Kojic Acid

TYPE OF INGREDIENT​
Skin lightening agent
COMMONLY FOUND IN
Creams and serums that can help with sun damage, melasma and hyperpigmentation

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF KOJIC ACID?

Kojic acid prevents the formation of tyrosine, which is an amino acid that produces melanin. Melanin causes pigmentation. Kojic acid can help to lighten pigmentation and have an anti-aging effect on the skin. It also has some antibacterial properties so it can improve acne.

WHAT IS KOJIC ACID?

It is an ingredient found in concentrations of 1% or less that can help reduce pigmentation in melasma, sun spots or scars.

Kojic-acid-with-pipette

IS KOJIC ACID SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND TONES?

Generally yes, but those with sensitive skin should be cautious as it can cause contact dermatitis. If used long term, it can also make your skin more sensitive to the sun. It should not be used to lighten your natural skin color.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Redness, itching or irritation could be signs of contact dermatitis.

Sources:

Petak, Tesa. “Kojic acid for skin.” In Style. Aug 2022

Saeedi M, Eslamifar M, Khezri K. Kojic acid applications in cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations. Biomed Pharmacother. 2019 Feb;110:582-593. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.12.006.

Zachary CM, Wang JV, Saedi N. Kojic Acid for Melasma: Popular Ingredient in Skincare Products. Skinmed. 2020 Oct 1;18(5):271-273. eCollection 2020.

 

Shilpi Khetarpal, MD, FAAD

Author

Shilpi Khetarpal, MD is an ASDS fellowship-trained, board-certified dermatologist who is an associate professor in dermatology and the Director of Laser & Cosmetic Dermatology at Cleveland Clinic. She did her dermatology residency at the Cleveland Clinic and an ASDS fellowship in Moh’s micrographic surgery, lasers and cosmetic surgery at SkinCare Physicians in Chestnut Hill, MA. She has presented at both local and national professional meetings and has authored numerous book chapters in dermatologic textbooks including editing a book on Platelet Rich Plasma and published many articles in peer-reviewed journals. She is actively involved in numerous organizations including the Women’s Dermatologic Society, American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgeons, Ohio Dermatological Association, and American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.