Kojic Acid
INCI: Kojic Acid | Function: Brightening | Type: Brightening
What Is Kojic Acid?
Tyrosinase inhibitor derived from fungi, effective for hyperpigmentation.
Key Skin Benefits
- + Reduces hyperpigmentation
- + Fades dark spots
Pros
- + Well-studied
- + Natural-origin
Cons
- − Can cause contact dermatitis
- − Less stable
Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|
| Usage Areas | Face, Eye, Body |
| Product Type | Leave-On, Rinse-Off |
| Source | Fungal fermentation |
| Natural Level | Natural-derived |
Safety Ratings
| Metric | Rating |
|---|
| Skin Sensitivity | 3/5 |
| Comedogenic Rating | 0/5 |
| EWG Score | 2/10 |
Regional Regulatory Limits
| Region | Leave-on % | Rinse-off % | Status |
|---|
| EU (CosIng) | No limit | No limit | Allowed |
| US (CIR/FDA) | No limit | No limit | Allowed |
| Japan (MHLW) | No limit | No limit | Allowed |
| ASEAN | No limit | No limit | Allowed |
| China (NMPA) | No limit | No limit | Allowed |
Typical Usage % by Product Type
| Product Type | Typical % |
|---|
| Serum | 0.1 - 2% |
| Moisturizer | 0.1 - 2% |
References
- Online research — publicly available sources