Kojic Acid

High-Purity Active for Professional Skin Brightening and Dark Spot Correction

INCI Name: Kojic Acid

A high-purity crystalline powder, Kojic Acid is a renowned cosmetic active for its potent skin brightening capabilities. It functions as a powerful tyrosinase inhibitor, effectively reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and freckles. As a natural antioxidant, it also helps protect skin from environmental stressors, making it ideal for creating targeted brightening treatments that promote a more even, radiant skin tone.

Solubility Notes:

Water-soluble. Dissolve in the water phase; gentle heating can aid dissolution. For optimal stability and efficacy, maintain formulation pH between 4.0 and 6.0.

Perfect For These Applications

Other cosmetic uses possible—contact us for formulation guidance.

Brightening Serums

Delivers a concentrated dose to effectively target and fade dark spots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Dark Spot Correctors

Ideal for potent spot treatments designed to address specific areas of discoloration with precision and high efficacy.
Face Creams & Moisturizers

Incorporates into daily-use creams and lotions to promote an overall even and radiant skin tone over time.
Exfoliating Treatments

Combines well with AHAs in peels and cleansers to enhance exfoliation and accelerate the reduction of surface-level discoloration.
Body Lotions

Effectively targets hyperpigmentation on the body, such as sun spots on the hands and décolletage, in brightening body care products.
Brightening Cleansers

Provides gentle brightening action in daily facial cleansers to support a clear, even complexion and help prevent future discoloration.

Performance & Formulation Insights for Kojic Acid

Mechanism of Action: Tyrosinase Inhibition

Kojic Acid provides its potent skin-brightening effects by inhibiting tyrosinase, the key enzyme responsible for melanin production. It works by chelating the copper ion within the enzyme’s active site, rendering it inactive. This targeted action blocks the pathway that converts tyrosine into melanin, helping prevent new hyperpigmentation and fade existing dark spots, sun spots, and post-inflammatory marks. As an antioxidant, Kojic Acid also helps neutralize free radicals that contribute to uneven skin tone.

Formulation Guidelines for Stability and Efficacy

Kojic Acid is supplied as a high-purity, water-soluble crystalline powder. Dissolve it in the water phase of your formulation; gentle heating (up to 40°C) can aid dissolution. pH control is critical for stability and performance—maintain a final formulation pH of 4.0–6.0. Outside this range, Kojic Acid efficacy decreases and the material is more prone to oxidation, which may cause the product to yellow or brown over time. To enhance stability, incorporate antioxidants (e.g., Tocopherol, Ferulic Acid) and use air-protective, opaque packaging. Recommended usage level: 1–4%.

Key Formulation Benefits

Potent Tyrosinase Inhibitor: Directly targets the source of hyperpigmentation for visible brightening results.
Visibly Reduces Dark Spots: Recognized for fading the appearance of age spots, sun spots, and post-acne marks.
Promotes Even Skin Tone: Helps create a more uniform, luminous complexion by correcting areas of discoloration.
Dual Antioxidant Action: Scavenges free radicals to protect skin and helps minimize in-formula oxidation.
High-Purity Powder Form: Ensures potency and allows precise dosing across serums, emulsions, and gels.
Synergistic Effects: Pairs well with Vitamin C, Niacinamide, and Arbutin for a multi-pathway approach.

Heading #1
Benefits	Brightening & Skin Lightening, Dark Spot Reduction, Even Skin Tone, Tyrosinase Inhibition
INCI Name	Kojic Acid
Usage Rate	1%-4%
Active Type	Biotech/Fermentation Actives, Fermented Ingredients
Solubility	Water-Soluble
Application Area	Body, Eye, Face, Lip
Physical Form	Powder
Certifications	Cruelty-Free, Vegan

Frequently Asked Questions About Kojic Acid

The typical and recommended usage rate for Kojic Acid in cosmetic formulations is between 1% and 4%, depending on the desired intensity of the product.

Kojic Acid is prone to oxidation when exposed to air, light, or pH levels outside its stable range (4.0–6.0). This color change indicates oxidation and can be minimized by formulating with antioxidants, controlling the pH, and using airless or opaque packaging.

For maximum stability and efficacy, maintain the final product pH between 4.0 and 6.0.

Yes. Kojic Acid pairs well with other brightening agents like Vitamin C, Niacinamide, and Arbutin, and can be combined with AHAs to help accelerate the fading of surface-level discoloration.

It inhibits the tyrosinase enzyme, which is essential for melanin production. By blocking this process, it helps prevent the formation of new dark spots and fades existing ones.

Kojic Acid is water-soluble. Add it to the water phase of your formulation; gentle warming can help it dissolve completely.

Contact An Expert

Only 4 fields to get started. An expert will respond within 1 business day.

Your Samples Are Waiting

You've selected the following samples:

You haven't added any samples yet! Visit our product pages to select samples you'd like to request. Once you've added samples, return here to complete your request.

Ready to try them out?

Log In

Cookie Notice

The website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. View our Privacy Policy to learn more.