Ingredient guide
Kojic Acid
INCI name · KOJIC ACID
In short
Kojic Acid (also known as kojic acid) is a skincare active generally associated with tone and pigmentation. It is often chosen for combination and oily skin. MIRU describes it by what is visible on skin, never as a treatment or cure.
What it is
Fungal-derived tyrosinase inhibitor used for uneven tone. One 12-week study compared 1% kojic acid alone with three combinations and found the hydroquinone combination performed best. A newer 30-person pilot tested kojic acid only with alpha-arbutin, not alone. Neither study used a plain-cream control for kojic acid. It can sensitise some skin, so patch-test and start slowly.
Evidence receipt
LimitedKojic Acid · applied to skin
Based on 2 sources
Open the citable recordOne 12-week study compared 1% kojic acid alone with three combinations and found the hydroquinone combination performed best; a newer pilot found an alpha-arbutin and kojic-acid cream similar to triple therapy on two pigmentation scores.
Studied as Kojic Acid: 1% kojic acid cream, 1% kojic acid + 2% hydroquinone cream, 1% kojic acid + 0.1% betamethasone valerate cream, 1% kojic acid + 2% hydroquinone + 0.1% betamethasone valerate cream, 5% alpha-arbutin + 2% kojic acid cream, triple combination cream.
Neither study proves kojic acid alone against a plain cream: the first was single-blind, single-centre and had no vehicle arm; the newer study was a 30-person combination pilot and did not isolate kojic acid.
See 2 sources
Randomized single-blind, single-centre study in 80 people over 12 weeks: the kojic-acid and hydroquinone combination had the greatest decrease in melasma severity, followed by the triple combination and kojic acid alone; every arm contained kojic acid and there was no vehicle control.
melasma area and severity index · 1% kojic acid cream, 1% kojic acid + 2% hydroquinone cream, 1% kojic acid + 0.1% betamethasone valerate cream, 1% kojic acid + 2% hydroquinone + 0.1% betamethasone valerate cream
Indian J Dermatol, 2013Split-face randomized evaluator-blinded pilot in 30 people over 12 weeks plus four weeks follow-up: melanin-index and modified-MASI changes did not differ between the alpha-arbutin/kojic-acid cream and triple therapy; physician assessment improved only on the triple-therapy side, while recurrence severity, erythema and stinging were higher there. Kojic acid was not tested alone.
melanin index, modified melasma area severity index, physician global assessment, recurrence, adverse effects · 5% alpha-arbutin + 2% kojic acid cream, triple combination cream
J Cosmet Dermatol, 2025
Affiliation note. Publication links report the study authors and their affiliations. MIRU does not infer independence from an affiliation alone.
When to use it
Evenings are the common choice.
A few times a week to start. It can be sensitising at first.
On the label
Usually 1–2% on labels
Kept modest for stability and comfort.
Pairs well with
Where it sits
Serums sit after toner and before moisturiser. Thinnest to thickest, water before oil.
- Cleanse
- Tone
- Kojic Acid
- Moisturise
- SPF
Also found as
Related
Compare products
Browse product comparisonsWhere to find it
Examples, not a ranking. A product lookup can confirm identity and background; a verdict still needs the full ingredient list.
medicube Jelly Gel Mask with Brightening Kojic Acid Turmeric
A kojic acid mask is an occasional top-up, never the routine itself.
medicube Kojic Acid Turmeric Clarifying Toner Pads
Soaked pads for uneven tone. Pads deliver less contact time than a serum.
Product discovery is not efficacy proof. These examples are not ranked by commission.
Common questions
What does Kojic Acid do for skin?
Kojic Acid is associated in published research with tone and pigmentation. Fungal-derived tyrosinase inhibitor used for uneven tone. One 12-week study compared 1% kojic acid alone with three combinations and found the hydroquinone combination performed best. A newer 30-person pilot tested kojic acid only with alpha-arbutin, not alone. Neither study used a plain-cream control for kojic acid. It can sensitise some skin, so patch-test and start slowly. MIRU frames ingredients by what is visible, not by medical claims.
When should I use Kojic Acid?
Kojic Acid is typically used in the evening. Introduce any new active on its own first and add one product at a time so you can see how your skin responds.
Is Kojic Acid suitable for my skin type?
Kojic Acid is often chosen for combination and oily skin. It can be used with care. If your skin is reactive, patch-test first and watch for any irritation.
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Personal guidance, not medical advice.