Keep in mind that these products are not meant to hydrate, so you’ll still want to follow up with a moisturizer (and as always, SPF!). Powder? Nope! Mix 1-2teaspoon (about 5-10 grams) in with a small amount of vegetable oil or any oil. Glycerin can also be used. Do not use water. Place the mixture into a stainless steel pot, and use the double boiling method. Place the pot on top of another pot with warm water under heat. Mix, and wait until the powder has fully dissolved with the oil (it should not be grainy or powdery).

You can mix Kojic Acid powder with water or a lotion to make a cream like mixture which then can be applied to the affected areas. To avoid any kind of major side effects, you should take the following precautions while using kojic acid products:A review of kojic acid found that some studies in mice suggested there was a link to tumor growth when the acid was used in high concentrations. Murphy Rose is a fan of Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense because it fights hyperpigmentation with an effective combination of 1% kojic acid, 3% tranexamic acid, and 5% niacinamide. She recommends using it twice daily and always pairing it with mineral sunscreen in the morning for broadspectrum protection against sunburns and signs of aging. While kojic dipalmitate can be used on its own, its benefits can be heightened by using it in combination with both AHAs like lactic acid, glycolic acid, vitamin C and arbutin.

Not recommended for damaged or injured skin. You’ll want to avoid using kojic acid on compromised skin. If you have a cut or any active acne spots, wait for them to heal up before you start treating any associated scarring. Caroline Robinson, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Tone Dermatology in Chicago, IL. Dr. Robinson and her team treat a full range of skin conditions, with particular focus on cosmetic dermatology, preventative skincare, and ethnic skin dermatology. People who develop a rash or irritation when using products containing kojic acid should stop using them immediately. If symptoms do not clear up in a few days, it is best to see a doctor. Kojic acid is a chemical derived from sugars found in corn starch and rice, it is also a by-product of fermented soy sauce and rice wine. It has good anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, making it ideal for treating acne, dry skin, and other blemishes. The industrial production of kojic acid are fermented by fungi, mostly Aspergillus species that can be easily isolated and identified by the presence of an acid-producing enzyme called tyrosinase to form this acid, it’s from the chelating agent of different fungi, such as Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus parasitica, Aspergillus flavus, etc. Among the most efficient kojic acid producers are Aspergillus flavus number 7 and Aspergillus oryzae. Both species can use corn steep liquor as a by-product medium, but the latter has the potential to produce higher levels of kojic acid. Typically, kojic acid starts showing results within two weeks. If you want to see faster results, you may add glycolic acid to the treatment.Melasma is a common issue related to pregnancy in women and shows up as dark patches on the face and body. Kojic acid may be helpful in dealing with the melasma of the skin. iv) Inhibits future appearance of scars: Creams and lotions are made up of a high water content usually 50 to 80 percent water and the remainder are oils, additives and an emulsifier that allows oil and water to mix (the difference in creams and lotions is mainly water content, creams being lower in water & higher in oils). When you mix kojic acid powder it dissolves due to the water content and when the lotion is heated first slightly it will dissolve and incorporate faster and helps your lotion to not be gritty from undissolved kojic acid, but if it is a little gritty at first it will eventually dissolve without re-heating. Kojic acid dipalmitate (KAD) is a derivate of kojic acid which is popularly used due to the fact it doesn't diminish in substances after long periods, unlike typical kojic acid. Kojic Dipalmitate is an ester of Kojic Acid offering superior stability. Kojic Acid itself can be prone to instability with color-changes occurring over time, whereas Kojic Dipalmitate retains its stability for longer. It's more potent and lasts longer thereby giving you better results. It inhibits and prevents the formation of tyrosine, which is an amino acid that’s needed to produce melanin thereby giving a lightening effect. Heat lotion while stirring, so it heats uniformly until watery @ 100F – 110F Fahrenheit = 38C – 43C Celsius MAX (Do not add kojic acid powder yet) Yes, kojic acid will help fade dark spots and all types of discoloration, including melasma, sun spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The ingredient works well on its own or alongside other brightening ingredients, like niacinamide and vitamin C, and chemical exfoliators, such as lactic acid or glycolic acid. An unlike hydroquinone (a powerful, but controversial skin brightener) kojic acid is a suitable option for those with darker skin tones. Does kojic acid permanently lighten skin?

Desai S, et al. (2019). Effect of a tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide containing serum on facial dyschromia: A clinical evaluation.If you use kojic acid for a long time, your skin may get sensitive to the sun. It is always recommended to wear sunscreen and protective clothing to avoid sun damage. Kojic acid is an expert in treating hyperpigmentation or scarring. But you must not use it just to lighten your pigmented skin. If you are using it for any particular skin conditions, you should consult a dermatologist for the best and safest way to use kojic acid.

Kojic Acid is a key ingredient in many commercial-brand dark spot erasers and lightening creams, soaps, and serums. Kojic Acid works by preventing the formation of excess melanin, resulting in the fading of unwanted blemishes/ dark spots and a clearer even skin tone. Product Summary (Kojic Acid Powder)

5. Did you know?

Wang YH, et al. (2015). Quantitative determination of α-arbutin, β-arbutin, kojic acid, nicotinamide, hydroquinone, resorcinol, 4-methoxyphenol, 4-ethoxyphenol, and ascorbic acid from skin whitening products by HPLC-UV. The body produces melanin with the assistance of tyrosine, an amino acid. Kojic Acid stops the function of tyrosine, which in turn stops melanin production.