Kojic Acid Products That Will Zap Your Stubborn Dark Spots in 2020

Scroll To See More Images

Ingredients that promise brighter, hydrated skin is never in short supply. But if your skin’s Kryptonite is hyperpigmentation, kojic acid products actually live up to the hype. According to Dr. Kenneth Howe, a dermatologist at Wexler Dermatology, kojic acid is a great skin brightening agent because it blocks the over-production of melanin, which is the main pigment of the skin.

“It does so by inhibiting tyrosinase, which is the enzyme that produces melanin,” he says. “Hyperpigmented conditions, whether it’s melasma or dark spots developing after an acne cyst, are marked by the over-production of melanin. But with kojic acid causing less melanin to be produced, the dark spots inevitably become lighter as any existing melanin continues to be broken down by natural processes.”

Simply put, kojic acid is a less-aggressive solution to hydroquinone and is available in several forms (serum, moisturizer, even face masks). Dermatologist and founder of Eighth Day, Tony Nakhla also says kojic acid works best in combination with other ingredients that have a similar effect, but a different mechanism of action to attack uneven pigment from different angles.

So as you begin to update your beauty regimen, especially in you suffer within hyperpigmentation-prone areas like under the eyes and cheeks, keep kojic acid inside your cabinet.

glytone dark spot corrector Kojic Acid Products That Will Zap Your Most Stubborn Dark Spots

Glytone Dark Spot Corrector

This combination of 2% hydroquinone, kojic and glycolic acids helps to lighten and brighten the skin and is well tolerated among most skin types. We love that it includes a dab-on sponge design for easy use and less mess.

111skin 3 phase anti blemish booster Kojic Acid Products That Will Zap Your Most Stubborn Dark Spots

111SKIN 3 Phase Anti Blemish Booster

This booster attacks blemish-prone skin during the three stages of spot growth for clear skin. Simply apply directly onto the blemish and add 1–2 drops to your regular moisturizer.

 

 

skinceuticals discoloration defense Kojic Acid Products That Will Zap Your Most Stubborn Dark Spots

SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense

You know those super stubborn brown patches and post-acne marks that just won’t go away? Zap them with this buildable corrector that promises to evens skin tone in as early as two weeks.

menscience pigmentation repair formula Kojic Acid Products That Will Zap Your Most Stubborn Dark Spots

Menscience Androceuticals Pigmentation Repair Formula

Women aren’t the only beneficiaries of kojic acid. Men are tapping into the craze, too. This pigmentation repair formula is specifically designed for men to remove the appearance of uneven tone. It uses 1% retinol, a slew of botanicals and the smell is to die for!

 

 

is clinical serum advance plus Kojic Acid Products That Will Zap Your Most Stubborn Dark Spots

iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance Plus

We don’t subscribe to products being “miracle-workers,” but this antioxidant-rich serum comes pretty close. It combines time-released vitamin C with a blend of botanicals to treat acne, rosacea, contact dermatitis and yes, even insect bites.

glo skin brightening polish Kojic Acid Products That Will Zap Your Most Stubborn Dark Spots

Glo Skin Beauty Brightening Polish

It’s easy to capture your glow with this polish designed to brighten, polish and refresh.

dermelect beautone spot treatment Kojic Acid Products That Will Zap Your Most Stubborn Dark Spots

Dermelect Beautone Enlightening Spot Treatment

Arbutin, kojic acid and licorice extract are effective individually, but when combined, they naturally help soothe skin and achieve a well-balanced skin tone that’s sure to be the envy of every skin care lover.

dcl aha lightening gel Kojic Acid Products That Will Zap Your Most Stubborn Dark Spots

DCL Dermatologic Cosmetic Laboratories AHA Lightening Gel

When it comes to skin lightening, hydroquinone is a derm favorite. And when combined with kojic acid, the results are nothing less than stellar. This gel formula not only lightens dark areas, but prevents new discoloration from developing too.

clinical grade ipl dark spot correcting serum Kojic Acid Products That Will Zap Your Most Stubborn Dark Spots

 

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Clinical Grade IPL Dark Spot Correcting Serum

If you’re in need of super-potent ingredients (read: clinical grade), then this over-the-counter dark spot correcting serum has your name all over it. This potent antioxidant protects skin against free radicals, repairs skin cells and firms skin in a flash.

 Kojic Acid Products That Will Zap Your Most Stubborn Dark Spots

 

ARCONA Brightening Drops

If you just had a baby or feel hormonal (you know who you are), this powerful brightening serum is great at repairing dark spots caused by hormonal fluctuations. It’s also especially effective for clients with sun damage or acne scars.

 Kojic Acid Products That Will Zap Your Most Stubborn Dark Spots

PCA Skin Pigment Bar

This facial cleanser contains advanced corrective ingredients like niacinamide (a form of the B vitamin that hydrates and promotes a clear, even complexion) and azelaic acid to provide an even skin tone on the face and body. And it’s gentle enough for daily use.

 Kojic Acid Products That Will Zap Your Most Stubborn Dark Spots

Tracie Martyn Enzyme Exfoliant

We love a good scrub and this re-texturizing face peel doesn’t disappoint. It uses natural exfoliators like pineapple enzymes and alpha-beta fruit bark acids to refine and revive dull and damaged skin, while the kojic acid aids in brightening and removing impurities.

la roche mela d pigment control Kojic Acid Products That Will Zap Your Most Stubborn Dark Spots

La Roche-Posay Mela-D Pigment Control Serum

Just one drop of this trifecta of acids—glycolic, kojic, and micro-exfoliating lipo-hydroxy—goes a long way. Use it to improve skin radiance after cleansing.

hires charsponge with box Kojic Acid Products That Will Zap Your Most Stubborn Dark Spots

One Love Organics Konjac Cleansing Sponge

We’re suckers for hearts and when it’s made of 100-percent pure konjac plant fiber, we’re all in. This cleansing sponge detoxifies pores and smoothes skin while buffing away dirt and makeup. Just be sure to occasionally disinfect the sponge by soaking it in hot (not boiling) water for 3-5 minutes to keep unwanted germs at bay.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Source link