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Product Name: Arbutin
Chemical Formula: C12H16O7
Other Names: Hydroquinone β-D-glucopyranoside, β-Arbutin
Recommended Use: Cosmetic ingredient, skin lightening agent
Manufacturer/Supplier: Provided by major biotech or cosmetic raw material suppliers
Contact Information: Emergency phone and support lines typically provided on company MSDS
CAS Number: 497-76-7
UN Number: Not classified as hazardous for transport
Product Codes: Supplier-specific coding systems apply
Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS, but contains hydroquinone moiety
Routes of Exposure: Skin/eye contact, ingestion, inhalation of dust
Hazard Statements: May cause mild irritation to eyes and skin, avoid inhaling dust
Signal Words: None required under GHS
Pictograms: None
Symptoms of Exposure: Redness, mild discomfort, possible itching
Long-term Risks: Potential skin sensitization for repeated or prolonged contact
Main Ingredient: Arbutin
Purity: Over 98% typical for cosmetic and pharmaceutical grades
Impurities: Possible trace residuals from synthesis, such as hydroquinone below regulatory limits
Substances of Concern: None at regulated levels
Mixtures: Not applicable to standard arbutin powder
Eye Contact: Immediately flush with water for several minutes, check for ongoing irritation
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, seek medical attention for persistent irritation
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, monitor for respiratory discomfort
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, give water to drink if conscious, do not induce vomiting without medical advice
Medical Attention: Seek professional evaluation for ongoing symptoms or large exposures
Advice to Physician: Symptomatic treatment recommended, monitor for allergic reactions
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or foam
Specific Hazards: Combustion produces carbon oxides, smoke
Protective Equipment: Standard firefighting turnout gear, self-contained breathing apparatus
Firefighting Instructions: Prevent runoff from entering drains, cool containers with water spray
Explosion Data: Arbutin is not explosive but dust mixed with air may pose risk in case of ignition sources
Personal Precautions: Use gloves, goggles, dust mask for large spills
Containment: Sweep up or vacuum material without creating dust; collect in suitable, labeled containers
Environmental Precautions: Prevent runoff into soil, watercourses, or drains
Cleanup Methods: Clean area with water after physical removal, ventilate designated area
Reporting: Not required under typical use scenarios
Handling: Use in well-ventilated spaces, avoid dust formation; wear appropriate personal protective equipment
Storage Conditions: Keep containers tightly closed; store in cool, dry, dark place away from incompatible materials
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers, acids, and bases may degrade arbutin or liberate hydroquinone
Storage Temperature: Maintain between 2°C and 8°C for best stability, protect from direct sunlight
Special Practices: Rotate stock, track expiry for cosmetic or pharmaceutical applications
Exposure Limits: No occupational exposure limits specifically for arbutin, but hydroquinone byproducts fall under stricter guidance
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust, dust collection for large-scale use
Personal Protective Equipment: Nitrile gloves, safety goggles or face shield, protective clothing
Respiratory Protection: Dust mask or respirator if exposure risk is significant
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands after handling, avoid eating or drinking near work area
Monitoring: Not routinely required, but workplace risk assessment helps discover unusual exposure
Appearance: White, crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
pH: Neutral to slightly acidic in aqueous solution
Melting Point: About 170°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes prior to boiling)
Solubility: Soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol
Flash Point: Not flammable under normal handling
Explosive Properties: Not explosive
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient temperatures
Density: Approximately 1.5 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient (octanol/water): LogP -1.5 (hydrophilic)
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Arbutin can hydrolyze to release hydroquinone, which oxidizes in air or light
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, direct sunlight, high humidity, strong acids or bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, phenolic compounds
Polymerization: Not expected
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing or reducing agents
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat) > 9500 mg/kg (low acute toxicity level), but chronic exposure raises concern due to hydroquinone metabolite
Skin and Eye Irritation: Mild and reversible
Skin Sensitization: Possible for some individuals, report cases of skin rashes after repeated use
Carcinogenicity: Arbutin is not classified as carcinogenic, but hydroquinone has some regulatory scrutiny for possible risk
Mutagenicity: Not proven in studies; high concentrations in vitro may affect cell cultures, not relevant to practical use
Reproductive Toxicity: No evidence in available data
Other Information: Current safety reviews (EU SCCS, US CIR) allow restricted use for cosmetic applications
Aquatic Toxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic life according to available laboratory research
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegrades slowly in environment
Bioaccumulation Potential: Unlikely to accumulate in organisms due to water solubility and rapid excretion
Mobility in Soil: Mobile in moist soil, does not adsorb strongly
Other Ecological Effects: Breakdown products tend to be less persistent; best environmental practice is minimizing discharge
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, national, or regional regulations
Product Disposal: Small quantities can go as chemical waste after dilution; bulk quantities treated as hazardous pharmaceutical waste
Container Disposal: Decontaminate and recycle or dispose of via licensed waste handler
Precautionary Disposal Notes: Avoid releasing significant volumes into the sewage system or environment
UN Number: Not assigned due to non-hazardous status for transport
Transport Hazard Class: No classification required
Packing Group: Not regulated
Environmental Hazards: None anticipated under normal transport conditions
Transport Labels: Not required
Special Precautions for Users: Use sealed packaging, protect from moisture and excessive heat
Safety: Arbutin is regulated in some countries for cosmetics use; hydroquinone impurity must be below established thresholds (EU: 2% maximum for a-arbutin in leave-on products; β-arbutin maximum 7%)
Classification: Not listed as a controlled substance in most regions, but check with local authorities for cosmetic use
Labelling Requirements: Mandatory for cosmetic products using arbutin in many jurisdictions
International Inventories: Listed in major chemical inventories such as TSCA (USA), EINECS (Europe), ENCS (Japan)
Regulatory References: EU SCCS, US CIR, local health and safety agencies
