Kojic Acid
曲酸
What it does
- Inhibits tyrosinase
- Lightens hyperpigmentation
- Antioxidant
Effective concentration
Minimum 1% Optimal 1-4%
Unstable—often formulated as kojic dipalmitate for better stability.
Evidence
Moderate evidenceGood evidence for tyrosinase inhibition. Less stable than alternatives.
Skin types
Well suited for: Normal Oily Combination
Use with caution: Sensitive
Can cause contact dermatitis in some individuals.
Helps with
Dark Spots & Hyperpigmentation Dark Spots Melasma
Irritation potential
Medium
Comedogenic rating
0 / 5
Pregnancy
Generally considered safe during pregnancy
Topical use generally considered safe in pregnancy.
Good to know
Derived from fungi. Effective brightener but less stable than arbutin or tranexamic acid.
References
Compound data from PubChem (U.S. National Library of Medicine).
Further reading
- Tranexamic Acid for Hyperpigmentation Disorders: A Literature Review on Efficacy and Safety in Melasma and PIH — J Cosmet Dermatol (2026)
- An Insight on Ellagic Acid Formulations for the Management of Skin Diseases — Molecules (2025)
Selected peer-reviewed reviews on this ingredient, indexed by Europe PMC. Provided as background, not proof of any specific claim.
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Analyze a productEducational information only — not medical advice. Always patch test and consult a dermatologist for skin concerns.