Kojic Acid

Kojic acid is a chemical compound, produced by a few types of mushrooms. In cosmetology it is used as a brightening agent combating pigment spots and freckles, bleak and uneven skin tone. This acid blocks tyrosinase, a ferment crucial for melanin synthesis. Kojic acid is not toxic and entirely safe, if used in correct dosages, as it is the least aggressive amongst similar skin whitening remedies. Its effectiveness is amplified by other whitening ingredients: vitamin C, arbutin, glycolic acid and licorice root extract. Kojic acid also possesses light exfoliating, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects.

Why it's good for your skin

• effectively whitens the skin
• prevents pigmentation
• moisturises the skin
• provides exfoliating action
• makes uneven skin texture and scars less noticeable
• regulates sebum production
• possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial action

Contraindications     

Individual intolerance. Using products with kojic acid is not recommended in case of skin infections, herpes, and vascular pathologies (couperosis, rosacea, etc.).

Scientific evidence

[1] Kojic acid in concentrations between 1% to 4% is scientifically proven to lessen hyperpigmentation, inhibiting tyrosinase synthesis, simultaneously acting as a powerful antioxidant.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3663177/

[2] Kojic acid is scientifically proven to be effective against freckles, pigment spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma.

https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/9/3/64