Kojic Acid

Bueno

Antioxidante

Kojic Acid at a glance

  • By-product of the fermentation process of malting rice for use in the manufacture of sake
  • Helps to brighten an uneven tone
  • Contains antioxidant properties
  • Has issues with stability when in formulations

Kojic Acid description

By-product of the fermentation process of malting rice for use in the manufacture of sake (Japanese rice wine). In vitro and in vivo research and animal studies have shown that kojic acid is effective for brightening an uneven skin tone. Kojic acid is typically used at concentrations between 0.1 to 2.0% but has been used in some products up to 4.0%. In 2010 the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded that kojic acid is safe for use in cosmetic products up to a concentration of 1%. It functions as a skin brightener by inhibiting the formation of melanin by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase. Kojic acid’s downside is that it’s an unstable ingredient in cosmetic formulations. On exposure to air or sunlight, it turns brown and loses its efficacy. Many cosmetics companies use kojic dipalmitate as an alternative because it’s more stable in formulations. However, there’s no research showing that kojic dipalmitate is as effective as kojic acid, although it’s a good antioxidant.

Kojic Acid references

  • International Journal of Molecular Sciences, September 2009, pages 4,066-4,087
  • Journal of Cosmetic Science, March-April 2004, pages 139-148
  • Journal of Dermatological Science, May 2003, pages 193-201
  • The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, December 1994, pages 982-985

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Calificaciones de ingredientes

Excelente

Ingrediente sobresaliente con beneficios reales para la piel. Su eficacia está demostrada y respaldada por estudios independientes.

Bueno

Aunque no son tan beneficiosos como los de la categoría excelente, suelen ser necesarios para mejorar la textura, la estabilidad o la absorción de una fórmula.

Aceptable

Puede presentar ciertas limitaciones en cuanto a su apariencia, estabilidad o eficacia. A veces, son ingredientes básicos o que no cuentan con suficiente respaldo científico.

Poco recomendable

Aunque puede ofrecer algunos beneficios se recomienda evitarlo por su probabilidad de causar irritación, especialmente si se combina con otros ingredientes problemáticos.

Desaconsejable

Ha demostrado provocar efectos adversos como irritación, inflamación o sequedad, especialmente si se utiliza en altas concentraciones o junto con otros ingredientes irritantes.

Desconocido

No hemos encontrado este ingrediente en nuestro diccionario. Registramos todos los ingredientes desconocidos y actualizamos la información de forma continua.

Sin calificar

Ingrediente registrado, pero con la información científica disponible pendiente de revisar.