This can leave behind a dark spot that can often be. Studies show that Kojic Acid alone is less effective than 2% hydroquinone in treating hyperpigmentation. If your goal with KA is to treat melasma, then there is a tiny disappointment in there for you. She covers all things skincare for Byrdie, from ingredients to acne advice. (2015). According to Dr. Parul Khot, dermatologist and cosmetologist, Mumbai, Kojic acid is a skin brightening compound found naturally in nature. Kojic acid can do wonders for your skin and to help you learn all about it, our beauty editor, Nicole Saunders, tapped a few board-certified dermatologists for their inside knowledge on this rising skincare ingredient. Kojic Acid may not be the best skin-lightener out there, but its still a good contender especially when used with other brightening agents, like glycolic acid and niacinamide. Many people, especially those with darker skin tones, may be concerned or confused when kojic acid products are touted to be skin lightening or skin whitening. If youre wondering if this word is code for skin bleaching, rest assured that when used as directed in safe formulations, kojic acid will not bleach your skin. Mandelic Acid vs Azelaic Acid: Which One Should You Choose? "Vitamin C protects the skin from oxidative free radical damage and works best in the morning," says Dr. Marchbein. Also, don't skimp on sunscreen to avoid potential sun sensitivity while using kojic acid skincare products. A variety of home remedies use lemon juice that contains vitamin c to help brighten skin and, Let us now look at how Vitamin C is used in skincare products. Two popular products include the PCA SKIN Pigment Bar and the Marie France Kojic Acid (Maximum Strength). Read on to learn how to avoid some common pitfalls. Kojic Acid works. Mikailov adds there aren't a lot of reported side effects of kojic acid when used at a concentration of 1% or less. Biodegradable kojic acid-based polymers: Controlled delivery of bioactives for melanogenesis inhibition. All three experts recommend leave-on kojic acid products, like face serums and creams such as SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense, rather than rinse-off products, like face washes. 1 Dermatologists often combine it with hydroquinone for a synergistic, prescription-strength lightening agent, notes Bhanusali. Final report of the safety assessment of kojic acid as used in cosmetics. Stick to the real thing. Do. "It combines kojic acid, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid to provide a multi-pronged approach to . If the insecurity around concentration of kojic acid is a concern or if youre worried about rewarding brands for their problematic naming tactics, alternatives abound. If you seek to improve the look of discolouration on your skin caused by sun damage, melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that occurs after a blemish, kojic acid can be the answer you are looking for. You need to use Kojic Acid twice a day every day for at least a couple of months to see results. It may help fight off several common types of bacterial strains even in small dilutions. Although irritation is unlikely, one should always do a patch test before complete application. Whenever we go to a beauty store or a stand and inquire about brightening formulations, we are often introduced to products containing vitamin c. The word to look for is ascorbic acid (also known as. HAIR LENGTH The results? It is essentially made up of various types of fungi and is principally used in the skincare industry for its skin brightening, and antioxidant properties. Read our, 9 Ways to Get Rid of Uneven Skin Texture, According to a Dermatologist, LEARN ABOUT BYRDIE'S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES, Kojic acid applications in cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations, Glycolic Acid peels/azelaic Acid 20% cream combination and low potency triple combination lead to similar reduction in melasma severity in ethnic skin: results of a randomized controlled study. If you throw too much at your skin, you risk turning it into a dry, red, flaky mess. Let us first delve into what each of these ingredients is. It can manifest itself as redness, irritation, itchiness, rashes, swollen skin, or pain and discomfort. Kojic acid is a byproduct of the fermentation process of certain foods such as rice wine, soy sauce, and Japanese sake. PRODUCTS You likely already know about (and probably use) glycolic and salicylic acids in your beauty routine, but there's another somewhat under-the-radar acid that deserves some time in the skincare spotlightparticularly if your goal is a brighter, more even complexion. a potent antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals, Because of its antioxidant properties, Vit C aids in your skin's natural regeneration process, which helps your body repair damaged skin cells. (2012). Our content does not constitute a medical consultation. While kojic acid will not be too helpful for thick scar tissue, it will definitely work on the superficial appearance of scars and prevent future resurgence. All rights reserved. Benn E, et al. Those with super sensitive skin or eczema should do a test on the inside of the wrist before use, just to be safe. In the low concentrations used in skincare products (anything too high will irritate skin, remember? Lip balms infused with the compound should be used in combination with an SPF to help lighten lips and prevent further darkening due to factors like constant lip-licking or smoking. to our readers every single time. It has vitamin C mixed with ferulic acid (protects against free radicals). Mixing kojic acid powder in with other products is an exact science, and DIYing it could result in an ultra-concentrated mixture which could harm you. Take the Salon Home With Dip-Powder Nail Kits, Expert Picks: Best Razors for Sensitive Skin, 7 Hair-Dryer Brushes for a Bouncy At-Home Blowout, 7 Shampoo Bars for an Eco-Friendly Hair Routine, 12 Best Spray Sunscreens to Use This Summer, 11 Beauty Editor-Approved Sephora Sale Must-Haves, Shop Florence by Mills New Eye Makeup Collection, 25 Celebrity Beauty Brands Beyond Fenty Beauty, Editor-Loved Best New