Best Kojic Acid Serums For Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots

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For all types of pigmentation issues, including dark spots and others, kojic acid serums can work wonders. Unlike other serums that exfoliate the skin, kojic acid actually inhibits the production of certain pigments, which in turn makes your skin much lighter and brighter. And because kojic is made with mushrooms, it is not filled with harsh chemicals that may cause nasty side effects in some people.

Not only does kojic acid do a great job on all types of dark spots and other pigmentation problems, but it is a great antioxidant and has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties as well. If you have any type of pigmentation problems with your skin, you owe it to yourself to give kojic acid a try.

Keep reading to learn more about the best kojic acid serums for hyperpigmentation and dark spots.

Table of Contents

1 Best Kojic Acid Serums For Hyperpigmentation
2 Benefits of Kojic Acid for Skin
3 How to Choose the Right Kojic Acid Serum
4 How to Use Kojic Acid Serum
5 Frequently Asked Questions
6 Conclusion

Best Kojic Acid Serums For Hyperpigmentation

La Roche-Posay Mela-D Pigment Control Serum

This lightweight serum combines kojic acid and glycolic acid for lighter, brighter skin and much fewer dark spots. You only use two to four drops in the evening time, so the bottle lasts a very long time. It gives your skin a more even tone and is super easy to use, never feeling as if it’s weighing you down or giving your skin that “heavy” feel.

The serum also contains vitamin B5 and an antioxidant, and it is dermatologist-tested for safety.

Make sure to avoid prolonged sun exposure, and use broad-spectrum SPF in the mornings while using this product.

Pros:

Contains both kojic acid and glycolic acid
Contains antioxidants to protect the skin from future damage
Lightweight and non-comedogenic
Suitable for Sensitive Skin
Affordable
Dermatologist-tested

Cons:

Some complaints about it not working

Check reviews here

PCA SKIN HQ-Free Pigment Gel

This is a nice, thick gel that feels cooling and comforting on your skin. It is made with kojic acid, azelaic acid, as well as other lightening agents such as phenylethyl resorcinol and glutathione.

PCA SKIN HQ-Free Pigment Gel is a spot treatment serum, you can apply it on the areas to be treated twice a day to get the results you want; make sure to follow with a moisturizer, as well as a broad spectrum SPF sunscreen in the daytime.

PCA SKIN will not only make your skin look good but make it feel good, too. It gives you an even skin tone and a brighter, lighter overall look for a more youthful appearance.

It is also free of hydroquinone and contains no dyes or fragrances, which means that it is super gentle on the skin.

Pros:

Contains both kojic and azelaic acids for better results
Contains powerful ingredients that have been proven to lighten skin
Great for age spots, sun spots, and acne scars
A little goes a long way
Dermatologist-recommended
Paraben-free, fragrance-free

Cons:

Some claims that the product didn’t work for them

Check reviews here

iS CLINICAL Super Serum Advance+

This lightweight serum is non-greasy and works wonders if you simply apply three to four drops per day onto the face and neck area.

It is good for all skin types and all skin tones, and this includes skin that is acne-prone or has some other challenge to it. The vitamin C in the serum has a great anti-aging effect, and it can even reduce both scar tissue and stretch marks.

With UV protection, the serum can even help you reduce future damage to the skin, and the ingredients come in the perfect combination to get rid of dark spots and other hyperpigmentation problems.

Pros:

Contains powerful skin lightening agents, such as Arbutin, and Polyporus umbellatus (mushroom) extract, which is a source of kojic acid
Has added vitamin C for anti-aging effects
Reduces stretch marks and scar tissue
Dermatologist-approved
Paraben-free

Cons:

A bit pricey
Some complaints that the product did not work

Check reviews here

Touch Skin Lightening & Brightening Cream

This lightweight lightening and brightening cream has not just kojic acid in it, but also tranexamic acid, azelaic acid, and niacinamide. This combination is perfect for people with dark spots and hyperpigmentation problems, and it even gives the skin a much smoother and more even tone.

