Kojic Acid May Be the Ingredient You Need to Get Rid of Dark Spots

Do you have traces of post-acne, sun damage or melasma, hyperpigmentation can be difficult to handle. And while you may have heard of some ingredients that can help lighten those dark spots, such as vitamin C, glycolic acid, and sunscreen, there's another ingredient we think doesn't get as much attention as it deserves: kojic acid. This is where we brought in a certified dermatologist and Skincare.com consultant. Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson to learn all about kojic acid and how it can solve the problem of discoloration. 

What is kojic acid? 

According to Dr. Robinson, kojic acid is alpha hydroxy acid. Kojic acid may be derived from mushrooms and fermented foods such as rice wine and soy sauce. It is most commonly found in serums, lotions, chemical peels, and exfoliants. 

What are the benefits of kojic acid for skin care?

“Although kojic acid has exfoliating properties, it best known for its ability to lighten hyperpigmentationn,” says Dr. Robinson. She goes on to explain that it works in two ways. First, she says it has the ability to exfoliate hyperpigmented skin cells, and second, it inhibits the production of tyrosine, an enzyme that helps our bodies produce melanin. This means that anyone experiencing any form of discoloration would be an excellent candidate for using kojic acid in their daily routine to lighten excess melanin. According to Dr. Robinson, kojic acid also has antifungal and antibacterial properties and benefits. 

What is the best way to include kojic acid in your skin care?

“I recommend integrating it with a serum, which will be more concentrated and take longer to absorb into the skin than a cleanser that rinses off,” says Dr. Robinson. One of her recommendations is SkinCeuticals Anti-Discoloration, which is a dark spot corrector that improves the appearance of stubborn brown spots and acne marks. For best results, Dr. Robinson recommends using this serum in your morning and evening skincare routine. In the morning, “use a broad spectrum SPF of 30 or higher because kojic acid can make your skin more sensitive to the sun,” she says. "It will also help prevent new dark spots from forming while you work on what you already have." Need a recommendation? We love CeraVe Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50.