If any of the above are relevant to you, we have some good news. There’’s a skin care ingredient you may not have heard of that works overtime to lighten these dark spots: kojic acid. We’ll go over what kojic acid is, how it can help your skin, and some expert-recommended products. While some better-known exfoliating agents like retinol increase cell turnover in the skin, thus fading dark spots over time, this acid is different. “It works its magic via the inhibition of tyrosinase, an enzyme that is essential in the UV-induced activation of pigment-producing cells in the skin,” board-certified dermatologist Rebecca Marcus, M.D., told mbg. Benefits to antioxidants in your skin care regimen include delaying photoaging, decreasing inflammation2, and supporting collagen and elastin production. While its antioxidant properties are not the most notable benefit, it’s certainly an added bonus. Clean cosmetic chemist and founder of KKT Consultants Krupa Koestline notes a slightly lower percentage. “Most recently the EU [European Union] has recommended a safe limit of 0.7% for kojic acid in topical products,” Koestline said. This comes from the concerns surrounding endocrine disruption at a concentration above 0.7%, according to the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety. These are opinions from the SCCS as the studies on kojic acid concentration are limited, so keep that in mind. While kojic acid is a generally well-tolerated ingredient, it’s still acid at the end of the day. “For those with very sensitive skin, proceed with caution as kojic acid does have the potential to cause irritation and dryness, as with any acid,” Marcus said. Also like any acid or exfoliating ingredient, kojic acid should not be used on broken or irritated skin. To reiterate: Avoid use on open wounds, sunburns, rashes, or allergic reactions.
Serum 6
Tranexamic Topical Acid 5%
Discoloration Defene
Takesumi Bright Kojic Acid Brightening Body Bar
