Alpha arbutin breakouts

So I purchased the Ordinary alpha arbutin 2% because I heard it helps a lot with acne and hyperpigmentation. I’ve been using it for the last 5 days and I think it broke me out so badly, I have many small pimples (whiteheads) in my forehead and some of them are really red and painful! I usually don’t get breakouts on my forehead, only on my cheeks. Have this happened to you before ? I don’t know if my skin is just getting used to alpha arbutin or if I’m sensitive. If you used TO alpha arbutin please share in the comments! 🤍

The Ordinary
Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

4.3

(274)

719

42

8

8 Comments

Ozu

Oily/Sensitive

I think it's mainly due to TO formulation. You might need to consider trying to dilute it or apply in smaller amount as your skin might not be suited with this ingredient with high concentration.

3

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SashaGrace

Oily/Resilient

Wow, another user Lendah just posted about using Tiam niacinamide, which I think also has 2% arbutin and she said she wakes up to whiteheads too . . .

2

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sher88

Oily/Sensitive

Same here! I did get tiny bumps from using the serum from Tia’m and I think arbutin might be the culprit as I’ve used other 10% niacinamde serums and didn’t have any issue.

1

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DanielleSkin27

Dry/Sensitive

Sounds like purging maybe?

1

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DanielleSkin27

Dry/Sensitive

@asmaae exfoliants are not the only products that can cause purging. I wasn’t sure if alpha arbutin is usually one to cause purging, as I haven’t used it.

1

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