Kojic Acid
Also known as kojic dipalmitate
What is kojic acid?
Kojic acid is a brightener made by fungi during the fermenting of rice for sake and soy sauce. It blocks the enzyme your skin needs to make pigment, which fades sun spots, melasma, and marks left by acne. Most products use 1% to 2%.
Best forDark spots
Melasma
Uneven tone
Post-acne marks
Products with kojic acid
Shop all 7
SkinCeuticals
SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense
$115.00
PCA Skin
PCA Skin Pigment Bar
$64.00
La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 Serum
$44.99
MDSolarSciences
MDSolarSciences KidCrème SPF 50
$45.00
Pairs well with
- Vitamin C
- Niacinamide
- Glycolic acid
- Sunscreen
Use with caution
- Sensitive or eczema-prone skin (patch test)
- Broken skin
- Skipping sunscreen
Kojic Acid FAQs
Dark spots begin to fade in about four weeks. Expect the best results at three months.
You can use it once a day, and twice if your skin stays calm. Drop back if you see redness or itching.
Kojic acid can irritate sensitive skin. Patch test on your inner arm for a few days first.
Both fade spots, and they work well together. Kojic acid targets pigment more directly, and vitamin C adds sun-damage protection.
Related reading
This content on this page is for general information only and is not medical advice. Always speak to a dermatologist before starting a new skincare routine.
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