Uva Ursi Extract: Skin, Scalp & What the Research Shows

Uva ursi (bearberry) leaf extract is a traditional herbal ingredient rich in arbutin. The research on it for skin is lab work: it's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory against acne bacteria in dishes, and extracts of related plants block an enzyme that makes melanin. We found no study of uva ursi on hair or the scalp.

Here's what the research shows and what is known about safety.

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Key Takeaways

• In the lab, uva ursi leaf extract was antibacterial and anti-inflammatory against Cutibacterium acnes, a bacterium involved in acne.
• Among six Arctostaphylos plants tested, the most potent tyrosinase (melanin enzyme) inhibitors were two other species, not uva ursi.
• Uva ursi leaf has traditionally been used for symptoms of lower urinary tract infections. Its main compound, arbutin, is converted in the body to hydroquinone conjugates.
• We found no study of uva ursi for hair growth, scalp health or hair color.

What Is Uva Ursi?

Uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, bearberry) is a plant whose leaf is used in herbal products. Its best-known compound is arbutin.

Does Uva Ursi Do Anything For Skin Or Hair?

For skin, the evidence is lab-based. For hair, there is none. If you see uva ursi in a scalp product, know that its benefits for hair haven't been tested.

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Using Uva Ursi Carefully

• Don't assume benefits for hair. None have been shown.
• Patch test any new product and stop if you notice irritation.
• Talk to your doctor before taking uva ursi by mouth.

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What The Research Shows

Acne Bacteria In The Lab

Uva ursi leaf extract was tested against Cutibacterium acnes in dishes. It inhibited the bacteria (MIC90 0.6 mg/mL), and the researchers also studied its effects on skin cells and inflammatory signals. Its permeation through skin was followed by tracking arbutin (Dell'Annunziata et al., 2022).

Melanin Enzyme

Extracts of six Arctostaphylos species were tested for effects on melanin synthesis. Two species, A. patula and A. viscida, strongly inhibited tyrosinase, and the authors suggested they could be used as skin-whitening agents (Matsuda et al., 1996). Whether uva ursi affects hair pigment hasn't been studied.

Safety Of Arbutin And Hydroquinone

Arbutin from uva ursi is absorbed and converted to hydroquinone conjugates. A review estimated that a recommended daily dose liberates free hydroquinone at up to 11 µg/kg body weight per day, and noted that dietary sources of arbutin and hydroquinone regularly consumed long term create comparable exposure levels. It found no direct human evidence that free hydroquinone causes convulsions, liver or kidney damage or tumor promotion (de Arriba et al., 2013).

See also: Monolaurin for Scalp and Hair: What the Research Shows · Pearl Extract for Hair: What the Research Shows

Frequently Asked Questions

Does uva ursi help hair?

We found no study showing that it does.

What does uva ursi do for skin?

In the lab, the extract was antibacterial and anti-inflammatory against acne bacteria.

Is uva ursi safe?

A review of the data on its hydroquinone found no direct human evidence that free hydroquinone causes convulsions, liver or kidney damage. Talk to your doctor before taking it, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, have a condition or take medication.

References

1. Dell'Annunziata F, Cometa S, Della Marca R, et al. In Vitro Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Leaf Extract against Cutibacterium acnes. Pharmaceutics. 2022. PubMed
2. Matsuda H, Higashino M, Nakai Y, et al. Studies of cuticle drugs from natural sources. IV. Inhibitory effects of some Arctostaphylos plants on melanin biosynthesis. Biol Pharm Bull. 1996. PubMed
3. de Arriba SG, Naser B, Nolte KU. Risk assessment of free hydroquinone derived from Arctostaphylos Uva-ursi folium herbal preparations. Int J Toxicol. 2013. PubMed