Table of Contents
- What is Kojic Acid?
- Skin Benefits Of Kojic Acid.
- Kojic Acid Side Effects.
- Best Kojic Acid Serums.
- 1. SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense – Best Overall.
- 2. PCA Skin A&C Synergy Serum – Best For Stubborn Hyperpigmentation.
- 3. La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 Serum – Best Budget.
- 4. iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance – Best Splurge.
- 5. SkinCeuticals Phyto Plus – Best For Dry Skin.
- Possible Questions & Answers.
When you count powerful skin de-pigmenting ingredients you cannot exclude Kojic acid. This dermatologists-loved ingredient has been used for decades to tackle the issue of hyperpigmentation and discoloration such as dark spots, age spots, acne scars and melasma. Plus brighten-up overall skin tone and boost radiance. Kojic acid was approved in 1998 by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan as an active whitening ingredient, since then, the rest is history. So, if you’re seeking for the best kojic acid serums on the market, here you have them.
What is Kojic Acid?
Kojic acid is a chemical produced from different types of fungi. It is also a by-product of fermented soy sauce and rice wine. It takes a powder form.
This melanin inhibitor can be found in a number of different types of cosmetic products, including serums, creams, cleansers, and soaps.
ALSO READ: You’ll Definitely Love These Kojic Acid Soaps
Skin Benefits Of Kojic Acid.
1. Reduces Hyperpigmentation.
As a powerful skin Lightening Ingredient, Kojic acid possesses skin de-pigmenting properties to tackle all kinds of hyperpigmentation and discoloration. Dermatologists often recommends it should be combined with other powerful skin de-pigmenting ingredients like Arbutin and Vitamin C to strengthen the lightening muscles.
2. Has Anti-Aging Benefits.
Not only does Kojic acid minimize the appearance of hyperpigmentation and discoloration by inhibiting the action of tyrosinase but also lessens the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and other photo-aging signs.
3. Has Anti-Bacterial Properties.
As a potent skincare ingredient, Kojic acid can ward off several types of bacteria Including acne causing bacteria as it possesses anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties.
4. Has Anti-Fungal Properties.
Kojic acid also possesses anti-fungal properties. In addition to its skin brightening potentials it’s also useful in treating fungal infections such as yeast infection, candidiasis, ringworm and athlete’s foot. Kojic acid is even added in some anti-fungal products to increase their efficacy.
Kojic Acid Side Effects.
It May Cause Contact Dermatitis
Irrespective of the wonderful potentials of this skincare ingredient, we think it’s best you should know that Kojic acid has its downsides. As it could cause dermatitis – a skin discomfort that comes with redness, itchiness and slight tingling sensation.
Individuals with super-sensitive skin are more vulnerable. That being said, it may not be suitable to individuals with extreme-sensitive skin.
If you have a sensitive skin, you may want to stay away from using products containing Kojic acid. However if you must use them, then go for products with 1 percent and don’t forget to follow up with a moisture-rich moisturizer and sunscreen during the day. Nevertheless we still recommend doing a patch test to see if you’ll react negatively to it before using.
Long-Term Usage Could Cause Sunburn.
Long-term or overtime use of Kojic acid could invite the occurrence of sunburn, this is because Kojic acid in one way increases the skin’s sensitivity to the sun and that’s why it’s highly recommend you should follow up with a sunscreen and put up protective cloths to protect your skin from the UV rays of the sun.
Kojic acid increases the skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so it’s best recommended to apply a sunscreen before stepping outside to protect your skin from the dangerous UV rays of the sun. Remember the sun is the devil.
Other Things To Know While Using Kojic Acid Products.
- Never use Kojic acid products on a broken skin this can trigger severe irritations.
- Always follow up the instructions by the manufacturers before using Kojic acid products.
- Sunscreen is a must if you must use Kojic acid to protect your skin from sun UV rays.
- If you should encounter any negative skin reactions while using Kojic acid such as redness, itchiness, rashes, swollen skin etc, you should stop use immediately and see a doctor if possible.
- Results may vary while using Kojic acid as this depends on individual’s skin type and severity of hyperpigmentation being treated. Some may see results in 2 weeks time while others may see results in 1 month time.
Best Kojic Acid Serums.
1. SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense – Best Overall.
A super-Lightening serum particularly formulated to tackle dark spots and reduce the appearance of photo-aging signs. This skin-brightening serum combines 3 powerful skin lightening Ingredients such as 1% Kojic Acid to diminish dark spots, 3% Tranexamic Acid to tackle stubborn and reoccurring skin discolorations such as melasma and 5% Niacinamide (Vitamin B3),– a water soluble vitamin which not only brightens the skin but help calms down irritation, regulate sebum and strengthen skin barrier function.
Pros
- Fragrance-free.
- Non-comedogenic.
- Suitable for all skin types.
- Contains 3 powerful skin lightening ingredients.
- Contains no harmful substances.
Cons
- Expensive (but worths your money)
2. PCA Skin A&C Synergy Serum – Best For Stubborn Hyperpigmentation.
Perhaps you have deep hyperpigmentation and discoloration such as stubborn acne scars, melasma and age spots? Then this super-combo serum is definitely for you. A multi-functional serum with 4 powerful skin de-pigmenting Ingredients Kojic Acid, L-acorbic Acid, Alpha-Arbutin and Licorice Root Extract to diminish dark spots appearance, brighten-up skin tone and boost radiance. Oh!!, It contains advanced retinol complex which offers anti-aging benefits to the skin in combination with Witch Hazel to shrink your pores, soothe your skin and reduce inflammation.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic.
- Suitable for oily and combination skin.
- Contains 4 powerful skin lightening Ingredients.
- Contains no harmful substances.
Cons
- A bit pricey (but worths your money)
- May not be suitable for individuals with super-senstive and dry skin (due to the combination of Kojic acid, L-acorbic acid vitamin C and Lactic acid).
3. La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 Serum – Best Budget.
With a combination of 2% Kojic acid, Glycolic acid, Tranexamic Acid and and a derivative of Salicylic Acid (Lipo-Hydroxy Acid), this serum not only fades dark spots and melasma but also accelerate skin renewal process by encouraging exfoliation to shed away dead skin cells, making it relatively easy to target and fade hyperpigmentation.
Pros
- Fragrance-free.
- Non-comedogenic.
- Ideal for oily and combination skin.
- Combines Kojic acid with AHA’s.
- Contains no harmful substances.
Cons
- May not be suitable to senstive and dry skin (due to combination of acids)
4. iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance – Best Splurge.
An advanced and antioxidant-rich skin brightening serum, which combines Kojic acid, Arbutin and L-acorbic acid vitamin C to tackle hyperpigmentation, discoloration and provide maximum antioxidant protection. In combination with Retinol to minimize skin aging signs and other botanicals such as Olive leaf, Umbellatus (Mushroom) & Bioflavonoids to treat acne, rosacea, contact dermatitis and insect bites.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic.
- Ideal for all skin types.
- Combines 3 powerful skin lightening ingredients.
- Contains no harmful substances.
Cons
- Pricey (but worths your money).
5. SkinCeuticals Phyto Plus – Best For Dry Skin.
A hydrating powerful skin-lightening concoction with the combination of Kojic acid and Arbutin to fade dark spots, age spots, acne scars, melasma and boost skin radiance. Plus its soothing and hydrating effect all thanks to hyaluronic acid (a moisture magnet) which pulls moisture from the atmosphere and retains into the skin in combination with Thyme and Cucumber Extracts to help soothe, calm, and refresh skin.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic.
- Combines Kojic acid & Arbutin.
- Suitable for skin types.
- Contains no harmful substances.
Cons
- A bit pricey (but worths your money).
Possible Questions & Answers.
Q: Is Kojic acid safe?.
A: Kojic acid is 100% natural, its effect are reversible and do not damage cells or function. Melanin production only resumes once Kojic acid usage stops.
According to this research study Kojic acid is considered safe to use in cosmetic products at the concentration of 1 percent. But nevertheless some individuals may still experience side effects. That being said, 1% Kojic acid is ideal for skin lightening and also tackling the issue of dark spots and uneven skin tone.
Q: How often should i use kojic acid products?.
A: Once daily is ideal, and that should be at night only. During the day you can apply vitamin C serum on your face and a moisturizer on your body.
Q: Is Kojic acid safe to use while pregnant?.
A: Kojic acid as a natural skin brightener and a naturally occurring skincare ingredient is safe to use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, to lighten dark spots and melasma (also popularly known as the “mask of pregnancy“). Unlike hydroquinone, which has a relatively high systemic absorption rate, and retinoids which has controversial evidence to possible risk of causing child defects and disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Vitamin C, Glycolic acid, Niacinamide and Soy are relatively safe to use during pregnancy too as they possesses no risk to pregnant mamas and the unborn baby.
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