Beauty Products for Spring, Elevate Your Glow-Up With These Self-Tanners. You can use kojic acid to treat areas of hyperpigmentation or scarring, but you shouldnt use it in an attempt to lighten your natural complexion. This roundup covers our top picks for best scar creams, from the best overall to creams for postsurgery, old scars, and fading discoloration. If you can take everything, heres a good regimen to follow: If you find this skincare regimen is too harsh for you, remove something. By inhibiting tyrosinase, you regulate the production of melanin, so it stops releasing any excess pigment. "Vitamin C and hydroxy acid products could potentially be used together, as they both work in acidic environments," Chang said, adding that "because both are made in acidic formulations, the combination can be more irritating for the skin." To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. When compared to Kojic acid, vitamin C is less effective. "Its also less likely to cause an overly-white appearance of the skin, making it a good option for people with darker complexions who'd be more likely to [experience extreme lightening] from using other ingredients," says Nazarian. She's not the only fan of this natural and vegan-friendly bar. (check my acne scars removal guide for best treatments), How To Fade Away The Dark Marks Left Behind By Pimples, Why You Should Never Use Soap To Wash Your Face, The Best Skincare Routine To Fade Away Dark Spots. Now everythings back under control, your dark spots slowly go back to their natural lighter colour. Plus, they share a few of their favorite kojic acid product recommendations, which all boast glowing online reviews across trusted retailers like Amazon, Dermstore, and Credo. 400 likes, 226 comments - Ashley Nordman (@ashnordman) on Instagram: "Bye bye melasma, hyperpigmentation and acne scars These brightening pads are LIFE! inject Kojic Acid into the skin. Kojic acid applications in cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations. Kojic acid can help deal with bacterial skin infections like acne and fungal skin infections like athlete's foot, ringworm and yeast infections on the skin. Can It Make Your Skin Darker/Cause Ochronosis? and get the best of tips and tricks from the experts of BeBeautiful. Creams and serums containing kojic acid need to be administered time to absorb into the skin thoroughly. Medically reviewed by Minimalist Health Specialist - Written by Aheli Sen (Fashion & Beauty Expert) on 23rdNov 2020. It can also be produced by fermenting soy sauce and rice wine. Related: What Skincare Ingredients Should You Avoid During Pregnancy? As we mentioned, mushrooms are the source of kojic acid, a byproduct of various fungi that also occurs as the result of the fermentation of certain Asian foods, such as soy sauce and rice wine, explains Chang. But if the product you use has comedogenic ingredients, you may still get a breakout or two. Henry also advises slowly incorporating kojic acid into your routine by using it a couple of times a week and increasing the frequency up to twice daily depending on how well your skin tolerates the ingredient and each brand's instructions. Contact dermatitis is the most common side effect of kojic acid. It looks like an orange semi-soft soap brick, that you can use to lather up foam and wash your face with. They can help you decide about the best and safest course of action. It's the perfect reset button for playing dermatologist at home," says Saunders. Kojic acid is also considered to have some antifungal benefits. Sumona Bose is a writer, skincare junkie and a self-professed makeup connoisseur. Or you can just put on moisturizer and go! Those hunting for the fountain of youth know that antioxidants will put them on the path. Melasma is a skin condition thats particularly prevalent in pregnant women (say that three times fast) which causes dark patches, typically on the face. Stay away from soaps and get yourself a cream instead. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to avoid bar soaps. Yes, most kojic acid soaps are formulated by combining the gentle ingredient with other nourishing compounds like vitamin E and glycerin. Main benefits: Fades discoloration, 2 brightens skin, reduces the appearance of acne scars. (Its often quoted as a more natural alternative to hydroquinone.). (2019). (2014). It works by interfering with one of. Stick with brands that can manufacture safe formulations like those in the products above. Kojic Acid is a skin-lightener that can fade away all kinds of hyperpigmentation, including: Related: How To Fade Away The Dark Marks Left Behind By Pimples. It is the only way to realize if your skin will react to the serum. While Vitamin C has been around for a long time, kojic acid is more recent on the beauty scene. While serums typically come after toners and exfoliating, often there are serums that do a little acid work themselves. Kojic acid helps fade dark spots, while azelaic acid, a well-tolerated skincare ingredient, targets inflammation and irritation, promotes skin cell turnover, and even helps minimize bacteria growth. Dont fall for the hype. Equipped with a Master's degree in Fashion Management and over 3 years of experience writing in the beauty and fashion space, her passion for learning new things has no bounds. A. Kojic Acid itself isnt classified as comedogenic, so it wont make you breakout. A variety of home remedies use lemon juice that contains vitamin c to help brighten skin and reduce hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C does not alter the natural skin color; it only helps fade out dark brown spots. Do not apply kojic acid on skin that is either damaged or broken. Contact dermatitis is most common in those with sensitive skin, or in individuals using a product with a higher concentration than 1 percent of kojic acid. Kojic acid, a cosmetic skin whitening agent, is a slow-binding inhibitor of catecholase activity of tyrosinase. Main Benefits: Inhibits an enzyme necessary in the production of melanin, helping to fade dark spots and discoloration. It has an anti-aging effect. Its way more stable than Kojic Acid, BUT theres no proof it can lighten dark spots and discolourations.