The Basics On Kojic Acid
What is Kojic Acid?
By-product of the fermentation process of malting rice for use in the manufacture of sake.
What are other names for Kojic Acid?
4H-PYRAN-4-ONE, 5-HYDROXY-2-(HYDROXYMETHYL)-, 5-HYDROXY-2-(HYDROXYMETHYL)- 4H-PYRAN-4-ONE, 5-HYDROXY-2-(HYDROXYMETHYL)-4H-PYRAN-4-ONE, 5-HYDROXY-2-HYDROXYMETHYL-4-PYRONE, and KOJIC ACID
What is Kojic Acid used for?
Kojic acid has demonstrated skin whitening, antioxidant and antitumor properties among others4.; Kojic acid has also shown excellent results in the treatment of melasma when used in combination with tretoin6.
How Kojic Acid is classified
Antioxidants
Recommendations for using Kojic Acid during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Can you use kojic acid soap while pregnant? Limited data suggests no known risk
Kojic Acid During Pregnancy
What we know about using Kojic Acid while pregnant or breastfeeding
Can I use kojic acid while pregnant? What about kojic acid soap while breastfeeding? Unfortunately, there is limited information available.
General safety info about Kojic Acid from CIR
No report found.
Use this, not that!
Products where you might find Kojic Acid
Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster; Paula’s Choice RESIST Daily Smoothing Treatment with 5% Alpha Hydroxy Acid; Lancer Skincare The Method: Body Nourish with Hylaplex and Glycolic Acid 10%; Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Clinical Grade IPL Dark Spot Correcting Serum; Proactiv Complexion Perfecting Hydrator; Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment
List of References
General sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/
1. Leyden J, Shergill B, Micali G, Downie J, Wallo W. Natural options for the management of hyperpigmentation. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2011;25(10):1140-1145. [PubMed] 2. Cabanes J, Chazarra F, Garcia-Carmona F. Kojic Acid, a Cosmetic Skin Whitening Agent, is a Slow-binding Inhibitor of Catecholase Activity of Tyrosinase. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 1994;46(12):982-985. 3. Draelos ZD. Skin lightening preparations and the hydroquinone controversy. Dermatologic Therapy. 2007;20(5):308-313. doi:10.1111/j.1529-8019.2007.00144.x 4. Rodrigues A, Carvalho A, Santos AS, do Nascimento JL, Silva EO. Kojic acid, a secondary metabolite from Aspergillus sp., acts as an inducer of macrophage activation. Cell Biology International. 2011;35(4):335-343. doi:10.1042/CBI20100083 5. Lim J. Treatment of Melasma Using Kojic Acid in a Gel Containing Hydroquinone and Glycolic Acid. Dermatologic Surgery. 1999;25(4):282-284. 6. Piamphongsant T. Treatment of melasma: a review with personal experience. nternational Journal of Dermatology. 1998;37(12):897-903. doi:10.1046/j.1365-4362.1998.00585.x 7. Kojic acid. EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Database. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/703324/KOJIC_ACID/#.W7Bu32gzZhE. Published 2018. Accessed October 2018. Related Articles: Glossary: Arbutin Glossary: Vitamin E
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
