Mixing Alpha Arbutin, Beta Arbutin, and Vitamin C Derivatives

Regarding your questions about mixing these ingredients:

Alpha Arbutin and Beta Arbutin

While it is technically possible to mix Alpha Arbutin and Beta Arbutin, it is generally not recommended or beneficial. Alpha Arbutin is significantly more effective for skin brightening compared to Beta Arbutin. Beta Arbutin is also less stable, particularly in acidic conditions, and can potentially break down into hydroquinone, which is a restricted substance. Since Alpha Arbutin offers superior efficacy and stability (within its recommended pH range), using Alpha Arbutin alone is the preferred approach.

Alpha Arbutin, Beta Arbutin, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP), and Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP)

Mixing all four of these ingredients together in a single formulation is not advisable due to compatibility issues, primarily related to pH requirements for stability:

• Alpha Arbutin is most stable in formulations with a pH between 3.5 and 6.5.
• Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP) and Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP) are stable in formulations with a pH between 7 and 9.

These optimal pH ranges are incompatible. Combining ingredients that require such different pH environments will compromise the stability and effectiveness of one or more of the active ingredients. Additionally, as mentioned, including Beta Arbutin is not recommended due to its lower efficacy and stability issues. SAP and MAP are also quite similar in properties and usage, so mixing them together is often redundant.

Therefore, it is best to choose compatible ingredients based on their required pH ranges and desired effects rather than mixing all of them together.