Compare Supplements

Side-by-side comparison of 2 supplements

Arb4.0

Alpha-Arbutin

High safety

Aze7.5

Azelaic Acid

Moderate safety

Evidence

Evidence Score4/10

Studies: 6

Meta-analyses: 0

Evidence Score7.5/10

Studies: 7

Meta-analyses: 0

Outcome Grades

Even skin toneD

Even skin toneB

A-F grade per outcome, combining overall evidence with goal-specific relevance. A = strong evidence; F = insufficient. Hover a badge for details.

Dosage & timing

Dosage:

Topical cosmetic only. Alpha-arbutin is typically used at roughly 1-2% in leave-on serums, applied to areas of hyperpigmentation once or twice daily, usually alongside daily sunscreen and often with other brighteners. There is no oral, injectable, or systemic dose — it is not ingested. This library does not provide an ingestion protocol.

Best Time:

Any time

Can take on empty stomach

Form:

Leave-on topical serum (≈1-2% alpha-arbutin)

Dosage:

Topical only. OTC cosmetic azelaic acid is typically around 10%; prescription strengths are 15% gel/foam (rosacea) and 20% cream (acne), applied as a thin layer to clean skin once or twice daily. There is no oral, injectable, or systemic dose. For rosacea or persistent acne, the prescription form under a clinician is the evidence-based route. This library does not provide an ingestion protocol.

Best Time:

Any time

Can take on empty stomach

Form:

Leave-on topical gel, foam, or cream (OTC ~10%, or prescription 15-20%)

What you'll notice

ℹ️ Cosmetic, appearance-only — not a health effectneutral

Throughout

🌗 Modest brightening / more even tonepositive

8-12 weeks

✅ Generally well toleratedpositive

Throughout

ℹ️ A topical with real dermatologic evidenceneutral

Throughout

🌹 Reduced rosacea papules, pustules, and rednesspositive

4-15 weeks

🌗 Lighter melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentationpositive

8-24 weeks

Safety

High safety

Contraindications:

For topical (skin) use only — not for ingestion, not for injection
Known allergy or sensitivity to arbutin or hydroquinone
Application to broken, irritated, or compromised skin until healed

Drug Interactions:

Other leave-on actives (acids, retinoids, other brighteners)

Side Effects:

Mild local irritation or rednessHydroquinone-related sensitivity (from degraded product)

Moderate safety

Contraindications:

For topical (skin) use only — not for ingestion, not for injection
Known allergy or sensitivity to azelaic acid or formulation excipients
Application to broken, severely irritated, or compromised skin until healed

Drug Interactions:

Other strong leave-on actives (retinoids, AHAs/BHAs, benzoyl peroxide)

Side Effects:

Burning, stinging, or tinglingItching, dryness, or scaling at the siteTemporary skin lightening at the application area

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