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Kojic Acid

Watch if sensitive·Moderate evidence

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

Questions

Is kojic acid banned in the EU?
No, but it is capped lower than it used to be. The EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety recommended a maximum of 0.7 percent in its 2022 opinion, down from the 1 percent level products commonly used before.
Why does kojic acid cause more skin reactions than other brighteners?
It is a known contact sensitizer in some users, meaning an allergic reaction can develop with repeated use. Patch testing and staying within labeled percentages lowers that risk, though any ingredient can still irritate someone.

Products with Kojic Acid

In our guides

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.