Abstract:
This article reviews the use of Kojic Acid (KA) as a skin-lightening ingredient in the
cosmetics industry. In 1907, Saito discovered KA, a natural product; it has since become one of
the most investigated skin-lightening agents. This paper highlights the findings of the research
conducted on this agent. It has been found that KA has certain disadvantages, and researchers
have attempted to mitigate these disadvantages by designing new equivalents of KA that are more
efficient in tyrosinase inhibition. These equivalents are also safe to use and have improved properties
and solubility. The Cosmeceutical Ingredient Review (CIR) indicates that this ingredient can be
safely used at a concentration not higher than 1% due to its cytotoxicity. Other scientific data also
support its safety at a concentration of 2% or less. It was shown to be helpful in the treatment of
hyper pigmentary disorders, such as freckles, age spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and
melasma, which has been proven clinically.
