If you have been looking to add some exotic ingredient into your skin care routine, you can indulge yourself in some of the kojic acid products available as creams, masks, lotions, and serums. With so many options to pamper yourself with, it can get overwhelming to choose just one for yourself. Don’t worry. To make it easier for you, we have listed the 15 best kojic acid products available right now. Check them out below!

Top 15 Kojic Acid Products To Dodge Away Those Dark Spots

1. Best For Hyperpigmentation:Admire My Skin Ultra-Potent Brightening Serum

If you are looking for a quick and efficient treatment for hyperpigmentation and dark spots, use this kojic acid skin lightener. Known to be as effective as many medicated melasma treatment creams, you will be able to witness smooth, even-toned skin with faded dark spots within 4 weeks of using this serum. It offers the highest concentration of hydroquinone permissible for OTC products— so you can count on it to fade those stubborn dark spots. It is formulated with 2% hydroquinone, salicylic acid, azelaic acid, lactic acid, and vitamin C, and when used once or twice every day, it reduces dark spots to reveal a brighter skin. Make sure you give it a 30-days break after using it for 60 days for the best results. Click on the video for a detailed review of the Admire My Skin Ultra-Potent Brightening Serum. Pros

Gentle for daily use Fast acting Fights hyperpigmentation Fades fine lines

Cons

May be drying

2. Best For Dull Skin:Koji White Kojic Acid Skin Brightening Soap

This cleansing soap bar with the goodness of kojic acid can be a gentle everyday alternative to your regular soap for an even skin tone. Coconut oil, tea tree extract, and hyaluronic acid give this soap a luscious texture that lathers richly to nourish your skin. These good-for-skin ingredients penetrate deep into your skin to revitalize and moisturize the dull skin while bringing back the natural glow of your skin. Use this paraben and cruelty-free formula if you’re on the lookout for a bar soap that minimizes the appearance of dark spots, freckles and acne scars. Pros

Contains natural ingredients Fades dark spots, freckles and acne scars Cruelty-free Paraben-free Pleasant scent

Cons

May not be suitable for extremely dry skin

3. Best For All Skin Types:Divine Derriere Skin Brightening Corrector Serum

This potent dark spot corrector is formulated with 2% hydroquinone, vitamin C, witch hazel, and high-potency AHA and BHA acids like salicylic acid, azelaic acid, lactic acid, including our star ingredient— kojic acid. It is an ideal pick to tackle blotchy skin tone, unwanted freckles, dark spots, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and melasma. With a gentle lightening gel-like formula, it can be applied on the face, neck, hands, elbows, knees, inner thighs, and underarms. You can also use it under your makeup to set the base. Suitable for most skin types, this serum is the perfect gift you can get for your skin. Pros

Evens out skin tone Suitable for all skin types Improved appearance of enlarged pores Fragrance-free

Cons

Contains alcohol

4. Best For Blackheads:Marie France Skin And Body Care Original Kojic Soap

Another superhero skincare product when it comes to fighting melasma and dark spots is this product with higher concentration of kojic acid. This kojic soap is formulated with papaya fruit extract to even out the skin tone with its skin-lightening properties. It can also help you get rid of other skin issues such as breakouts, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, old scars, burn marks, and blackheads. The papaya fruit extract also acts as an exfoliator to remove dead skin cells and reveals healthier skin cells for a glowing skin. This kojic soap can be used both on the face and body. Pros

Highly potent Removes dead skin cells Natural-looking fairer skin Removes blackheads Fades hyperpigmentation

Cons

May not be suitable for sensitive skin

5. Best Lightweight:Koji White Kojic Acid Body Lotion Skin Lightening

Get that amazing airbrushed look with the lightweight and quick absorbing formula of this kojic acid lotion.The concentrated extract of kojic acid along with other ingredients like rice bran oil, coconut oil, glycerin, and botanical extracts not only fade stubborn spots, freckles, and other marks but also provide deep moisturization to your skin, giving you softer, brighter and smoother skin. Apply this lotion every day pretty much like a regular moisturizer and you’ll witness an even skin tone over time. Click on this video to find out the benefits of the product. Pros

