Benefits of Kojic Acid – Nivea India

Kojic Acid for Skin: Uses, Benefits and More

Kojic acid is a chemical which is produced by different types of fungi. It also happens to be the by-product of fermented rice wine, Japanese sake and soy sauce. The benefits of kojic acid include treating melasma and reducing the appearance of scars and dark spots. Kojic acid is also used in the food industry as a form of preservative. However, primarily, the main use of kojic acid is for the purpose of cosmetic products and health.


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Keynote

  1. Kojic acid is the by-product of certain fungi, fermented rice wine, Japanese sake and soy sauce.
  2. Kojic acid helps treat melasma, scars, age spots caused by sun damage.
  3. It is anti-fungal and anti-bacterial in properties.
  4. Kojic acid in products should only be 1 or 2 percent in concentration.

What is Kojic Acid?

Kojic acid is a versatile acid that is used on both fruits and vegetables, and humans. Kojic acid uses for the skin are undeniable. It is used in the pharmaceutical industry and also as a preservative for foods. In the cosmetic industry, it is used in concentrations of either 1 per cent or less. Kojic acid helps to lighten your skin. You are likely to find kojic acid in creams, serums, cleansers and soaps. The products that contain kojic acid are often used for certain body parts, like your face and your hands. Mostly, kojic acid is safe to use when it comes to non-sensitive body areas.

Key Benefits of Kojic Acid

Kojic benefits for the skin are many and you can bank on it. This singular active ingredient can do a world of good to your skin. Read on to learn more about it:
  1. Treating melasma: Melasma is the darkening of the skin when you are pregnant. Kojic acid can be helpful when it comes to decreasing melasma.
  2. Decreasing scars: It can help you lighten the discoloration caused by scars. Although it does not affect the physical aspects of the scarring, it helps decrease the pigmentation associated with certain scarring.
  3. Anti-ageing: If you use skincare products with the right concentration of kojic acid , it can help you get rid of age spots. It can also lessen the symptoms of sun damage. Reducing dark spots by using kojic acid can make you look younger.
  4. Anti-fungal benefits: Kojic acid may have antifungal benefits. It may help prevent and treat fungal infections like athlete’s foot or yeast infections.
  5. Antibacterial effects: Kojic acid may give you antibacterial benefits. It may help you avoid developing certain skin infections.

How to Use Kojic Acid in Your Skincare Routine

Kojic acid uses for your skin are important to consider if you want to keep your skin spotless and free from unnecessary pigmentation. Firstly, conduct a patch test to ensure that you are not allergic or it does not react negatively to your skin. Clean your face well using a Nivea Milk Delights Honey Face Wash. Milk and honey deeply cleanse your skin making it look soft and fresh. It deeply cleanses your skin. Furthermore, it balances the skin’s moisture. Then apply the kojic acid-infused serum product to attain the kojic acid serum benefits. You can apply the product once a day, gently and slowly. If the product has base ingredients of vitamin C, azelaic acid and liquorice extract, it helps target hyperpigmentation, uneven skintone and dark spots. Lastly, use good sunscreen to keep sunspots at bay. The Nivea Sun SPF 30 lotion is particularly great if you have sensitive skin. It provides instant protection, which means you don’t have to apply it early . Most sunscreens need to be applied 15 to 20 minutes earlier so that they can be absorbed into your skin but not this one. Moreover, it absorbs quicker in your skin and is not greasy.

Kojic Acid Concentration & Safe Usage

Kojic acid benefits for skin are well documented. However, you must be mindful of the concentration of this useful acid in your skincare products. Raw kojic is not recommended to be used for the skin. A skincare cream or serum should only contain 1 or 2 per cent concentration for it to be safe for your skin. You should never use kojic acid if your skin is broken or damaged. Using kojic acid may cause you to develop a sunburn. Moreover, kojic acid can lead to contact dermatitis in certain people.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

Although cosmetics tend to have 1 percent of kojic acid in them, which is deemed safe for your skin, it is good to be wary if you notice any side effects. A common side effect of kojic acid use for skin is redness, itchiness, rashes, irritation, pain or even swollen skin. If this happens to you, you must see your dermatologist at once. You could even consult with your doctor before trying on a new product.

Who Should Use Kojic Acid?

Kojic acid should be used by people who are looking to combat hyperpigmentation, Melasma, bacterial infections, fungal infections, uneven skin tone, and discoloration due to scars. Kojic acid, if used correctly and in the right concentration, can do wonders for your skin pigmentation and discoloration issues.

Kojic Acid vs. Alpha Arbutin

Arbutin is a mix of hydroquinone and D-glucose, and its effects on skin lightening have been studied for years. Scientists have created different types of alpha arbutin to curb the melanin production. Arbutin helps reduce melanin in your skin without harming your cells. According to studies, it decreases the activity of an enzyme, TYR, which plays a role in melanin production. It can be more effective than kojic acid or vitamin C.

Tips for Choosing Kojic Acid Products

One of the first steps of due diligence you must take when choosing kojic acid products is to look at the ingredient list and make sure it is only 1 or 2 per cent in concentration. If it is higher, it could damage your skin. Always consult a dermatologist and do not risk mixing your formulation at home.

Kojic acid is a versatile ingredient when it comes to problems pertaining to skin discoloration. Kojic acid uses for the skin are essential for healthy skin. It could be a boon for people struggling with dark spots, aging, or scars. If you are confused about what kind of products to use, you can always check with your dermatologist before you embark on your skincare journey. A dermatologist can provide you with specific recommendations based on your skin needs.

Frequently asked questions

Is kojic acid safe for daily use on the skin?

Dark spots are caused by sun exposure, hormonal changes, skin inflammation, and aging.

Can kojic acid remove dark spots permanently?

If you are wondering, ‘What does kojic acid do?’, then know this, kojic acid cannot permanently remove dark spots, but it can lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

Does kojic acid lighten natural skin color?

No, although there are many benefits of kojic acid for the skin, it does not lighten natural skin color.

Can I use kojic acid with Vitamin C or retinol?

Yes, in the debate between kojic acid vs vitamin c or kojic acid and retinol. you can use them together for optimum results.

Is kojic acid safe for sensitive skin types?

Although kojic acid is safe to use, at times it can have an allergic reaction for some people. Contact dermatitis is one of the many common issues people with sensitive skin face upon using kojic acid.