Watch this video with Dr. Ellen Marmur and Dr. Oz who explain how using soaps and creams containing kojic acid can help you reduce the appearance of brown spots on your skin. inflammation. I bought a bar of kojic acid because I heard it helps with dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Research is still ongoing for other kojic acid uses, but many researchers believe it can help people with various types of cancer such as leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, melanoma and other types of tumors. Lines, wrinkles, and dark spots are all telltale signs of aging. Is psoriasis curable with Chinese herbal medicine? Some animal studies have shown high amounts of kojic acid to cause liver, kidney, reproductive, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and respiratory side effects, and high doses have been shown to be toxic to the brain and nervous system. People should not use kojic acid on skin that is already red or irritated. Reportedly, studies found that kojic acid is not a cancer causing agent â unlike hydroquinone (source). In skin care, kojic acid is used as a skin-lightening agent. The CIR Expert Panel agreed that kojic acid could be safely used in cosmetic products. An amino acid called tyrosine is needed to support the production of melanin. Note that kojic acid in skin whitening products is safe since the concentration is low. In this article, we look at how kojic acid is used, what possible health benefits it might have, and what the potential risks and side effects are. Are kojic acid soaps effective for skin lightening? A person can apply these products directly to the skin. Melanin protects the skin from harmful UV rays. By reducing the amount in your skin you reduce your natural defence from the sun. Rodent studies involving VERY HIGH DOSES of hydroquinone administered by feeding tube showed the potential to cause cancer, according to the FDA. For example, consuming food that youâre sensitive to will only cause more (not reduce!) Kojic acid is sometimes used in health and beauty products to lighten the skin. Itâs a normal reaction to sun exposure. The concentration of kojic acid in creams, serums, and soaps may vary by manufacturer. Products containing kojic acid may only be recommended to be used for a brief time. It is also a by-product of the fermentation process utilized in making sake (Japanese rice wine.) However, taking high doses of kojic acid can be dangerous. In a review of 165 kojic acid toxicity studies, the Nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG) notes that some studies have indicated that kojic acid causes cell mutation in mammals. It is also used in some soaps. According to the reviewers, the available data suggest that the use of products containing kojic acid with a concentration of 2 percent for products left on the skin is considered safe. Prolonged use may cause allergic contact dermatitis according to the manufacturer. It sometimes takes only a few weeks to see sufficient results. Let’s see what the studies show and learn about the risks of using kojic acid products. Yet the usually quick to pull the recall trigger FDA still permits hydroquinone to be sold hereâ both in over the counter formulations and in prescription only preparations. Although some safety issues were seen in animal studies when extremely high doses were used, there does ⦠Benefits of Spirulina for Skin (Did you Know About Its Anti-Cancer Effects? Optiderma.com is not responsible for content written by contributing authors and assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. Some researches assert that kojic acid may cause cancer in large amounts. It is unlikely that levels would become high enough to cause cancer in humans. Melanin helps protect the skin from sun damage due to UV rays. Conditions…. Products with a higher concentration of kojic acid may be more likely to lead to irritation. Raw kojic acid is available, but it is not recommended for skin use. When choosing products, people should be sure to follow their directions for use. Decreased melanin production may have a lightening effect on the skin. Answer ⦠However, this link was weak since kojic acid is slowly absorbed into the circulation. Kojic acid inhibits and prevents the formation of tyrosine, which is an amino acid thatâs needed to produce melanin. Some people may see results after a few weeks, although it may take longer in certain situations. Cosmetic products are not required by law to be approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before being sold. A review of kojic acid found that some studies in mice suggested there was a link to tumor growth when the acid was used in high concentrations. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional, United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In severe cases, pain and blisters can develop. Kojic Acid is a natural acid that is derived from a Japanese species of mushrooms. It has traditionally been used in the production of a number of foods, including miso, soy sauce and sake. IARC KOJIC ACID is listed in group 3 (not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans). But the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) adds that kojic acid is unsafe for use on injured or damaged skin. A concentration of 1 to 2 percent is recommended to reduce the chance of skin irritation. This is why the Kojic Acid can make the area of skin whiter by preventing the synthesis of melanin. People who develop a rash or irritation when using products containing kojic acid should stop using them immediately. Can It Make Your Skin Darker/Cause Ochronosis? Another study shows that while some animal data suggested tumor promotion and weak carcinogenicity, kojic acid is slowly absorbed into the circulation from human skin and likely would not reach the threshold at which these effects were seen (source). Keep in mind: For creams to work, youâll have to use them regularly for weeks or months. Cautious: Due to the potentially irritating effects of kojic acid as a lightening agent, please be sure to talk to your dermatologist before using these kinds of products. The benefits of using products containing kojic acid may include the following: Before using products containing kojic acid, it is important to make sure they are safe. Because of its ability to really penetrate the layers of your ⦠You can buy kojic acid soap, as it is safe for your skin. 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