Kojic Acid
Effective Skin Brightening: Kojic acid acts as a strong tyrosinase inhibitor, reducing melanin synthesis and promoting a clearer, more even skin tone.
Cosmetic Applications: Widely incorporated into whitening and brightening formulations, it enhances the performance of both daily skincare and specialized bleaching products.
Therapeutic Use: Recognized for its role in addressing hyperpigmentation, it helps prevent and reduce dark spots, supporting healthier-looking skin.
Natural Origin: Produced by fungi such as Aspergillus oryzae, it provides a safe, naturally derived option for cosmetic and skincare formulations.
Kojic acid is a naturally derived compound produced by fungi such as Aspergillus oryzae. It functions as a tyrosinase inhibitor, reducing melanin synthesis by interacting with the copper ions of the enzyme. Owing to its ability to lighten skin, kojic acid is extensively applied in cosmetic formulations, including daily skincare and bleaching products. Beyond cosmetic use, it also plays a therapeutic role in helping to prevent and minimize pigmentation.
Kojic acid Chemical Properties
Melting point | 152-155 °C (lit.) |
Boiling point | 179.65°C (rough estimate) |
density | 1.1712 (rough estimate) |
refractive index | 1.4434 (estimate) |
storage temp. | Store below +30°C. |
solubility | DMSO (Slightly), Methanol (Slightly, Sonicated) |
form | Crystalline Powder |
pka | 7.9(at 25℃) |
color | White to beige-brown |
Water Solubility | SOLUBLE |
λmax | 269nm(CHCl3)(lit.) |
Merck | 14,5317 |
BRN | 120895 |
Stability | Stable. Combustible. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. |
LogP | -0.640 |
CAS DataBase Reference | 501-30-4(CAS DataBase Reference) |
NIST Chemistry Reference | 5-Hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4h-pyran-4-one(501-30-4) |
IARC | 3 (Vol. 79) 2001 |
EPA Substance Registry System | Kojic acid (501-30-4) |
Safety Information
Hazard Codes | Xn |
Risk Statements | 40-68 |
Safety Statements | 22-24/25-36/37-36 |
WGK Germany | 3 |
RTECS | UQ0875000 |
HS Code | 29329995 |
Hazardous Substances Data | 501-30-4(Hazardous Substances Data) |
Kojic acid functions as a skin-brightening ingredient with antioxidant activity. By inhibiting tyrosinase, it helps slow melanin formation, though its effect is generally milder compared to licorice extract. When formulated with allantoin and other compatible components in sunscreen, it can assist in protecting against UV-induced erythema and support wound healing. Despite these benefits, kojic acid has a sensitizing potential and may cause skin irritation.
