subject: Facts About Kojic Acid [print this page] Kojic Acid originated in JapanKojic Acid originated in Japan. It is from a fungus named Koji, which is developed during the fermentation of the malt rice for the Japanese rice wine known as sake. Presently, it is used in cosmetics for skin lightening.
Globally, it is known for its effective skin whitening. One good thing to know about this is that it does skin whitening safely. It whitens the skin by hindering the tyrosinase's activity.
Because Kojic acid is a very sensitive agent, it is only used in few applications. Even in cosmetology, it is an unstable ingredient. It is very sensitive that it slight exposure to air and sunlight would make the acid lose its essence, and it would change its color to brown. It is best preserved in glass ampoules.
The Scientific and Committee on Commercial Products found this acid to be a non-carcinogenic and no-genotoxic element. Also, it does not have a bad effect on the reproductive system of the human being. It may have some threats to the human health but it is limited only to a 1% concentration.
During the testing of the Kojic acid on the skin, a side effect was found. It increases the level of the skin's sensitivity which is not a good sign. This is because an increase in the skin's sensitivity leads to allergic contact.
Though it is primarily used in cosmetology, it can be used also in:
* It is used in the field of medicine as a significant component in antibiotics: anodyne, antiphlogistic production and cephamycin.
* The Kojic acid functions also as an antiseptic and antioxidant. It is added in foods like meat to preserve the fresh color of the meat.
*Color-stabilizer of Cut-flowers- it is added to cut flowers to preserve and maintain the flower's color and freshness.
* Research shows that it is a pollution-free ingredient and that is why it is included as an ingredient of several insecticides and pesticides.
Usually, Kojic acid is included in some skin whiteners that may come in the form of soap, lightening lotions and creams. Further studies are conducted to study Kojic acid.
