a high pH, which means that it is basic (alkaline), so adding tromethamine to a skincare product will increase its overall pH level.
Allantoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AllantoinA fluffy, white powder that acts as a humectant due to its water-loving chemistry and as an exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells. It has also been shown to be very soothing to irritated and inflamed skin.
Bisabolol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bisabolol

An anti-inflammatory compound found naturally in German chamomile essential oil. It has a pleasant, sweet, and floral scent. Bisabolol also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties but can cause an allergic reaction in more sensitive individuals.

Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
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.
Adenosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Adenosine

A key molecule responsible for energy transportation, signaling, and enzyme activity. Adenosine is a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, however, the key study about its anti-wrinkle efficacy (1) does not meet CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards as it is not double-blind.

Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A 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.

Fructan
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Fructan
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceA gelatinous juice from Aloe vera leaves that acts as a powerful humectant, emollient, and antioxidant. It contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that soothe irritated skin and have wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Althaea Officinalis Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Althaea Officinalis Root ExtractA soothing extract obtained from the marsh-mallow plant. It contains anti-inflammatory polyphenols and antioxidant polysaccharides.
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated LecithinA version of plain lecithin that has been saturated with hydrogen atoms. This ingredient can be derived from plants, like soy or sunflower, from egg yolks, or made synthetically. Its major function is to emulsify water and oils.
Alcohol Denat.
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Alcohol Denat.

Denatured alcohol is ethanol that contains additives that make it unsafe to consume. It is mainly used as a solvent and an antimicrobial agent. A major drawback to alcohol denat. is that it dries out the skin.

Fucus Vesiculosus
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Fucus Vesiculosus
Prunella Vulgaris Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Prunella Vulgaris Extract
Glutathione
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GlutathioneA naturally occurring tripeptide that combats free radicals and acts as a reducing agent.
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Stearoyl GlutamateA useful ingredient for both cleansing and emulsifying purposes. It is a powerful agent for washing away dirt and oils from the skin.
Centella Asiatica Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Centella Asiatica ExtractAn extract from the leaves of the Gotu kola. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. It increases the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin.
Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Ascorbyl PhosphateThe most researched derivative of vitamin C. It boosts collagen synthesis, thereby improving skin structure and elasticity. SAP is effective in the treatment of inflamed acne lesions and has a weak but positive effect on pigmentation issues.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

A small synthetic peptide that is thought to act similarly to Botox by calming contractions of the facial muscles and reducing expression wrinkles. The effect is only temporary and it does not improve the skin structure in any way.

Copper Tripeptide-1
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Copper Tripeptide-1

A skin-identical, copper-binding peptide that promotes the synthesis of all structural elements in the skin.

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4

A famous synthetically made peptide that works as a signal peptide, telling skin cells to create more collagen and other structural proteins. It has been clinically tested and found to be effective at reducing fine wrinkles.