How to Use the Japanese Magic Skin Potion Kojic Acid in Skincare for Best Results?

Using acids in skincare is not news to us anymore, we have Salicylic acid, Glycolic acid, Lactic acid, Mandelic acid, and the list can go on forever. While all these acids have their own skincare benefits and everybody has a different opinion on what to use, it’s easy to get lost among these conditions, concentrations, and combinations. Today, let’s look at Kojic acid in skincare.

Skincare is mostly trial and error. Wondering why? The answer is simple, everyone’s skin and lifestyle are different. If dull, sun-damaged skin is your key skin concern, then we recommend giving Kojic acid a try. You might be thinking why to use kojic acid when we already have Alpha Arbutin (1) for hyperpigmentation, keep reading to know why. We will also tell you why kojic acid is a hidden gem and is finally getting the attention and fame it deserves.

What Is Kojic Acid?

Kojic Acid gets its name from the word “Koji” in Japanese. Koji means cultivated mold made from fermented rice or other food stuff. The Japanese used it to make sauce or drinks. The skincare benefits of Kojic Acid were first discovered in the 1980s and since then, Kojic Acid in skincare has become a key ingredient in treatments that are related to dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

While most skin-lightening agents are not brown-skin friendly, Kojic Acid is. Rather than altering the entire complexion and melanin production of the skin, like hydroquinone, Kojic Acid does spot correction and works on problem areas. It balances your natural skin tone by healing the pigmentation. This makes it one of the safest skincare ingredients that cause lesser skin sensitivity.

How Does Kojic Acid Work?

Kojic Acid is not an exfoliating agent, and it will not remove dead skin cells. It’s a lighter and safer alternative to Hydroquinone, a compound that’s very strong and requires careful use if you don’t want to ruin your skin forever. Using kojic acid can lighten, brighten and even out your skin tone to give a more glowing and illuminated effect to the skin.  It works by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme that is responsible for the production of melanin (2). This acid also claims to work fast compared to other skincare ingredients.

Kojic Acid In Skincare: 

Kojic Acid in skincare is mostly used in skin lightening and pigmentation-correcting treatments. Here are some of the key benefits of Kojic acid in skincare.

Sun Protection: 

Even though you should never replace your sunscreen with kojic acid, kojic acid does provide your skin protection from UV rays. Using kojic acid in skincare at night and using sunscreen in the morning will make sure that your skin is brighter and less dull over time.

Treating Melasma:

Dark patches on the face are commonly seen in pregnant women. This is a condition known as Melasma (3). Kojic acid is highly recommended by dermatologists to treat melasma.

Scars

You might need laser treatment to reduce scars from severe injury, but kojic acid can be helpful in treating lighter scars and in preventing more scarring in the future.

Overall Skin Brightening:

Though kojic acid does not deeply exfoliate your skin it does help in controlling melanin production by hindering tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production. With regular use, you can see a difference in the overall appearance and look of the skin.

Spot Treatment:

Kojic acid works great for spot treatments by blocking excess pigmentation and bringing your skin back to its natural shade.

Antibacterial And Antifungal:

Kojic acid in skincare can be helpful in treating mild cases of acne and other fungal skin infections as it has healing properties.

Possible Kojic Acid Side Effects:

• Just like any skincare acid, Kojic acid may cause itching, redness, and dryness when used excessively or when the instructions on the label are not followed.
• Skin flaking
• Swelling and rashes

⚠️ Precaution:

Just because certain acids are good for your skin and have healing properties, using something potent on the skin without understanding your skin’s concern and type might end up damaging your skin. Do a patch test and work your way up. You would find kojic acid in the form of serums, soaps, creams, gels, etc. in the market. Make sure the concentration is less than 4% and greater than 1% for maximum efficiency. Always start with a low concentration of Kojic acid in skincare, and depending on how well your skin tolerates the formulation go higher or lower.

Best Kojic Acid Skin Care Of 2023

Soulfactors top pick: Here are some of the best Kojic Acid products for skin that work best.

1. Pureauty Naturals Natural Skin Lightening Serum With Kojic Acid
2. Koji White Kojic Acid & Papaya Body Lotion
3. La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 Serum Dark Spot Corrector
4. Evagloss Natural Skincare Serum With Kojic Acid
5. Professor Eco Kojic Acid Vitamin C Moisturizer
6. The Derma Co 2% Kojic Acid Face Serum with 1% Alpha Arbutin & Niacinamide for Dark Spots And Pigmentation
7. The Derma Co 2% Kojic Acid Cream for Pigmentation
8. Dr. Sheth’s Kesar & Kojic Daily Pigmentation Correction Cream with Kesar extracts, 2% Kojic Acid & 1% Niacinamide
9. DERMATOUCH Kojic Acid 2% Cream 
10. Kozicare Skin Lightening Non-Sticky Cream Lotion | Enriched with 3% Kojic Acid, 1% Alpha Arbutin, 1% Glutathione, 2% Niacinamide, 2% Vitamin C
11. Fixderma 10% Tranexamic Acid + 2% Kojic Acid + 1% Arbutin SKARFIX -TX Face Cream
12. The Derma Co 1% Kojic + Arbutin Night Repair Face Serum-Gel for Dark Spots & Pigmentation 

Tips On Using Kojic Acid For Your Skin

Here are tips that you will find helpful while incorporating Kojic acid into your skincare routine: 

• You can use Kojic acid in skincare as a spot treatment or all over your face as a full-face hyperpigmentation/de-tan treatment.
• Start incorporating kojic acid in your skincare by starting with a low concentration and going up.
• Make sure you store the serum away from direct sunlight and also keep the lid closed. While Kojic acid won’t get as easily oxidized as Vitamin C, it can over time get oxidized, reducing its efficiency.
• Beginners must do a patch test.
• Avoid sensitive areas on your face like around the eye, lips, and mouth.
• You can use kojic acid anywhere on your face where you observe pigmentation.
• Be consistent with skincare. This does not just apply to kojic acid but to all skincare products. No matter what skin care product you use, being consistent is what gives you results.
• For more efficiency and quick results, try using Kojic acid-based serums and creams instead of soaps and body washes. 
• While using any kind of acid or skin treatment, make sure you follow up with an effective sunscreen the following morning. Not protecting your skin can cause severe skin damage.
• If you are looking for faster results while using kojic acid in skincare, then we recommend using it along with glycolic acid. Glycolic acid has been proven to double the efficiency of kojic acid.

FAQ

Conclusion

We hope you found this blog on the usage of Kojic acid in skincare helpful. Remember never to overdo or play around with skincare, especially potent AHA’s and BHA’s. Not only will you compromise your skin’s natural barrier by doing so, but it will also cause serious and irreversible damage and scarring.

Always follow the guideline given on the bottle before using any chemicals. Mild tingling while using Kojic acid in skin care is normal, but if you are facing a severe burning-like sensation, rinse the product off immediately and contact your dermatologist. Also, never skip sunscreen both indoors and outdoors especially when you are using acids. Acids make your skin sensitive and prone to sun damage.