For your skin
A brightening ingredient derived from fungi that fades dark spots and evens skin tone.
Want the science? Keep reading ↓Mechanism of action
Fungal metabolite that chelates copper at tyrosinase’s active site to slow melanin synthesis.
Why we tier this moderate
8 cited papers across 5 countries. The mechanism is well-described and there's at least one controlled trial in the literature, but we tier this Moderate rather than Strong to stay honest about how many specific papers we cite directly.
Layering matrix
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Cited research
Chang YF et al., Efficacy and safety of topical agents in the treatment of melasma: a network meta-analysis, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2023;22(4):1168-1176 — MA finding kojic acid comparably effective with low irritation for melasma
Park JH et al., Evaluating the tolerance and efficacy of laser-assisted delivery of tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and kojic acid for melasma: A single center, prospective, split-face trial, Dermatologic Therapy 2022;35(3):e15287 — laser-assisted delivery of TXA/niacinamide/kojic acid produced greater melasma improvement vs laser alone
Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS). Opinion on Kojic Acid (CAS No. 501-30-4). SCCS/1637/21. Preliminary opinion October 26-27, 2021; Final opinion adopted March 15-16, 2022; Corrigendum August 2023. Concludes kojic acid is safe as a skin lightening agent in cosmetic products at concentrations up to 1%, with caveats regarding peeling agent combinations and endocrine disruption concerns.
Austin E et al., Topical Treatments for Melasma: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials, Journal of Drugs in Dermatology 2019;18(11):1156-1171 — SR of topical melasma RCTs evaluating kojic acid among agents
Hollinger JC et al., Are Natural Ingredients Effective in the Management of Hyperpigmentation? A Systematic Review, Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology 2018;11(2):28-37 — SR of natural depigmenting ingredients including kojic acid
Singh BK et al., Kojic Acid Peptide: A New Compound with Anti-Tyrosinase Potential, Annals of Dermatology 2016;28(5):555-561 — kojic acid peptide inhibits tyrosinase and reduces melanin without cytotoxicity, addressing the instability/toxicity limits of native kojic acid
Deo KS et al., Kojic acid vis-a-vis its combinations with hydroquinone and betamethasone valerate in melasma: a randomized, single blind, comparative study of efficacy and safety, Indian Journal of Dermatology 2013;58(4):281-5 — kojic acid + hydroquinone superior depigmenting agent over 12 weeks
Lim JT, Treatment of melasma using kojic acid in a gel containing hydroquinone and glycolic acid, Dermatologic Surgery 1999;25(4):282-284 — split-face trial isolating the added benefit of 2% kojic acid for melasma
Sources: 10 clinical journals and regulatory databases across the US, EU, Korea, Japan, and China. Every entry points to a specific document. See methodology for the full list and what each outcome label means.