Kojic Acid is a chemical substance produced by different types of fungi. It is also a by-product of fermented soy sauce and rice wine. Kojic acid is sometimes used as a natural preservative in the food industry. However, one of the main uses of kojic acid is in certain health care and cosmetics. In this article, we studied the use of kojic acid, its possible health benefits and potential risks and side effects.
Kojic acid is used in health and beauty products to reduce the burden on the skin. It can also be used to treat skin problems such as sun damage, scars and age spots. The science behind the principle of kojic acid as a whitening agent involves its effect on melanin production.
Melanin is a natural Pigment in the body that gives color to eyes, hair and skin. An Amino Acid called tyrosine is needed to trigger the production of melanin.
Kojic acid works by preventing the formation of tyrosine and then preventing the production of tyrosine. Decreased melanin production may have a brightening effect on the skin. Kojic acid is most commonly used in cosmetics, such as creams, lotions and essences. It is also used in some soaps. Many products containing kojic acid are intended for use on hands or face. Products containing kojic acid can also be used on other parts of the body, such as legs and arms. The concentration of kojic acid in cosmetics is usually 1-4%.
Benefits of using kojic acid
The benefits of using products containing kojic acid include the following:
Anti-Aging effect: Products containing kojic acid can whiten the skin, thereby improving the appearance of age spots and sun damage. Reduce dark spots can play an anti-aging effect.
Treatment of chloasma: Kojic acid may also help reduce chloasma, which is the cause of skin darkening due to pregnancy.
Reduce the appearance of scars: Kojic acid can also reduce the discoloration of scars. Although acid does not improve the thickness of scar tissue, it can reduce the dark pigmentation associated with certain types of scars. Make scars look less obvious.
Antifungal effects: Kojic acid is also believed to have certain antifungal effects. It may help prevent and treat certain fungal infections, such as athlete's foot and yeast infections.
Antibacterial effect: Kojic acid may also have an antibacterial effect. It may help reduce the chance of developing common types of bacterial skin infections.
safety:
Before using products containing kojic acid, it is important to ensure that they are within a safe concentration range.
The study of kojic acid found that some mouse studies have shown that when the acid is used in high concentrations, it is related to the growth of tumors. However, since kojic acid can only be slowly absorbed into the circulation, the level cannot be elevated enough to cause cancer in humans. Existing data indicate that for kojic acid products remaining on the skin, products using 2% kojic acid are considered safe.
