Kojic acid is made from several different types of fungi, and it may also be produced as a by-product when certain foods, such as soy sauce and rice wine, are fermented. In this article, we learn in more detail about the health benefits of kojic acid, and its possible side effects.

How does kojic acid work?

Kojic acid inhibits the formation of tyrosine, an amino acid essential for melanin production. Melanin is a natural pigment in the body that gives the eyes, hair and skin their color, so kojic acid can have a quick effect; Because it inhibits the production of melanin, which may have a lightening effect on the skin.

What are the uses of kojic acid?

• Kojic acid is sometimes used in the food industry as a natural preservative.
• It may also be used in some cosmetics such as serums or creams to lighten the skin, and its concentration in these preparations often ranges between 1% to 4%.
• Kojic acid is sometimes used in health products to treat skin conditions, such as sun damage, scars, and age spots.
• It is also used in some types of soap intended for use on the hands or face, or on other parts of the body such as the legs and arms.

kojic acid soap

The original kojic acid soap is beneficial for the face and body. It may help prevent bacterial and fungal infections on the body. It may also be used to lighten the face when exposed to visible sun damage, age spots or scars.

Unlike other kojic acid products such as serums, which must be applied to the skin and left and absorbed, kojic soap is applied to the skin and washed off afterwards.

kojic acid benefits

Benefits of using products containing this acid may include:

• Possessing an anti-aging effect, products containing kojic may lighten the skin, improving the appearance of age spots and sun damage, and reducing dark spots may have an anti-aging effect.
• Kojic acid can be used for pregnant women, it may help reduce pregnancy cost, which is the darkening of the skin due to pregnancy.
• Reducing the appearance of scars. It may reduce dark pigmentation associated with certain types of scars, lightening the scar and making it less noticeable.
• Possessing antifungal benefits, it is thought that it may be useful in preventing and treating some types of fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot and yeast infections.
• Possessing antibacterial effects, it may also help reduce the chances of developing common types of bacterial skin infections.

Are kojic acid products safe to use?

Beauty products are not regulated in the same way that medicines and foods are regulated. The law does not require beauty products to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before they can be sold.

But the FDA still has a voluntary registration program for cosmetic manufacturers where these companies can report how their products are manufactured.

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Panel of Experts reviews the safety of these products, and the CIR panel of experts has agreed that kojic acid can be used safely in cosmetics.

Tips for using kojic acid

Before using products that contain kojic acid, it is important to make sure that they are safe. Here are the most important tips to make the most of kojic acid:

• Products and preparations containing this acid should be used gradually; In order to know the ability of the skin to tolerate acid.
• Apply a suitable sunscreen to your skin if you are exposed to the sun while using products that contain acid.
• Apply thin amounts of creams containing kojic acid to the skin, in addition to using products containing a concentration not exceeding 4%.
• Adhere to the doctor’s or pharmacist’s instructions on how to use the preparations.
• Avoid placing products containing kojic acid near the eyes, nose, or external genitals.

Kojic acid side effects

This acid has few risks, and noticeable side effects are rare. These risks include:

• Contact dermatitis, the symptoms of which include: skin irritation, rash, itchy skin.
• Increased sensitivity of the skin and the occurrence of hypersensitivity reactions, which may lead to serious complications, such as dermatitis.
• increased risk of sunburn; Due to the decrease in melanin, which protects the skin from sun damage caused by UV rays.