Hydrates Reduces back acne Lightweight Brightens skin

Cons

Contains alcohol

6. Best For Discoloration:Pureauty Naturals Natural Skin Lightening Serum With Kojic Acid

If you’ve used countless products only to be disappointed with no apparent results, you need this fast-acting serum to transform your skincare game. This skin lightener uses 3 active ingredients— kojic acid, jojoba oil, and green tea extract to fade the dark spots, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation, adding a youthful glow to your skin. The potent combo of these ingredients with tea tree extract helps soothe the skin while giving it a natural gleam. If you’re looking for long-lasting and evident results for dark spots, this serum is a must-have. Click on the video to watch a demo and detailed review of the Pureauty Naturals Natural Skin Lightening Serum With Kojic Acid. Pros

Reduces appearance of discoloration Fades dark spots and blemishes Suitable for all skin types Cruelty-free and vegan

Cons

May not help with deep scars

7. Best Anti-Aging:Shouvy Whitening Body Lotion

You don’t need to switch to a whole new bunch of skincare products to reduce hyperpigmentation when you have this one body lotion. It has all the ingredients that you need to keep your skin rejuvenated and healthy. It combines kojic acid with glutathione, co-enzyme Q10, and vitamin C — a blend that works towards creating an anti-aging effect by fading any dark spots, blemishes, scars, wrinkles, and freckles. It strengthens your skin cells and protects them from environmental aggressors. Use it every day in the morning and before you go to bed for a moisturized, toned, and revitalized skin. Pros

Tones skin Hydrates Add radiance Prevents premature aging

Cons

Contains parabens

8. Best Dermatologist-Tested:La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 Serum Dark Spot Corrector

One of the quickest ways to fade those obstinate dark spots is by using this lightening serum with kojic acid. It boasts a rich formulation of a triple acid complex— 10% glycolic acid, kojic acid, lipo-hydroxy acids that reduces the appearance of dark spots and discoloration. It fights  potential dryness and helps buff away dead skin cells to reveal new and healthy cells that brighten your skin. This lightweight serum with an enhanced formula containing vitamin B5 is suitable even for sensitive skin. Just apply 3 to 4 drops every evening on your face and neck, and you’ll see visible results in 2 to 4 weeks. Pros

Lightweight Non-comedogenic Allergy-tested Dermatologist-tested Suitable for sensitive skin Fragrance and paraben-free

Cons

Slightly expensive

9. Best Gentle Formula:evagloss Natural Skincare Serum With Kojic Acid

If your skin is prone to breaking out frequently, you might also be dealing with the hassle of acne scars that refuse to leave for weeks or even months. Fret not, because this kojic acid serum can help tackle that problem. This natural lightening serum with kojic acid, arbutin, and fullerene reduces dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and freckles while evening out the skin tone both for the face and body. It is formulated without hydroquinone, which makes it gentle enough to be used as an everyday serum for even sensitive body parts like inner thighs, armpits, knees, and neck. Pros

Nourishing Gentle formula Suitable for sensitive skin Can be used on sensitive body parts

Cons

Some may find the consistency too thick.

10. Best Non-Irritating:PCA Skin Pigment Bar

Start your fight against the dark spots with this result-oriented kojic acid bar. It is a powerful blend of azelaic acid and niacinamide that help reduce redness and discoloration to even out the skin tone and to improve skin texture of the whole body, including face and scalp. This cruelty-free product also contains glycerin, coconut oil, castor seed oil, palm oil, witch hazel, safflower seed oil, and soy proteins that can be used for both normal and combination skin type. Scientifically developed to promote healthy skin, it has no irritants or dyes. Pros

