Topical Hydroquinone has a faster onset of action and higher efficacy compared to kojic acid with Vitamin C.
Alpha arbutin is beneficial for dark spots and melanin overproduction because it has fewer hazards than several whitening agents, such as kojic acid . However, kojic acid has been shown to be more effective than alpha-arbutin. It is important to note that both ingredients can be harsh on the skin if not used properly.
Kojic acid should be diluted to concentrations of no more than 4 percent. A concentration of 1 to 2 percent is recommended to reduce the chance of skin irritation. Trying to add raw kojic acid to creams or lotions may be difficult and result in levels that are irritating to the skin.
Acne Control: Kojic acid can help lessen the appearance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation brought on by acne, while azelaic acid has been shown to be effective in treating acne and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Both Glutathione and Kojic Acid have their own place in skincare, but if your goal is to fade dark spots, reduce pigmentation, and achieve a bright, even skin tone quickly, Kojic Acid is the superior choice.
Conclusion: The results of the study show that 4% Hydroquinone cream is a better topical hypopigmenting agent with rapid rate of clinical improvement when compared to 0.75% Kojic Acid cream.
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).
Salicylic acid
It is an exfoliating agent that removes dark spots and acne-causing bacteria along with dead skin cells that can lead to pigmentation. However, you need to be patient while using salicylic acid to treat hyperpigmentation.
As such, Kojic acid may be better for general pigmentation concerns and overall skin brightening. On the other hand, Tranexamic acid skincare is specifically beneficial for hyperpigmentation linked to inflammatory conditions like melasma and post acne marks.
Kojic acid works on only one cause, inhibiting melanin production, and is ineffective against the other two chief reasons. It also comes with its cautions and probable effects such as itching, inflammation, burning, redness, and increased skin sensitivity, leading to more sunburns.
Conclusions. We conclude that azelaic acid may be better than hydroquinone in reducing melasma severity as measured by the MASI. However, no significant difference between both treatments regarding the side effects.
The Brightening Superstar, Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Vitamin C is the best when it comes to skin lightening. Ascorbic acid, the most concentrated form of vitamin C, is a powerful antioxidant that can prevent the synthesis of melanin and lessen the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark patches.
Glycolic acid has now become one of the most recommended skincare ingredients for hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and dullness treatment. If you are in search of the best serum for hyperpigmentation, you can choose the one that comes with glycolic acid.
Kojic Acid further enhances the brightening effect by inhibiting melanin production, while Niacinamide helps to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of pores.
Alpha arbutin works by blocking melanin biosynthesis in the body; therefore, it may harm the natural skin pigmentation in higher concentrations. Hence, you should not use it above the recommended dosage.
How is alpha arbutin better than kojic acid? It is gentle on the skin: Unlike kojic acid, which can cause stinging, irritation, or redness, alpha arbutin is much milder, making it suitable for all skin types.
How long should you take oral tranexamic acid for melasma to see gains? Oral tranexamic acid treatment benefits maximize after taking it for eight to twelve weeks. During this time, it limits a cellular process involved in producing melanin, the pigment that makes your skin dark and causes freckles.
Niacinamide. This superhero skincare ingredient beautifully complements kojic acid's brightening properties. It also protects the skin against environmental damage, soothes irritation, boosts collagen production, and regulates oil production so you can cover all of your skincare bases!
In terms of potency, Kojic Acid is stronger than Alpha Arbutin. Its ability to inhibit tyrosinase more effectively makes it a popular choice for treating severe hyperpigmentation and melasma. While less potent, Alpha Arbutin offers a safer and more consistent approach to brightening the skin.
One of the newest topical pigment-lightening ingredients in the OTC realm is tranexamic acid.
Deoxyarbutin. Deoxyarbutin (Chemical structure 22, Figure 4) was shown to be an effective inhibitor of mushroom TYR in vitro more potent than hydroquinone and arbutin [100,101].
Kojic acid's antibacterial properties can help reduce breakouts for those with oily skin. Glutathione works well for all skin types vs kojic acid and is especially beneficial for those with dry or sensitive skin due to its gentle nature and hydrating benefits.