So it is a mainstay ingredient for body whitening, get to know what kojic acid is in skin care products.

foto: freepik.com

Kojic acid is a natural compound from various types of mushrooms that is popular for brightening skin.

Brilio.net - Getting white and glowing skin is the dream of many people. Moreover, now there are many skin care products that promise fast results. In fact, not all ingredients used are safe and effective for all skin types. One of the ingredients that is now widely used in skin whitening and brightening products is kojic acid.

This ingredient has become a popular choice for its ability to naturally lighten skin without causing harmful side effects, when used correctly. But what exactly is kojic acid and why is it such a mainstay in skincare products?

So that you are not curious, let's look at the information below as summarized by briliobeauty.net from various sources, Wednesday (14/8).

photo: freepik.com

Kojic acid is a natural compound derived from various types of fungi, especially Aspergillus Oryzae. It can also be obtained as a byproduct in the fermentation process of rice, which is used in the making of sake, a traditional Japanese beverage.

Kojic acid was first discovered in the early 20th century, and has since been used in a variety of skin care products thanks to its ability to brighten skin and treat hyperpigmentation.

photo: freepik.com

Kojic acid works by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, which plays a role in the production of melanin (the pigment that gives color to skin, hair, and eyes). By inhibiting the activity of this enzyme, kojic acid helps reduce the formation of melanin, which in turn helps lighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots or hyperpigmentation. This makes kojic acid very effective in treating problems such as dark spots, acne scars, and age spots.

photo: freepik.com

The use of kojic acid in skin care products, especially body whiteners, has several main benefits :

1. Brightens skin.

Skincare products containing kojic acid are often used to brighten the skin overall. This ingredient is effective in reducing the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, giving the skin a more even and brighter appearance.

2. Overcoming hyperpigmentation.

Dark spots or hyperpigmentation can be caused by a variety of factors, including sun exposure, acne, and aging. Kojic acid helps reduce the appearance of these spots by inhibiting melanin production.

3. Antioxidants.

In addition to its function as a brightening agent, kojic acid also has antioxidant properties. This content makes kojic acid able to help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which can cause premature aging.

4. Reduces acne scars.

Acne scars often leave behind dark marks that are difficult to remove. With the ability to inhibit melanin production, kojic acid can help fade these marks and improve the overall appearance of the skin.

While kojic acid has many benefits, it is important to know that it also has side effects, especially when used in high concentrations or for long periods of time. Some possible side effects include skin irritation, redness, or contact dermatitis.

Therefore, products containing kojic acid are generally used in low concentrations (usually below 4%) to minimize the risk of irritation. In addition, it is important to always use sunscreen when using products containing kojic acid, as this ingredient can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.

photo: freepik.com

In general, the use of kojic acid in skin care products is considered safe, especially when used according to directions. However, as with all active ingredients in skin care, individual reactions can vary.

For those with sensitive skin, it is recommended to test on a small area of skin before applying the product all over the body. Also, if signs of irritation appear, stop using it immediately and consult a dermatologist.

The popularity of kojic acid as a skin whitening ingredient is not only due to its effectiveness, but also because this ingredient has been widely studied and supported by scientific evidence. In addition, compared to other skin lightening ingredients such as hydroquinone, kojic acid is considered safer. Many consumers are turning to products containing kojic acid because they are more comfortable to use and offer satisfactory results without the risk of severe side effects.

(brl/mal)