What skin types is Kojic Acid good for?

Kojic Acid is best suited for Normal, Combination, Oily skin types.

What can you mix with Kojic Acid?

Kojic Acid works well with Niacinamide, Alpha Arbutin, Vitamin C. These combinations are generally safe and can enhance results.

Is Kojic Acid safe to use every day?

Kojic Acid can generally be used in the morning. Recommended concentration: 1–4%.

Kojic Acid

Kojic Acid

Also known as: Koji Acid

Brightening

“A fungus-derived tyrosinase inhibitor that targets melanin production at the source.”

Skin types

Normal, Combination

Pore-clogging

Non-comedogenic

Use when

Morning

Concentration

1–4%

What it does

Kojic acid is a chelating agent produced as a by-product of sake fermentation, derived from fungi like Aspergillus oryzae. It inhibits tyrosinase by chelating copper ions essential for enzyme activity, thereby reducing melanin synthesis. It is used in brightening formulations, though it is less stable than alpha arbutin and may cause irritation or contact dermatitis in some individuals.

Benefits

Inhibits melanin production through tyrosinase chelation
Fades dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone
Effective for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

How to layer

☀️ Morning routine

Cleanser

Toner

Serum

Moisturiser

SPF

After toning, before moisturiser

Good for

Normal skinCombination skinOily skin

Works well with

Niacinamide ›Alpha Arbutin ›Vitamin C ›

Heads up

⚠Can cause contact sensitisation and dermatitis in some users
⚠Unstable in formulations — oxidises and turns pink/orange
⚠Less well-tolerated than alternatives like alpha arbutin or tranexamic acid

How to use

Use at night. Start with lower concentrations to assess tolerance. Patch test is strongly recommended.

Typical concentration: 1–4%