Kojic acid is widely used as a skin whitening agent. It is good at lightening freckles and other darkened skin blotches due to its capability to reduce melanin production. Kojic acid has found its main application in cosmetics. Though, it can aid in preserving food color and fighting some bacteria.
Kojic products to choose
Many products contain kojic acid as a major ingredient. There are no perfect creams for skin whitening. Proper product choice is subjected to your needs and wants.
A big variety of soaps, lotions and creams include kojic acid. All of them are commonly used for complexion lightening. Kojic products are advised for skin whitening in case of discoloration conditions such as melasma. They are helpful with lightening of freckles, sunspots and other pigmentation problems. You may even find kojic acid in certain whitening toothpastes.
How safe kojic acid is?
Safety of kojic acid has been controversial issue. Although it has been proven to be free of carcinogens causing cancer, continuous use of kojic acid may have an adverse effect. Permanent application may lead to skin sensitivity causing condition named allergic contact dermatitis. Kojic acid is often combined with topical corticosteroid to prevent mentioned consequences.
Kojic acid and hydroquinone
Kojic acid is utilized in cosmetics for skin whitening. It resembles hydroquinone (complexion lightening chemical) by action. Kojic acid is less popular since it has been discovered not long ago. Though, it gains popularity due to bad medical reputation of hydroquinone.
How to use?
Lightening creams, lotions or serum to employ kojic acid are used topically as a rule. Kojic acid concentration shouldn’t exceed 1%. To lower the risks of side effects, mainstream skin whitening products use concentrations of 0.2%. You should take into account how your body responds to kojic lightening. If your skin becomes more sensitive try to apply kojic acid products more rarely in smaller concentrations.
Kojic acid lightening products should be applied with carefulness. Such skin whitening treatments are safe if used rarely. Frequent durable application may lead to irritation. Switch the product if skin becomes irritated or too whitened.
Therefore, if you need complexion lightening try whitening products to contain kojic acid with carefulness.