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
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetearyl Alcohol, Shea Butter and Glyceryl Stearate)
Bubble
Over Night Hydrating Sleep Mask
Moisturizer
$20.0050.3ml · $0.40/ml
Ideal for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetearyl Alcohol, Shea Butter and Glyceryl Stearate)
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.
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
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
Caution
May aggravate: Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema (Propylene Glycol, Witch Hazel and Azelaic Acid); Rosacea (Propylene Glycol, Witch Hazel and Camphor)
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
Caution
May aggravate: Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema (Propylene Glycol, Witch Hazel and Azelaic Acid); Rosacea (Propylene Glycol, Witch Hazel and Camphor)
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.
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
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
Caution
May aggravate: Perioral Dermatitis (Fluoride)
Good Molecules
Good Molecules Brightening & Dark Spots Bar
Cleanser – for Acne & breakouts, Dryness
$8.00
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Perioral Dermatitis (Fluoride)
Good Molecules Brightening & Dark Spots Bar is a water cleanser by Good Molecules. Key ingredients include Water, Glycerin, Tranexamic Acid.
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profileBeekman 1802
Mushroom Milk Better Aging Eye Cream
Eye Cream
$52.0020.1ml · $2.59/ml
Ideal for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Palmitic Acid and Cetearyl Alcohol)
Beekman 1802
Mushroom Milk Better Aging Eye Cream
Eye Cream
$52.0020.1ml · $2.59/ml
Ideal for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Palmitic Acid and Cetearyl Alcohol)
Mushroom Milk Better Aging Eye Cream is a eye cream by Beekman 1802. Key ingredients include Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin.
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
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
Caution
May aggravate: Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema (Propylene Glycol and Azelaic Acid); Rosacea (Propylene Glycol and Citrus Oils)
Urban Skin Rx
Even Tone Super Glow Serum with 10% L-Ascorbic Acid + Kojic Acid
Serum
$23.9914.8ml · $1.62/ml
Ideal for
Caution
May aggravate: Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema (Propylene Glycol and Azelaic Acid); Rosacea (Propylene Glycol and Citrus Oils)
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.
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
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
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Jojoba Oil)
Urban Skin Rx
Retinol Rapid Repair & Dark Spot Treatment
Serum
$25.9929.6ml · $0.88/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Jojoba Oil)
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
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetearyl Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate and Polysorbate 60); Perioral Dermatitis (Fragrance); Psoriasis (Fragrance); Melasma (Fragrance)
Proactiv
MD Ultra-Hydrating Moisturizer
Moisturizer
$48.0088.7ml · $0.54/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetearyl Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate and Polysorbate 60); Perioral Dermatitis (Fragrance); Psoriasis (Fragrance); Melasma (Fragrance)
MD Ultra-Hydrating Moisturizer is a brightening serum by Proactiv. Key ingredients include Water, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone.
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
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
Caution
May aggravate: Perioral Dermatitis (Fragrance)
La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 Serum Dark Spot Corrector
Serum – for Acne & breakouts, Dryness
$46.99
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Perioral Dermatitis (Fragrance)
La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 Serum Dark Spot Corrector is a exfoliant by La Roche-Posay. Key ingredients include Water, Alcohol Denat, Glycolic Acid.
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profileEducational information, not medical advice. Study findings summarise the cited research and may not reflect every formulation.