Kojic Acid Serum Is The Skincare Ingredient Your Skin Needs Right Now

For those with sensitive skin and having quarrels with several skincare ingredients, Kojic Acid might be your solution! It’s time we turn to more natural ingredients that may be less irritating on our skins. Of course, everyone’s skin is different, so it might react differently as well. But, this might be your chance to heal your skin. So why not take it? If you are unsure whether Kojic Acid or Kojic Acid Serum is for you, Beauty Insider is here to help! We are going to give you all the deets about what Kojic Acid is and what it has to offer. So, sit back, relax and get to know what a Kojic Acid Serum can do for your skin. Stick to the end and you might get a few recommended products too! 

What Is Kojic Acid?

Looking for a skincare ingredient that can help brighten your skin? Look no further than Kojic Acid. It is derived from many different types of fungi or better yet, through the Japanese rice wine’s process of fermentation. What’s more, is that it is also categorised as a plant extract. Since it is a by-product of rice wine or fermented soy sauce, it is used in cosmetic and health products as well. Truth be told, Kojic Acid was actually discovered back in 1907! It was firstly isolated from aspergillus oryzae, a fungus known as kōji mold. Although the word “mold” sounds disgusting, Kojic Acid is actually used in making sweet potato, steamed rice and miso in Japan. Furthermore, Kojic Acid is safe to use, as long as it is in concentrations of up to 1%  within skincare and cosmetic products. 

The Benefits of Kojic Acid

Using Kojic Acid skincare products such as serum comes with a number of benefits. If you are struggling with skin concerns such as hyperpigmentation, then Kojic Acid might be your saviour. Not only is Kojic Acid a great brightening agent, but it also helps reduce the overproduction of melanin in your skin. Thus, the appearance of dark spots is minimised as well as becoming lighter and lighter. What’s more, is that this is a natural process, so it might be less irritating than other harsh ingredients. If you’ve tried hydroquinone and it was too harsh for your skin, Kojic Acid is a great alternative that is less harsh. Kojic Acid also works well with other similar-effect ingredients. 

Aside from that, Kojic Acid also has the benefit to help even out your skin tone. Making dull skin appear much brighter and healthier! Long exposure to the sun and its UV rays can cause skin concerns such as sunspots, dark spots and age spots to form. Since Kojic Acid inhibits tyrosinase, it has the benefit to help fade non-normal pigmentations as well! What’s more, is that it also helps prevent the formation of freckles and pigmentation after a sunburn. 

When to Use & How to Apply?

If you got your hands on a Kojic Acid serum, then the best way to use it is 2 times a day! Use it during the day or night after your toner. The same goes for if you have a gel or cream Kojic Acid skincare product. Whenever you try a new product, it is always a good idea to do a patch test first! Especially if your skin is the sensitive type. You can always start slow and incorporate it into your skincare routine. Start by applying small amounts to your forehead during your nighttime routine. If no irritation occurs after 24hours, you are safe to proceed! Depending on how sensitive your skin is to Kojic Acid, you might want to start applying it once a week, before applying it every day. 

Kojic Acid Serums To Get!

1. La Roche-Posay Mela-D Pigment Control

The La Roche-Posay Mela-D Pigment Control is suitable for use in the morning and evening. 3 to 5 drops of this Kojic Acid serum is enough to soothe your whole face! Apply and spread all over your face as it contains 10% glycolic acid. It also contains micro-exfoliating lipo-hydroxy acid. Thus, it helps reduce the appearances of discolouration and dark spots, while improving your skin’s radiance. 

Why we love it:

• Free from sulfate, paraben and phthalate
• Evens out skin tone
• Contains AHA
• Contains potent triple-acid complex

Price: RM315.00

Where to buy: Shopee

2. Garden of Wisdom Alpha Arbutin 2% and Kojic Acid 1% Serum

Get ready to have a glowing complexion with the Garden of Wisdom Alpha Arbutin 2% and Kojic Acid 1% Serum! Its formula contains an extremely advanced and pro-level mixture of Vitamin C, Kojic Acid, Niacinamides and Alpha Arbutin. All of which have the benefit to help counteract the effects of discolouration and hyperpigmentation. What’s more, is that its formula is also super lightweight and comfortable on the skin. As it inhibits the pigment synthesis, it helps fade away stubborn dark spots. It also lightens post-acne marks. 

Why we love it:

• Evens skin tone
• Revives dull skin
• Helps fatigued skin
• Radiant complexion

Price: RM87.60

3. Neostrata Enlighten Dark Spot Corrector

Featuring a unique collection of skincare products, Neostrata  Enlighten addresses skin concerns such as discolouration. Most of their products look for ways to target the multiple pathways of discolouration. Its formula contains powerful skin brightening ingredients such as NeoGlucosamine®, Retinol, Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant found in Turmeric and Niacinamides. All of which have the benefit to reveal a much more even and glowing complexion. 

Why we love it:

• Brighter skin
• Smoother skin
• Clearer skin
• Suitable for all skin types
• Reduces skin pigmentation

Price: RM96.00

4. Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense

Considered one of the best Kojic Acid serums for the skin, the Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense is worth noting. This serum is also clinically proven to help minimise skin discolouration and dark spots. Its formula is also packed with Kojic Acid, Vitamin B3 and Tranexamic Acid. Although it is on the pricier side, it is an effective serum when it comes to diminishing brown spots. 

Why we love it:

• Brightens the skin
• Free from parabens, gluten, silicone and fragrances
• Spa-rated product
• Hydroquinone-free 

Price: RM468.00

Where to buy: Lazada

5. Bluebell Radiance Serum

The Bluebell Radiance Serum has a formula that contains both Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E. What’s more, it also contains  Sodium Hyaluronate, which has the benefit to help fortify your skin’s natural moisture barrier. Thus, prevent the loss of moisture from your skin. Furthermore, Licorice, stem cells and Kojic Acid work harmoniously to lighten dark spots caused by acne scarring, sun damage and ageing. 

Why we love it:

• Unifies the skin
• Prevents moisture loss
• Radiant skin

Price: RM79.00

If you found this useful, make sure to follow us on our Instagram and Facebook! Be sure to check out our Insider Mall as well because you can Shop Beauty. Get Rewarded.