Arbutus Unedo Fruit Extract

Best

Antioxidant

Arbutus Unedo Fruit Extract at a glance

  • From the madrone or strawberry tree
  • Rich source of polyphenols
  • Can fight skin discolorations

Arbutus Unedo Fruit Extract description

_Arbutus unedo_ fruit extract comes from a fruit known as arbutus berry. The tree, commonly known as a madrone, is also referred to as the strawberry tree because of the berry’s resemblance to strawberries (though they are not related plants). Although not commonly used in cosmetics, arbutus berry is a rich source of a variety of polyphenols that have high antioxidant capacity, making it a good choice for fighting pro-aging free-radical damage. Studies also demonstrate that Arbutus unedo fruit extract is a tyrosinase inhibitor, meaning it impacts the effect of tyrosinase, an enzyme that plays a role in skin discolorations. As this entry was being worked on, use levels for this plant extract haven’t been established; however, similar extracts are used in concentrations of 0.01–0.1% when in pure form, and up to 5% when included in an aqueous base.

Arbutus Unedo Fruit Extract references

  • SpecialChem, Website, Accessed April 2025
  • Journal of Food and Drug Analysis, June 2024, pages 194-212
  • Foods, November 2022, pages 1-17
  • Cosmetics, December 2022, pages 1-18
  • Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, November 2021, pages 1-19
  • Strawberry Tree Fruit Extract
  • Arbutus Berry Extract
  • Madrone Fruit Extract
  • Madrone Berry Extract Arabian Journal of Chemistry, August 2020, pages 6,299-6,311

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.