Skincare today is a lot to navigate. Ceramides, actives, hyaluronic acid, retinoids—there is so much to learn about. We want to make this journey just a little easier with one ingredient that’s been on your feed all year—Kojic acid. This is Kojic acid 101, where we give you the lowdown on everything you need to know about the active: pros, cons, and our favourite picks of products.
What exactly is Kojic acid?
Kojic acid is a natural ingredient that’s popular in skincare for its ability to brighten the skin. It’s derived from different types of fungi and works by slowing down the production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. This makes it great for fading dark spots and evening out skin tone, leaving your skin looking more radiant.
In skincare and cosmetics, Kojic acid is used for its many benefits. You can find the active in various kinds of products, such as creams, cleansers, masks, soaps, and even powders.
What are the benefits of Kojic acid?
1. Lightens skin:
By blocking the production of melanin, Kojic acid not only reduces the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation but also lightens skin, without any exfoliation. You may even find Kojic acid and Vitamin C creams that are formulated to work together.
2. Antioxidant action:
When you expose your skin to the UV damage and pollution under the sun, you expose yourself to skin-damaging free radicals. Kojic acid helps counteract these free radicals helping your skin tone and providing anti-ageing goodness.
3. Antiviral and anti inflammatory:
Kojic acid has antiviral and anti inflammatory properties that can be beneficial to those with acne-prone skin.
4. Antifungal properties:
This ingredient is sometimes added to antifungal products like soap to help in the treatment of fungal infections such as ringworm or athlete’s foot.
Are there any risks of using Kojic Acid?
1. May produce contact dermatitis: Kojic acid for sensitive skin might be a hit or miss. Using this ingredient as it may cause contact dermatitis that shows up as redness, irritation or swollen skin. This can also happen if one is using Kojic acid in high concentrations. If you see any signs of redness or irritation while using products with Kojic acid, drop it from your skincare routine.
2. Can make your skin sunburn-prone: Melanin helps protect your skin from the harmful UV rays that come with time in the sun. As Kojic acid blocks the production of melanin, it also might make your skin vulnerable when in the sun. This is why people recommend not stepping out in the sun once you apply actives with Kojic acid and Retinoids.
3. Before these risks may be giving you the heebie-jeebies, do a patch test on a section of your skin and wait for a day to see the reaction you get and pair it with glycolic acid to get the full effect of both ingredients.
If you want to start with a trial of the ingredient, here are a few products we have enjoyed:
1. The Derma Co. 2% Kojic Acid Cream:
This Kojic acid and Vitamin C cream is proven to reduce the appearance of skin discoloration, marks and hyperpigmentation. It brightens skin and evens skin tone by preventing the production of melanin.
2. Dermatouch Kojic Acid 2% Cream:
With the goodness of Niacinamide infused in the formula, this product helps bring alive your dull skin.
3. The Derma Co. Kojic Acid + L-Glutathione Daily Syndet Soap:
With the goodness of Niacinamide infused in the formula, this product helps bring alive your dull skin.
4. Muggu Skincare Koji Drops Serum:
With 2% Kojic acid, this serum helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on your face, bringing your inner glow outside.
5. Plum BodyLovin’ Active-witty 1% Kojic Acid Body Lotion:
Give your body the same pamper treatment you do to your face with Plum’s Kojic Acid body lotion. With the delicious scent of Mango, this lotion moisturises, brightens, and leaves your skin feeling its best.
FAQs
1. Is Kojic acid good for sensitive skin?
While Kojic acid can be used on all skin types, Kojic acid for sensitive skin might need a second thought. Using this ingredient could potentially cause contact dermatitis and contribute to irritating that sensitive skin even further.
2. How do you use Kojic acid serum?
Begin with double cleansing your face to rid yourself of any dirt and pollution. Take a few drops of Kojic acid and Vitamin C serum in your palm and gently pat it into your skin. Wait for it to completely dry before moving on to the next step. And don’t forget your sunscreen!
3. What is Kojic acid used for?
There are many uses of Kojic acid but the one it is known best for in skincare is the lightening of skin and reduction of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It can also be used to treat Melasma.
4. Is Kojic acid safe?
The ingredient is safe to use for all skin types however it is important to check for any emerging redness and ensure to wear sunscreen whenever you use it.
