Kojic Acid

God

Antioxidant

Kojic Acid at a glance

  • By-product of the fermentation process of malting rice for use in the manufacture of sake
  • Helps to brighten an uneven tone
  • Contains antioxidant properties
  • Has issues with stability when in formulations

Kojic Acid description

By-product of the fermentation process of malting rice for use in the manufacture of sake (Japanese rice wine). In vitro and in vivo research and animal studies have shown that kojic acid is effective for brightening an uneven skin tone. Kojic acid is typically used at concentrations between 0.1 to 2.0% but has been used in some products up to 4.0%. In 2010 the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded that kojic acid is safe for use in cosmetic products up to a concentration of 1%. It functions as a skin brightener by inhibiting the formation of melanin by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase. Kojic acid’s downside is that it’s an unstable ingredient in cosmetic formulations. On exposure to air or sunlight, it turns brown and loses its efficacy. Many cosmetics companies use kojic dipalmitate as an alternative because it’s more stable in formulations. However, there’s no research showing that kojic dipalmitate is as effective as kojic acid, although it’s a good antioxidant.

Kojic Acid references

  • International Journal of Molecular Sciences, September 2009, pages 4,066-4,087
  • Journal of Cosmetic Science, March-April 2004, pages 139-148
  • Journal of Dermatological Science, May 2003, pages 193-201
  • The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, December 1994, pages 982-985

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ratings af ingredienser

Bedst

Dokumenteret og understøttet af uafhængige studier. Fremragende aktiv ingrediens til de fleste hudtyper eller hudproblemer.

God

Nødvendigt for at forbedre en formulerings tekstur, stabilitet eller penetration.

Middel

Generelt ikke-irriterende, men kan have kosmetiske, stabilitetsmæssige eller andre problemer, der begrænser dets anvendelighed.

Dårlig

Der er risiko for irritation. Risikoen øges, når det kombineres med andre problematiske ingredienser.

Dårligst

Kan forårsage irritation, inflammation, tørhed osv. Kan være en fordel i nogle tilfælde, men generelt har man påvist, at ingrediensen gør mere skade end gavn.

Ukendt

Vi kunne ikke finde denne ingrediens i vores ingrediensordbog. Vi registrerer alle manglende ingredienser og foretager løbende opdateringer.

Ikke ratet

Vi har endnu ikke ratet denne ingrediens, fordi vi ikke har haft mulighed for at gennemgå forskningen om den.