Kojic Acid
Kojic acid is a fungal-fermentation-derived brightening ingredient with a known tendency to cause contact irritation and, in some users, allergic contact dermatitis. A 2022 EU safety committee review recommended keeping use concentrations well below older industry norms, so it is worth patch testing and following label percentages closely.
Worth knowing
- Known contact sensitizer for some
- Can irritate, especially left on
The EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety recommended a maximum of 0.7% kojic acid as a skin whitening agent in its 2022 final opinion, down from the previously assumed safe level of 1%.
Gentler alternatives
References
Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. A verdict is a reading of the published evidence, never a guarantee for your skin: any ingredient can irritate someone, so patch test new products and see a professional if you react. Concern is graded on cited evidence, never on hazard-score lists. See how we score.