Kojic Acid
Kojic Acid
Kojic acid is a naturally-derived ingredient that inhibits melanin production in the skin and actsas a potent antioxidant to prevent free radical damage from UV exposure.
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What is kojic acid?
It is a fungal metabolite of several different bacteria species, particularly aspergillus oryzae,traditionally used in Japan to ferment sake, miso, and soy sauce. Unlike other acids thatexfoliate and dissolve bonds between skin cells, kojic acid blocks tyrosinase activity, hinderingpigment production. It has been used as a cosmetic skin lightening agent for decades and is aneffective and less aggressive alternative to hydroquinone.
The biggest benefit of kojic acid is its lightening effect on the skin. It can help reduce theappearance of hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and melasma-- a darkening of the skin due tohormonal changes. Kojic acid products can reduce the appearance of acne scars, skin trauma,and other irritation. Moreover, early studies indicate it can suppress wrinkle formation inaddition to its anti-microbial properties.
Helps with these skin concerns:
Helps with these environmental & lifestyle factors:
Kojic Acid reduces the effects of the following lifestyle and environmental factors on your skin.
High UV Exposure
Keeps your skin healthy even if you spend a lot of time in the sun. The sun's heat dries out areas of unprotected skin and ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause burning and photoaging.
High Screen Time
Protects against HEV Blue light’s digital pollution. When you spend a lot of time in front of a screen, blue light can rob the skin of healthy collagen levels. Continued exposure can cause worsening of melasma, skin discoloration, fine lines or, in some cases, an increased risk of melanoma, or skin cancer.
Pollution Protection
Helps fight the effects of pollution on your skin. Polluted air contains small nanoparticles which cause premature aging. Clinical studies show that people with low pollution exposure levels have brighter, healthier, more radiant looking skin.
Oily skin
In addition to skin-lightening effects, kojic acid also contains some antimicrobial properties that can prevent oily skin from breaking out.
Normal skin
Kojic acid can lighten visible sun damage, age spots, or scars.
Kojic acid is beneficial for people in the following age ranges.
AGES 20 AND BELOW
It refines the skin, making it smoother, creating a more even skin tone, a brighter appearance, and gives you radiant skin from within.
AGES 21 - 33
It is a perfect fit to address the primary skin care concerns for people in their 20s and early 30s. Make it a part of your regular skin care routine for healthy, beautiful skin.
AGES 34 - 46
This is a great time to make it a part of your skincare routine as you start thinking about incorporating more ingredients with anti-aging benefits.
AGES 47 - 64
It is a great bet for consistent, everyday incorporation in your skincare routine as it not only will tighten up your anti-aging regimen but also help you achieve firmer, more youthful skin.
AGES 65 AND ABOVE
As skin matures, it tends to lose hydration and feel dry. This helps hydrate and plump the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Kojic acid works well with these other ingredients
Kojic acid works well with other skin depigmenting and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as tranexamic acid, glycolic acid, papaya enzymes, and niacinamide. Skin brightening serums may contain kojic acid along with antioxidants like Vitamin C for a synergistic effect.
Usage Guide
How to use kojic acid?
Depending on your skin concerns, kojic acid can be used in a variety of forms andconcentrations, along with other actives. Do not apply to damaged or broken skin, and the bestway to avoid irritation is to start low and slow-- just once a week until your skin acclimates.
When to use kojic acid?
Kojic acid is an effective treatment for hyperpigmentation, melasma, sun spots, acne scartherapy, and uneven skin tone. This skin lightening ingredient is safe to use twice daily for mostskin types.
Clinically Proven Efficacy for Softer, Smoother, Brighter Skin
Softer skin
87% agreed - “With this cream, my skin feels softer.”
Smoother skin
94% agreed - “With this cream, my skin feels smoother.”
Brighter complexion
81% agreed - “The routine provides a bright, radiant complexion.”
Cruelty free
Never test on animals. Nor do our manufacturers, formulators, or suppliers.
Clean beauty
No Phthalates. No Parabens. No SLS. No Formaldehyde
Made in USA
Made in an FDA-Approved Laboratory here in the USA
What is kojic acid found in?
Kojic acid is found in skincare products for both face and body, in the form of cleansers, serums,creams, lotions, and face masks.
Kojic acid is considered to have a high sensitizing potential-- meaning it might be irritating forthose with sensitive skin. However, concentrations of up to 1% can help reduce the risk ofirritation.
Things to keep in mind
Kojic acid is well-tolerated by most skin types, but the most common side effects are rednessand burning. Although rare, it can also cause contact dermatitis-- an allergic reactioncharacterized by a rash, inflammation, and itchiness. Consistent use of kojic acid makes the skinmore vulnerable to sunburn, so always pair with a quality broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Alpha hydroxy acid works well with a range of other skincare ingredients. However, certaincombinations are not advisable. AHA combined with Vitamin C or Retinol are two suchcombinations.Vitamin C is an antioxidant with a sensitive pH level may be altered when mixed with an AHA,thereby reducing its effectiveness. Also, because both ingredients promote exfoliation and cellturnover, irritation might occur with a double dose.The issue with AHA and Retinol is similar to the interaction with Vitamin C. Retinol also tends tobecome neutralized when it meets with the oxidizing effect of the alpha hydroxy acid. Becauseboth ingredients are exfoliating acids, the risk of irritation is greater when these ingredients areused alone.
Find out if you need kojic acid
Find out if you need kojic acid
The best way to determine if your skin can benefit from kojic acid is to take the PROVEN skin quiz. We use AI to formulate personalized skincare products based on your skin type, stresslevels, age, environment, and skin concerns.