brightening agent
Chelates copper ions at the active site of tyrosinase, inhibiting melanin synthesis. Derived from fungal fermentation (Aspergillus oryzae).
Kojic Acid is a brightening agent backed by a moderate body of supporting evidence (evidence tier 2 of 4). We track 5 studies for it, 3 reporting a positive effect. It is typically effective at 1–4% in a formulation.
International Journal of Toxicology · 2010 · systematic review
CIR Expert Panel safety assessment: kojic acid is safe as a cosmetic ingredient at concentrations up to 2% in leave-on products; sensitization risk is low (0.4-0.9% on patch testing); no evidence of systemic toxicity, mutagenicity, or carcinogenicity at cosmetic-use levels
Indian Journal of Dermatology · 2013 · rct · n=40
Comparative clinical study of facial melasma: 4% hydroquinone cream vs a 0.75% kojic acid (plus 2.5% vitamin C) cream over 12 weeks. Hydroquinone acted faster and was more effective in most patients; the kojic acid cream produced lesser improvement, indicating 0.75% kojic acid is inferior to 4% hydroquinone for melasma.
Indian Journal of Dermatology · 2013 · rct · n=40
Comparative clinical study of facial melasma: 4% hydroquinone cream vs a 0.75% kojic acid (plus 2.5% vitamin C) cream over 12 weeks. Hydroquinone acted faster and was more effective in most patients; the kojic acid cream produced lesser improvement, indicating 0.75% kojic acid is inferior to 4% hydroquinone for melasma.
Dermatologic Surgery · 1999 · rct
Split-face clinical study in melasma: adding kojic acid to a gel containing hydroquinone and glycolic acid produced greater improvement in melasma than the same gel without kojic acid, supporting kojic acid's depigmenting efficacy.
Dermatologic Surgery · 1999 · rct
Split-face study (n=40 Chinese women, epidermal melasma): a gel of 2% kojic acid + 10% glycolic acid + 2% hydroquinone applied to one half-face vs the same gel without kojic acid on the other over 12 weeks. Both sides improved, with the kojic-acid side better (>50% clearance in 60% vs 47.5%), supporting kojic acid as a useful adjunct for melasma.
In 56 products — most often serums (29), moisturizers (11), cleansers (7), from $8.00 to $310.00. Set up a profile to rank these for your skin. Click any product to learn more.
Bubble
Over Night Hydrating Sleep Mask
Moisturizer
$20.0050.3ml · $0.40/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Bubble
Over Night Hydrating Sleep Mask
Moisturizer
$20.0050.3ml · $0.40/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Over Night Hydrating Sleep Mask is a exfoliant by Bubble. Key ingredients include Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin.
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Set up your skin profileUrban Skin Rx
Witch Hazel Brightening & pH Balancing Toner
Toner
$17.99133.1ml · $0.14/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Urban Skin Rx
Witch Hazel Brightening & pH Balancing Toner
Toner
$17.99133.1ml · $0.14/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Witch Hazel Brightening & pH Balancing Toner is a retinoid treatment by Urban Skin Rx. Key ingredients include Water, Alcohol Denat, Glycerin.
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Set up your skin profileUrban Skin Rx
Even Tone Cleansing Bar 3-in-1 Treatment - 2.0 oz
Cleanser
$15.9959.1ml · $0.27/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Urban Skin Rx
Even Tone Cleansing Bar 3-in-1 Treatment - 2.0 oz
Cleanser
$15.9959.1ml · $0.27/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Even Tone Cleansing Bar 3-in-1 Treatment - 2.0 oz is a water cleanser by Urban Skin Rx. Key ingredients include Coconut Oil, Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxide.
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Set up your skin profileAdmire My Skin
Ultra Potent Brightening Serum Dark Spot Corrector
Serum
$17.9929.6ml · $0.61/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Admire My Skin
Ultra Potent Brightening Serum Dark Spot Corrector
Serum
$17.9929.6ml · $0.61/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Ultra Potent Brightening Serum Dark Spot Corrector is a exfoliant by Admire My Skin. Key ingredients include Propylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat, Azelaic Acid.
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Set up your skin profileGood Molecules
Good Molecules Brightening & Dark Spots Bar
Cleanser – for Acne & breakouts, Dryness
$8.00
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Good Molecules
Good Molecules Brightening & Dark Spots Bar
Cleanser – for Acne & breakouts, Dryness
$8.00
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Good Molecules Brightening & Dark Spots Bar is a water cleanser by Good Molecules. Key ingredients include Water, Glycerin, Tranexamic Acid.
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Set up your skin profileBeekman 1802
Mushroom Milk Better Aging Eye Cream
Eye Cream
$52.0020.1ml · $2.59/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Beekman 1802
Mushroom Milk Better Aging Eye Cream
Eye Cream
$52.0020.1ml · $2.59/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Mushroom Milk Better Aging Eye Cream is a eye cream by Beekman 1802. Key ingredients include Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin.
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Set up your skin profileUrban Skin Rx
Even Tone Super Glow Serum with 10% L-Ascorbic Acid + Kojic Acid
Serum
$23.9914.8ml · $1.62/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Urban Skin Rx
Even Tone Super Glow Serum with 10% L-Ascorbic Acid + Kojic Acid
Serum
$23.9914.8ml · $1.62/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Even Tone Super Glow Serum with 10% L-Ascorbic Acid + Kojic Acid is a retinoid treatment by Urban Skin Rx. Key ingredients include Water, L-Ascorbic Acid, Propylene Glycol.
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Set up your skin profileUrban Skin Rx
Retinol Rapid Repair & Dark Spot Treatment
Serum
$25.9929.6ml · $0.88/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Urban Skin Rx
Retinol Rapid Repair & Dark Spot Treatment
Serum
$25.9929.6ml · $0.88/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Retinol Rapid Repair & Dark Spot Treatment is a retinoid treatment by Urban Skin Rx. Key ingredients include Water, Jojoba Oil, Niacinamide.
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Set up your skin profileProactiv
MD Ultra-Hydrating Moisturizer
Moisturizer
$48.0088.7ml · $0.54/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Proactiv
MD Ultra-Hydrating Moisturizer
Moisturizer
$48.0088.7ml · $0.54/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
MD Ultra-Hydrating Moisturizer is a brightening serum by Proactiv. Key ingredients include Water, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone.
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Set up your skin profileLa Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 Serum Dark Spot Corrector
Serum – for Acne & breakouts, Dryness
$46.99
Ideal for
Not recommended for
La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 Serum Dark Spot Corrector
Serum – for Acne & breakouts, Dryness
$46.99
Ideal for
Not recommended for
La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 Serum Dark Spot Corrector is a exfoliant by La Roche-Posay. Key ingredients include Water, Alcohol Denat, Glycolic Acid.
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Set up your skin profileEducational information, not medical advice. Study findings summarise the cited research and may not reflect every formulation.