Kojic acid is a product created from rice wine, soy sauce, or certain types of fungi. It is often used to lighten skin, either dark spots or a general lightening of the skin, through topical use. It can be found in many skincare products due to its ability to lighten or remove dark spots. There is some chance of allergic reaction so it is best to check with a doctor or dermatologist if skin is sensitive or reacts to other products easily.

Preservative

Also used as a preservative in some foods, it is safe for most people, and can be used in a wide variety of products. Due to its wide range of uses it can be found in food products, health products, and beauty supplies like skin care and cosmetics. It is available in products both over the counter and by prescription, and can have different concentrations but is generally between one and four percent.

Lotion

Mostly used on the hands and face, there are also products available that can be used on the entire body. It can be found in products from soaps to serums, some of which are washed off immediately and some that are left to soak into the skin. The choice of which type of product is best for you is personal and depends upon your goals and as well as the recommendation of your dermatologist. Products that stay on the skin to be absorbed over time will work faster and get stronger results than soap or other product that washes off immediately after application. These may also have a stronger concentration in serum-type products than there is in a soap or even a lotion. A lotion will also provide moisture retention and other nutrients to help maintain skin health with use.

Melanin

Kojic acid works by affecting the way that the body creates melanin. The melanin is what causes skin pigmentation and color. Lower melanin creates lighter skin and extra or increased melanin production produces the dark spots or a darker skin color. Kojic acid creates a balance in which the body creates less melanin and it is unable to build up in the skin, which will prevent dark spots from occurring. It can also be used in treating acne by treating the cause of acne breakouts and reducing their occurrence.

While it is safe for most people, it may cause contact allergies in some, so it is best to try a patch of skin first for safety, or consult with your doctor or dermatologist to ascertain its safety. It can on occasion cause skin changes that are not as they intended, or in places that the change wasn’t intended to happen. It can cause the skin to become lighter than intended, or when used on lighter skin it may cause it to become darker than what the goal was. Kojic acid can be used easily under doctor supervision and is easily available.

Looking for 100% chemical-free, all-natural nourishing face and body oils? Check out Earth & Elm Nourishing Face Oil and Earth & Elm Nourishing Body Oil. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral health and skincare. If you are looking for more health resources check out the Trusted Health Resources list. 

Written By:

Kassandra Foreman has been writing freelance for five years now and enjoys learning about new things to write about. When not writing she teaches yoga and meditation with a focus on health and fitness.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com