Kojic acid is a weakly acidic organic compound produced by microorganisms through fermentation, derived from glucose and extracted through biological fermentation.
Kojic acid is produced by different types of fungi and is also a byproduct of fermented soy sauce and rice wine. It is commonly used as a natural preservative in the food industry and as a skin conditioner for whitening and spot removal in skincare products. Kojic acid can inhibit the synthesis of tyrosinase, thus having the effect of whitening and lightening spots. It can effectively improve skin problems such as freckles, age spots, melasma, pigmentation, and acne.
Effect:
(1) Whitening and lightening spots
Kojic acid can compete with tyrosinase for copper ions, thereby inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase, preventing melanin production, and achieving the goal of whitening
(2) Reduce scars
Kojic acid can also reduce scar discoloration. Although acid cannot reduce the thickness of scar tissue, it can improve the dark pigmentation of scars
(3) Antibacterial and acne removal
Kojic acid has antioxidant and antibacterial properties, which can reduce bacterial skin infections. Some dermatologists also recommend using quercetin ointment to treat acne, as it can effectively kill the bacteria that cause acne
The whitening principles of quercetin, tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and fruit acid:
Kojic acid can compete with tyrosinase for copper ions, causing tyrosinase to lose its activity, blocking the production of melanin, and achieving the goal of whitening and lightening spots.
Tranexamic acid can effectively inhibit tyrosinase activity (reduce melanin production), while also preventing the transfer of already produced melanin to surrounding cells. Therefore, it can gradually eliminate pigmentation (but the effect will not appear too quickly), achieving whitening effects. It has been recognized to have the effects of removing and lightening spots.
The main mechanism of niacinamide whitening is to inhibit the transport of melanin, block the transmission of melanin, promote skin metabolism, and accelerate the shedding of melanin containing keratin (the whitening effect will be faster than hyaluronic acid), in order to achieve the purpose of whitening. It also has the functions of repairing the skin barrier, moisturizing, and anti-aging.
The mechanism of action of fruit acid and salicylic acid is similar, both can enhance the metabolism of keratin in the skin, promote the shedding of the stratum corneum, and at the same time, melanin also sheds with the stratum corneum, thus having the effect of lightening spots and whitening.
Xi'an Hersoncare Bio-Tech Co., Ltd
