A process of making arbutin and its derivatives comprises solvolyzing an acylated precursor of arbutin or its derivative in a solution comprising an organic solvent and a base, neutralizing the solution with an acid, and crystillizing the product arbutin or its derivative. The process may be employed on an industrial scale and avoids the use of ion exchange columns. The process has the advantages of not requiring ion exchange columns and peripheral devices, which leads to cost and time savings, due to the elimination of column regeneration steps. Waste water from column regeneration is also eliminated.