It reduces the look of age spots, sun spots, and acne scars, and it is even good for acne-prone skin. Made for all types of skin, the cream feels good on the skin and is never greasy.

Pros:

Has numerous acids that work together for great results
Makes the skin both smoother and softer
Great for age spots, sun spots, acne scars, and acne
Affordable
Suitable for all skin types

Cons:

Some claims that the product didn’t work
Some complaints about the product making them break out

Check reviews here

EnaSkin Dark Spot Corrector Remover

This product contains kojic acid, salicylic acid, and lactic acid and gets rid of numerous types of dark spots, including post-acne marks, dullness, redness, and so much more.

You use it twice a day and it goes on smoothly. You can also use the product on all different skin types and skin tones, so it is perfect for just about everyone who has trouble with hyperpigmentation issues.

Made specifically for dark spots, it also brightens the skin and makes it much smoother and softer. However, since the ingredients in this product can make your skin photosensitive, remember to use a good SPF every day and avoid or minimize sun exposure while using it.

Pros:

Contains kojic, salicylic, and lactic acids
Works great on all types of spots
Works on all different skin types and skin tones
Affordable

Cons:

Some complaints that the product didn’t work
Some claims that it causes them skin irritation

Check reviews here

Benefits of Kojic Acid for Skin

The main benefit of kojic acid is its ability to inhibit the production of melanin, which means that it can make all types of dark spots disappear.

This includes sun spots, age spots, spots left over from acne, and so many others. When it comes to any type of dark spot or pigmentation issue, kojic acid is very effective.

How to Choose the Right Kojic Acid Serum

You should decide whether you want a serum, gel, or cream first. Then, examine the list of ingredients and make sure there is nothing in there you are allergic to.

Finally, stick with reputable brands and do read customer reviews before you decide which product to purchase.

How to Use Kojic Acid Serum

At first, you should use your serum only twice a week until you learn exactly how your skin is going to react to it. Gradually increase the number of times per week you use it as long as you are showing no side effects. Using it daily should be your goal, but some people are never able to do that. Make sure to always follow with a good moisturizer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which is better, kojic acid or hydroquinone?

A: Both are excellent products and work especially well together. Kojic acid is sometimes preferred simply because it is a more stable product and because of the connection between hydroquinone and a condition that causes dark spots to appear. Hydroquinone can also cause skin photosensitivity and is not recommended for long term use.

Q: Is kojic acid harmful to the skin?

A: As long as you aren’t allergic to kojic, it is not harmful to the skin. Kojic is made with mushrooms and is therefore a natural product.

Q: Are there any side effects of kojic acid?

A: In small doses, it’s unlikely you’ll experience side effects. Some people do have them, however, and they can include itchiness, redness, and even a burning sensation in the affected area.

Q: What happens when you stop using kojic acid?

A: Your dark spots and pigmentation will not return as soon as you stop using kojic acid, especially if it is caused by sun damage or acne. With that being said, always make sure to protect your skin with a good sunscreen before going out in the sun.

Q: Are kojic acid results permanent?

A: No. Kojic acid doesn’t have the ability to destroy melanin, therefore, it does not lighten the skin permanently. However, the results achieved from kojic acid products will not immediately reverse after stopping the use of kojic acid, and can be permanent if the cause was temporary skin damages like acne and sun damage.

Q: Does kojic acid make skin sensitive to the sun?

A: Yes, kojic acid has the potential to make your skin more sensitive to UV rays, that’s because it inhibits the production of melanin, which is your natural skin’s sun protection agent. Using sunscreen daily is a necessary part of a healthy skin care regimen, but it is more necessary when you’re using kojic acid.

Conclusion

Kojic acid serums are true miracle workers for many people, and as long as you research the other ingredients in the product, you should be very safe using it.

Reputable brands and low dosages are what you should start out with. Kojic acids work great with other acids in order to give you skin that is lighter, brighter, and much smoother and softer overall.

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Judy Rose

Hi, it’s Judy!

I’m a passionate skincare specialist and writer. I have more than 7 years of experience as a beauty, fashion, and lifestyle writer and editor, and I’m extremely passionate about what I do.