Reduces redness Remediates hyperpigmentation Cruelty-free No irritants or dyes

Cons

Contains alcohol

11. Best Non-Greasy:ME Beauty Skin Brightening Formula

Get a naturally clear and glowing skin with this kojic acid skin lightening cream. It works on blemish-prone skin and helps repair damaged skin with its 6 natural ingredients. The brightening formula of this kojic acid cream contains GigaWhite which helps reduce discoloration by controlling the production of melanin. The vitamin C prevents the signs of premature aging and brightens the skin tone by encouraging production of collagen. The dark spot corrector also contains licorice extract that reduces the appearance of age spots. Allantoin in this product treats dark spots, pigmentation, and fine lines and hyaluronic acid adds a final touch of hydration. What’s more? It is suitable for all skin types. Pros

Non-greasy Lightweight Contains natural ingredients Prevents premature aging Lightens skin tone Moisturizes

Cons

May take awhile to witness results

12. Best For Achieving Even Skin Tone:Glytone Dark Spot Corrector

This formula combines kojic acid with other non-comedogenic ingredients like glycolic acid, azelaic acid, hyaluronic acid, retinaldehyde, and hydroquinone to lighten the discoloration and reduce the appearance of freckles, age spots, or skin pigmentation. It removes dead skin cells and treats the imperfections and also prevents formation of new spots. This ingredient-driven kojic acid skin lightener evens out the skin tone and brightens it. Try and compare the drastic transformation of your skin with this product with kojic acid before and after its use and you’ll ask for another tube. Pros

Evens out skin tone Brightens skin Prevents formation of new spots Fights free radicals

Cons

Contains sulfate

13. Best For Blemish-Prone Skin:Reviva Labs Professional Strength Brown Spot Night Créme With Kojic Acid

Here’s your ultimate solution to dark spots and skin pigmentation— a night whitening cream specifically formulated for treating blemish-prone skin. It is infused with a wealth of skin-loving ingredients such as glycerine, olive squalane, and dimethicone. This kojic acid skin lightening cream repairs and restores the skin by fading the fine lines, wrinkles, and any visible dark spots. Massage this cream onto discolored areas, irrespective of your skin type, and let its powerful formula do wonders. Pros

Natural oil base Brightens skin Moisturizes Suitable for all skin types

Cons

Contains artificial fragrance

14. Perfect Image Hydro-Glo Peel Pads – Tone

Let these no-mess peel pads help you tackle dark spots and uneven skin tone and pamper your skin as you sit back and relax. This kojic acid fairness peel is formulated to zap even the most stubborn dark spots and bring out your skin’s natural glow. With fortifying ingredients like glutathione, lactic acid, kojic acid, papaya, bearberry, ylang ylang, rooibos, yarrow, willow bark, and pineapple extracts, these easy-to-use hydro-glo pads can improve your overall complexion by exfoliating and moisturizing your skin. It is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties to add more to its benefits. Pros

Easy-to-use Contains antioxidants Exfoliates skin Prevents wrinkle development

Cons

May not be suitable for extremely dry skin

15. Best In Budget:AKARZ Kojic Acid Powder

You don’t have to shell out a huge amount to achieve your skin goals. This budget-friendly kojic acid powder can offer a holistic treatment for your skin issues. It brings back that youthful look on your skin with its 100% natural ingredients. It contains kojic acid in its purest form which aids in lightening of skin by curbing the production of melanin which is responsible for skin darkening and pigmentation. The product comes with a spoon which can be used to add the powder to your regular lotion or serum to give it a sprinkle of skin-lightening magic. Pros

100% natural Long shelf life Treats dark spots Fades hyperpigmentation Anti-aging properties

Cons

Can’t be used on its own

We are sure that you must have gained amazing insight into the skin-related benefits of kojic acid products from our extensive list of the bests. Now here’s a buying guide to help you choose the right product for your skin.

How To Choose Kojic Acid Products

Kojic Acid concentration

Products containing 2% kojic acid are considered safe for the skin as there are lower chances of skin irritation. Those with sensitive skin should pay special attention to the concentration of kojic acid in a certain product. While raw kojic acid is available, it is recommended not to use it on skin until it is diluted to a concentration of no more than 4%.

