What is kojic acid soap?
Kojic acid soap is a skin care product used to lighten dark spots on the skin, known as hyperpigmentation.1 Kojic acid is made from fungi or fermented rice wine.
When used on the skin, kojic acid helps prevent your skin from forming tyrosinase, which is an enzyme that helps create skin pigment (melanin).2 As a result, using kojic acid soap may help fade dark spots on your skin from acne scars or sun damage. Kojic acid soap is considered safe for your skin, but it may cause some side effects like irritation or sensitivity.
What are the main ingredients of kojic acid soap?
Kojic acid is a naturally occurring compound that is derived from several species of fungi, especially those belonging to the Aspergillus and Penicillium genera. It is a mild organic acid that has skin-lightening and anti-aging properties.
In kojic acid soaps, kojic acid is typically included at a concentration of around 1-4%. It works by inhibiting the production of melanin pigment in the skin, which helps to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, age spots, freckles, and other forms of uneven skin tone.
Kojic acid soaps may also contain other ingredients like glycerin, plant oils or butters, and botanical extracts that provide additional moisturizing, nourishing, or antioxidant benefits for the skin. However, kojic acid is the key active ingredient that gives these soaps their skin-brightening and whitening effects.
How does Kojic Acid Soap work?
At its core, kojic acid soap is a fusion of the skin-lightening compound, kojic acid, with cleansing agents. Its primary function is to inhibit tyrosinase, an enzyme pivotal for melanin production. As a result, it holds the potential to reveal a brighter and more youthful appearance by combating dark spots, tanning, and other pigmentation issues.
Benefits of Kojic Acid Soap
- Regular application can diminish dark spots, age spots, and damage caused to the skin by the sun.
- Rich in antioxidant properties, it shields the skin from free radical harm.
- The soap's inherent properties can fend off specific skin infections, ensuring overall skin health.
- It's also a very gentle exfoliant that helps slough off dead skin cells.
- Unlike other depigmenting agents like hydroquinone, kojic acid can be used on your skin for a long amount of time without any damage to the skin.
Side Effects
While generally benign, some might experience:
- Occasional redness
- A feeling of dryness or minor peeling
- Slight itching or a burning sensation
- Increased sensitivity to the sun
What's the Right Way to Use Kojic Acid Soap?
Start Slow: Initiate with a twice-weekly routine, and gradually transition to once or twice daily as your skin gets accustomed.
Master the Application: Generate a lather and apply uniformly on the face or body. Let it settle for a short span (around 30 seconds to 1 minute) before rinsing.
This is essential -> The most important part of using a kojic acid soap is what you do after rinsing it off:
A hydrating serum or a rich moisturizer will counterbalance the drying effects, so you MUST use it after rinsing off the soap. You can find some recommendations using our special tool that helps find the best moisturizer for you.
Kojic acid can make your skin photosensitive. The heightened sensitivity necessitates daily sunscreen application.
How do you use Kojic Acid Soap?
The most important thing when using Kojic Acid Soap is to apply it regularly. It can sometimes take months before you see results, but believe in the process! The soap is also very easy to incorporate into your daily skincare routine. The substances in the soap are known to create dry skin. Therefore, it is important to use a lovely moisturiser anyway to keep your skin nourished and moisturised like the Clear Essence Sensitive Moisturising Body Oil.
Kojic Acid Soap can be used in two different ways. You can use it daily like a real soap bar or lather yourself with the soap every other day. You can also use it as a spot treatment. By just rubbing the soap on the pigmentation daily or every other day. This reduces your risk of irritation and dry skin.
