• Reduces melasma & pigmentation
  
• Fades dark spots & acne marks
  
• Evens out skin tone
  
• Brightens dull complexion
  
• Ideal for face & body formulations
  
• Works well with Niacinamide, Alpha Arbutin, Vitamin C
  
• Popular in Korean-style brightening skincare

Kojic Acid is a powerful water-soluble brightening ingredient widely used in skincare to reduce hyperpigmentation, melasma, dark spots, and acne marks. Extracted from fermented rice and mushrooms, it works by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production — giving skin a clearer, more even, radiant complexion.

Kojic Acid is best used in serums, creams, lotions, soaps, and professional brightening treatments.

Chemical Name: Kojic Acid

CAS Number: 501-30-4

Molecular Formula: C6H6O4

Molecular Weight: 142.11 g/mol

Appearance: White crystalline powder

Solubility: Water-soluble

Melting Point: ~153°C

Purity: ≥99%

Stability: Light-sensitive, heat-sensitive

Storage: Store in airtight container, cool/dry place away from sunlight

• Recommended dosage:

Creams/Serums: 1–3%
Lotions: 1–2%
Soaps: 2–5%

• Add to water phase below 40°C (heat destroys it)
• Best combined with:
  
  ✔ Niacinamide
  
  ✔ Alpha Arbutin
  
  ✔ Vitamin C
  
  ✔ Licorice Extract

💡 Always dissolve Kojic Acid in the water phase below 40°C. Higher temperatures can cause oxidation and turn the ingredient brown, reducing its effectiveness.

For faster results, pair Kojic Acid with Niacinamide and Alpha Arbutin in your formulation.

Normal ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Oily ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Dry ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (use with moisturizer)

Combination ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Sensitive ⭐⭐☆☆ (patch test required

Acne-prone ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (helps fade PIH)

1) Brightening Face Serum – 2% Kojic Acid (Water-Based)

Perfect for: Hyperpigmentation, uneven tone, dark spots

Ingredients:

• Kojic Acid – 2%
  
• Niacinamide – 4%
  
• Hyaluronic Acid – 1%
  
• Distilled Water – 90%
  
• Preservative (Methyl Paraben) – 0.5%
  
• Glycerin – 2.5%
  

Method:

1. Heat distilled water to 35–40°C.
   
2. Dissolve Kojic Acid + Glycerin into the warm water phase.
   
3. Add Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid.
   
4. Add preservative and mix well.
   

2) Whitening Body Lotion – 1.5–2% Kojic Acid

Perfect for: Underarms, elbows, knees, body pigmentation

Oil Phase:

• GMS (Glyceryl Monostearate) – 4%
  
• Cetearyl Alcohol – 3%
  
• White Mineral Oil – 8%
  
• Vitamin E Oil – 1%
  

Water Phase:

• Distilled Water – 80%
  
• Kojic Acid – 1.5–2%
  
• Glycerin – 3%
  

Cool Down:

• Preservative – 0.5%
  

Method:

Heat oil & water phases separately → combine → emulsify → cool → add Kojic Acid + preservative below 40°C.

3) Kojic Acid Soap (Melt & Pour) – 5%

Perfect for: Fast brightening, DIY skincare brands

Ingredients:

• Melt & Pour Soap Base – 94%
  
• Kojic Acid – 5%
  
• Fragrance – 1%
  

Method:

Melt base → dissolve Kojic Acid in a small amount of warm water (not hot) → mix → add fragrance → pour into molds.

4) Dark Spot Corrector Gel – 2% Kojic Acid

Fast absorption gel for acne marks & melasma

Ingredients:

• Distilled Water – 86%
  
• Kojic Acid – 2%
  
• Niacinamide – 4%
  
• Carbomer 940 – 0.5%
  
• Triethanolamine (neutralizer) – as needed
  
• Glycerin – 4%
  
• Preservative – 0.5%
  

Method:

Make Carbomer gel → mix glycerin + Kojic Acid → blend → neutralize → add Niacinamide + preservative → mix.