Skin type

Though it is acidic, kojic acid is safe for all skin types. But if you have sensitive skin, make sure that you choose a product with not more than 1% concentration of kojic acid as some may sometimes develop allergic reactions such as skin irritation and rashes from the strength of the acid.

Hydroquinone

It is recommended to look for kojic acid products with hydroquinone as they do a better job at evening out the skin tone. Kojic acid along with hydroquinone is a superior depigmenting agent. Any given product can contain a maximum of 2% hydroquinone. That is the maximum concentration permitted in the over-the-counter products. However, for sensitive skin, it is recommended to opt for a product with the lowest possible concentration of hydroquinone.

Additional ingredients

You can choose kojic acid products that also contain retinol, glycolic acid, vitamin C, and niacinamide as they all help in fading the dark spots. These ingredients along with kojic acid help provide faster results. Kojic acid products come in different forms and each has its own way of application. Here’s how you can use some of the common types of kojic acid products.

How To Use Kojic Acid Products 

Creams and serums are specifically formulated to be left on and be absorbed into the skin. You can use it pretty much like you would use your regular lotion, cream, or serum. Body lotions are usually lightweight and make for an amazing substitute for your regular moisturizer with the added benefits such as skin lightening and fading blemishes. They’re also relatively easier to include in your daily skin care routine and require only little effort. Powders should be mixed with water, serum or lotion for application on the affected skin areas, depending on the instructions provided on the label of the product. Soaps and cleansers should be washed off in about 2 minutes to avoid any irritation..

All the information about kojic acid for each product and why you should use it for your skin can be overwhelming. Let us summarize the benefits of kojic acid for you.

Benefits Of Kojic Acid For Skin

Kojic acid products help fade dark spots caused by hyperpigmentation, sun exposure and damage, or with age. That is a major benefit of kojic acid. The ability of kojic acid to reduce dark spots is strengthened by the presence of antioxidants in the formula of the product you intend to use. Melasma is a skin condition that is more prevalent among pregnant women which leads to dark patches on the face, and can be treated using kojic acid. Kojic acid inhibits the production of melanin, which helps in preventing melasma. It’s a multitasker. The anti-inflammatory properties of kojic acid help treat itchy, red, and inflamed skin, and its antimicrobial properties help protect your skin from certain strains of bacteria. Kojic acid can help treat scarring from razor burn, ingrown hairs, or other hair removal-related issues.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Author Kirtana Divakar is on top of the latest skin care developments, which is why she swears by this Asian beauty secret. She carefully researched the market and compiled a list to find the best kojic acid-containing skin care products based on preferences and skin types. Skin care products containing kojic acid reduce hyperpigmentation, irritation, and scarring and leave your skin looking glowing and flawless. Is kojic acid good for your skin? Kojic acid has anti-inflammation, antimicrobial and anti-aging properties. It is primarily used to lighten visible spots from sun damage, age spots, or scars. Does kojic acid help acne? As it has antimicrobial properties, it can help fight some strains of bacteria even in diluted forms. Hence, it can help treat acne caused by bacteria and also fade acne scars. Can kojic acid permanently lighten skin? No. It cannot permanently lighten your skin. However, as it is not harmful to living cells, you can enjoy its benefits for as long as you use it. Is kojic acid better than hydroquinone? Comparative studies show 4% hydroquinone and 0.75% kojic acid + 2.5% vitamin C are effective topical hypopigmenting agents but 4% hydroquinone is better with rapid rate of clinical improvement. How long does kojic acid take to work? When you use kojic acid topically, you should be able to see the results in 2 weeks. Does kojic acid fade dark spots? Products with kojic acid can fade dark spots. What are the side effects of kojic acid products? A very rare side effect is dermatitis defined by redness, irritation, itchiness, rashes, swollen skin, or pain and discomfort. Please stop using the product when you encounter any side effects. How often can you use kojic acid on sensitive skin? It is recommended to not use kojic acid products on sensitive skin every day at first. Start by using them once or twice a week to ensure that your skin does not develop any reactions.

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