2 As a result, using kojic acid soap may help fade dark spots on your skin from acne scars or sun damage. Kojic acid soap is considered safe for your skin, but it may cause some side effects like irritation or sensitivity.
Kojic Acid can make your skin more sensitive to the harmful effects of sunlight. Hence it is advised to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing while using Kojic Acid. It is recommended to avoid tanning booths and sunlamps.
Kojic acid and derivatives present cytotoxicity to some cancerous cell lines, including melanoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, ovarian cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer. Regarding safety, kojic acid or its derivatives are safe molecules for human use in the concentrations tested.
Though kojic acid soaps can work on most skin types, experts say that those with sensitive or dry skin should be cautious as it may sometimes cause irritation. “Those with dry skin may want to opt for soaps with moisturizing properties,” advises Dr. Gohara. “Always do a patch test before using it regularly.”
Is kojic acid safe to use everyday? Yes, kojic acid is safe to use everyday. Depending on your skin's sensitivity, it can be used twice a day. Just remember, don't use kojic acid more than 3 months at a time because that can be damaging to your skin.
So ironically, in wanting to protect, your body could lead you to temporarily darken. So, while kojic acid is busy working on inhibiting melanin, your body may be counteracting by stimulating it. A classic battle of skincare wits! But remember folks, this isn't a long-term effect.
On the other hand, certain ingredients can trigger irritation and should be avoided if you're using kojic acid in your skincare routine. Harsh acids, like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), are a prime example, as well as certain retinoids.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns all healthcare professionals and the general public NOT TO PURCHASE AND USE unauthorized cosmetic product, KOJIC ORIGINAL.
If you have sensitive or easily irritated skin, Kojic acid may be preferable because it is gentler and less prone to cause irritation. Retinol, on the other hand, may be better suited to people with more robust skin because it might induce early irritation and peeling.
Kojic acid was deemed a “quasi-drug” and banned from the market in Japan by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in 2003 and subsequently in Korea and Switzerland due to safety concerns stemming from animal test results suggesting mutagenicity.
If you stop using kojic acid, your skin may gradually return to its original state, particularly if the underlying causes of hyperpigmentation are not addressed. To maintain the results, it's important to integrate kojic acid into a continuous skincare routine.
Kojic Acid Limit
The SCCS did note some concerns identified in animal models, although these do not directly translate to human responses. The EU Commission has thus restricted the use of this ingredient for skin brightening in face and hand products up to 1%.
Both are available over the counter and inhibit melanin production. However, Kojic acid is considered more potent and is thus a preferred choice for more stubborn hyperpigmentation.
Hydroquinone (HQ)
HQ is the agent of choice for skin lightening. Combining HQ with a steroid cream and tretinoin have superior efficacy when compared to HQ alone. Although it's considered safe, there may be side effects and is subject to pre-market approval by Health Sciences Authority (HSA).
Kojic acid may be helpful for people who have dark spots on their skin due to sun damage, aging, or scars. Some people with certain skin conditions or allergies may be advised not to use kojic acid, however. It is always best to talk to a dermatologist to make sure using products containing kojic acid is safe.
Alpha Arbutin has comparatively fewer risks than many whitening ingredients, including kojic acid, making it effective for dark spots and melanin overproduction.
Finally, all Kojie San products come with a unique sticker with a scannable QR code on the packaging to verify its authenticity. However, these codes cannot just be scanned by your regular phone camera. You will need to download the Hidden Tag application on your phone in order to scan it.
Risks and Precautions
Skin irritation: Kojic acid can dry and irritate some people's skin, especially if you already have sensitive skin. Allergies: Some people experience allergic reactions to kojic acid, resulting in an itchy and dry skin rash called contact dermatitis.
Kojic acid's properties allow it to be a bleaching agent when used in creams, gels, and other cosmetics. Kojic acid is similar to a chemical called hydroquinone. They are both effective treatments for hyperpigmentation.
Avoid using concentrated kojic acid on your skin daily if you have hypersensitive or reactive skin. It can make your skin more sensitive to sun damage. Therefore, always follow up with sunscreen during the day. It can also dry or irritate your skin if you have allergies or sensitivity.
Kojic acid captures copper ions, preventing the activation of tyrosinase, thus preventing the formation of melanin [12,14]. Due to its tyrosinase-inhibiting activity, KA is considered one of the most effective skin lightening agents in the beauty industry [15].