5) Kojic Acid + Alpha Arbutin Combo Serum

Premium brightening formula

Ingredients:

• Kojic Acid – 2%
  
• Alpha Arbutin – 2%
  
• Hyaluronic Acid – 1%
  
• Distilled Water – 89%
  
• Preservative – 0.5%
  

Method:

Dissolve Kojic Acid + Arbutin in water phase at 35–40°C → add HA → preserve → bottle.

6) Brightening Face Cream – 1% Kojic Acid

Gentle daily-use cream

Oil Phase:

• GMS – 4%
  
• Cetearyl Alcohol – 3%
  
• White Mineral Oil – 10%
  
• Vitamin E – 0.5%
  

Water Phase:

• Distilled Water – 78%
  
• Kojic Acid – 1%
  
• Glycerin – 3%
  

Cool Down:

• Preservative – 0.5%
  

7) Underarm Brightening Gel – 1.5% Kojic Acid

Non-greasy & fast absorbing

Ingredients:

• Distilled Water – 90%
  
• Kojic Acid – 1.5%
  
• Niacinamide – 3%
  
• Carbomer 940 – 0.6%
  
• TEA – as needed
  
• Glycerin – 4%
  
• Preservative – 0.5%
  

⭐ Pro Formulator Tips

• Never heat Kojic Acid above 40°C—it oxidizes and turns brown.
  
• Use airless or dark packaging to extend shelf life.
  
• Pair with Niacinamide, Alpha Arbutin, and Licorice for best results.
  
• Add antioxidant (Vitamin E) to reduce oxidation in creams.

Face Serums
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Very Good

Creams & Lotions
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good

Soaps
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent

Masks / Scrubs
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good

Q1. What is Kojic Acid used for?

Kojic Acid is a skin-brightening active used to reduce dark spots, melasma, uneven skin tone, and acne marks.

Q2. Is Kojic Acid safe for daily use?

Yes, it is safe at 1–3% in skincare products.

However, always apply sunscreen during the day to prevent re-darkening.

Q3. Does Kojic Acid bleach the skin?

No. Kojic Acid does not bleach—it gently brightens and evens out the complexion.

Q4. What percentage should I use?

• Serums: 1–3%
  
• Creams/Lotions: 1–2%
  
• Soaps: 2–5%
  

Q5. How do I dissolve Kojic Acid?

Kojic Acid is water-soluble.

Dissolve it in the water phase below 40°C to avoid oxidation.

Q6. Why does Kojic Acid turn brown?

It oxidizes when exposed to:

• Heat
  
• Light
  
• Air
  
  Store it in a cool, dark, airtight container.
  

Q7. Can I mix Kojic Acid with Niacinamide?

Yes! Kojic Acid + Niacinamide is an excellent brightening combination.

Q8. Can it be used on sensitive skin?

It may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Start with 1%, do a patch test, and moisturize well.

Q9. Is it good for acne-prone skin?

Yes. It helps fade post-acne dark marks (PIH), making skin clearer over time.

Q10. Does Kojic Acid work for underarms and body darkness?

Yes. Kojic Acid lotions (1–2%) are effective for:

• Underarms
  
• Elbows
  
• Knees
  
• Neck
  
• Body pigmentation
  

Q11. Can pregnant women use Kojic Acid?

Consult a dermatologist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Q12. Can I use it in a gel or cream?

Yes — as long as you dissolve it properly in the water phase before forming the gel or cream.

Q13. Can Kojic Acid be used with Vitamin C?

Yes, but keep the formula stable and pH-controlled for best results.

Q14. Does Kojic Acid cause sun sensitivity?

Not directly, but brightening products need daily sunscreen to prevent the return of pigmentation.

Q15. Is Kojic Acid suitable for all skin types?

Mostly yes — but dry and sensitive skin should use lower percentages and add hydration.