What it is
Kojic Acid is derived from a mushroom.
What it does
Kojic acid is a skin lightener. It inhibits melanin production by blocking the enzyme essential for it, called tyrosinase. It lightens age and dark spots and skin discolorations. It can be used on freckles and is also effective in treating melasma (irregular sized dark brown or grey patches on skin).
It also has antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Side effects
Kojic acid is very unstable and oxidize rapidly. When it is exposed to air, it turns into a shade of brown and loses its efficacy.
It can also be very irritating to skin and can result in contact dermatitis and erythema.
It causes sun sensitivity as well, so you should always use a sunscreen before applying Kojic Acid.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Is it normally found just in lighteners?
i saw a kojic soap bar one time at the grocery and was curious. now i know. haha! thanks gio!
Jnie: yes, it is usually fiund in skin lighteners, brightners and bleaching products.
Sab: you’re welcome
Has anyone used it? I’d be curious to know how well it works.
I have never tried as my skin is very fair and I don’t have skin discolorations problems. But scientific studies claim it is very effective at lightening skin. It’s not a very used ingredient though as it is quite unstable.