Kojic acid
What is kojic acid?
Kojic acid (KA) is a naturally occurring compound derived from several different fungi, especially from many Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Acetobacter species. It can also be produced from the fermentation process of certain Asian foods such as soy sauce and rice wine.
This unique skincare ingredient has specific chemical and physical properties that makes it beneficial in a range of diverse applications, including cosmetics, medicine, and food.
Kojic acid benefits
Kojic acid is regarded as one of the best skin-brightening agents. Kojic acid has been found to manage help hyperpigmentation, such as age spots, melasma, acne scars, and patches of discoloration. Kojic Acid also helps to even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots and scars.
If you are looking for a skincare product to reduce the appearance of blemish marks, try Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer, which is formulated with skin-brightening kojic acid and salycylic acid.
While kojic acid does not directly function as an antioxidant, kojic acid works on the skin with its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are substances that can neutralize harmful surface free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause damage to skin cells and contribute to premature aging, wrinkles, and other skin concerns. The accumulation of free radicals is referred to as oxidative stress. Kojic acid can act as a scavenger of surface free radicals, helping to protect the skin from oxidative stress and potential damage, and to maintain the overall health and appearance of the skin.
Studies have found that kojic acid possesses anti-aging effects due to its brightening property. Oxidative stress caused by surface free radicals can contribute to the formation of pigmentation spots on the skin. Kojic acid helps to neutralize these surface free radicals and protect our skin from their harmful effects.
What does kojic acid do for skin?
Studies have found many benefits of kojic acid for your skin when it is used in skincare products. This ingredient has been found to have an antioxidant properties and a brightening effect on visible sun damage and age spots, which results in an anti-aging effect.
How to use kojic acid
Incorporating kojic acid into your skincare routine can help reduce hyperpigmentation and promote a more even skin tone. It also has brightening and antioxidant properties, leading to a more radiant complexion. Various products incorporate kolic acid, such as creams, serums, lotions, and body washes.
References
- Phasha V, Senabe J, Ndzotoyi P, Okole B, Fouche G, Chuturgoon A. Review on the Use of Kojic Acid—A Skin-Lightening Ingredient. Cosmetics. 2022; 9(3):64. doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics9030064
- Saeedi M, Eslamifar M, Khezri K, Kojic acid applications in cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations, Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 2019(110);582-593, doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2018.12.006
- Sultana BF, Maryam K, et al. Kojic Acid: A Comprehensive Review. Asian Journal of Allied Health Sciences, 2021,doi:10.52229//ajahs.v6i1.798
- Gonçalez ML, Marcussi DG, Calixto GM, Corrêa MA, Chorilli M. Structural characterization and in vitro antioxidant activity of kojic dipalmitate loaded w/o/w multiple emulsions intended for skin disorders. Biomed Res Int. 2015:304591. doi 10.1155/2015/304591
- Gonçalez ML, Corrêa MA, Chorilli M. Skin delivery of kojic acid-loaded nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems for the treatment of skin aging. Biomed Res Int. 2013;2013:271276. doi: 10.1155/2013/271276