Kojic Acid

Kojic acid comes from fungi used to ferment rice and soy. It slows down the making of pigment, so it helps fade dark spots and even out skin tone over time.

It suits dark spots, sun spots and marks after breakouts. It works best alongside other brighteners rather than on its own. If your skin is sensitive, azelaic acid or tranexamic acid may be gentler.

Use a kojic toner or serum after cleansing, once a day to start. A toner such as Medicube Kojic Acid Turmeric Resurfacing Toner 250ml is an easy first step. Moisturise after, and wear SPF every morning.

Yes, it combines well with niacinamide, azelaic acid and vitamin C. Many products already pair them. Introduce one new active at a time, and use strong acids and retinoids on different nights.

Kojic acid can irritate sensitive skin, so patch test and start slowly. There is little research on it in pregnancy, so check with your doctor first.

• Under €30: Medicube Kojic Acid Turmeric Resurfacing Toner 250ml or Purito Azelaic Acid 10% Kojic Tea Tree Serum 30ml
• €30 to €50: Medicube Kojic Acid Turmeric Brightening Gel Mask (4 Pack) as a weekly boost, or Reform Skincare Phyto Botanical Gel 30ml
• Over €100: Allies of Skin Azelaic & Kojic Advanced Clarifying Serum 30ml or SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense 30ml

Get in touch and tell us how your skin feels, and we will help you choose.