Kojic Acid
You likely already know about (and probably use) glycolic and salicylic acids in your beauty routine, but there's another somewhat under-the-radar acid that deserves some time in the skincare spotlight—particularly if your goal is a brighter, more even complexion. We're talking about kojic acid, a naturally-derived ingredient. It comes from mushrooms (more on that in a minute) and is excellent at fading hyperpigmentation and discoloration AKA dark spots.1 It works well both on its own and when paired with other lightening ingredients, not to mention also acts as an antioxidant.
KOJIC ACID
TYPE OF INGREDIENT: Skin brightener
MAIN BENEFITS: Inhibits an enzyme necessary in the production of melanin, helping to fade dark spots and discoloration. It also delivers some antioxidant protection.1
WHO SHOULD USE IT: Anyone seeking to improve the look of discoloration caused by sun damage, melasma, and/or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that occurs after a blemish, says Chang. Bhanusali adds that it's also a good option for those want to avoid or can't tolerate hydroquinone, one of the most often used skin-lightening ingredients.
HOW OFTEN CAN YOU USE IT: This depends on what other ingredients it's compounded with and the concentration, but generally it can be used daily.
WORKS WELL WITH: Studies have shown that kojic acid works well with and enhances the effects of glycolic acid and hydroquinone, says Nazarian.
DON’T USE WITH: While it does have a synergetic effect when used with these other brightening/exfoliating ingredients, pairing it with these also increases the likelihood of experiencing excessive dryness or irritation.2 Proceed with caution and start using any products that contain kojic acid and other actives gradually, giving your skin some time to acclimate.
What is Kojic Acid?
As we mentioned, mushrooms are the source of kojic acid, a byproduct of various fungi that also occurs as the result of fermentation of certain Asian foods, such as soy sauce and rice wine, explains Chang. "Unlike other acids that work by dissolving the bonds between the cells and exfoliating the skin, kojic acid works by inhibiting pigment production," she says. It also has the added benefit of working well when paired with other skin-lightening ingredients (namely the gold standard hydroquinone, most commonly prescribed by dermatologists).
Dermatologists often combine it with hydroquinone for a synergistic, prescription-strength lightening agent, notes Bhanusali. But on the flip side, it works well on its own too, and is a great alternative for those who can't tolerate or don't want to use the more potent hydroquinone. "It’s also less likely to cause an overly-white appearance of the skin, making it a good option for people with darker complexions who'd be more likely to [experience extreme lightening] from using other ingredients," says Nazarian.
Spot-fading and skin brightening is the name of the game for this ingredient, though it does have a few other standout qualities.1
"Generally speaking, kojic acid is better tolerated than most acids, but an allergy or irritation is certainly possible," points out Bhanusali. A red rash, itching, irritation, and burning are the most common side effects, adds Chang, though these are typically uncommon if you're using lower concentrations of the ingredient (and most over-the-products do contain a lower concentration).
How to Use It
If your skin is super sensitive, Nazarian recommends not using it daily at first; instead, work kojic acid-based products into your regimen just once or twice per week to ensure that your skin can tolerate the ingredient. Also worth noting: "When used over long periods of time, kojic acid may also make your skin more susceptible to the sun," says Chang. Using sunscreen daily is always important, but even more so when kojic acid is in your skincare mix.