Kojic acid soap is soap made with kojic acid. It is a by-product of fermented rice, soy, and wine. It targets hyperpigmentation, melasma and minimizes the appearance of scars. It contains antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal properties. In addition, it works by inhibiting tyrosinase activity in the skin (the pigment-producing enzyme) in melanin production in the skin. Thus, it stops melanin production in the skin, making it the perfect ingredient for targeting hyperpigmentation and treating uneven skin tone. 

TYPES OF KOJIC ACID SOAPS?

• NATURAL – Natural kojic acid soap is a soap with Base + Kojic Acid + Naturally – Derived Ingredients. It contains no chemical or synthetic ingredients. It is cold-processed, contains plant-based butter, doesn’t have fragrance, minimal ingredients, and may or may not include a colorant. 

• CONVENTIONAL (COLD – PROCESSED) – Cold – processed is the most common type of kojic acid soap. It contains additives like preservatives to prolong its shelf life. It is cold processed and is made with (Coconut Oil + Sodium Hydroxide + Water – also called saponified coconut oil.) It contains preservatives, includes emulsifying agents, has a fragrance, and contains preservatives. 

• MELT AND POUR – This is made with Pre – Made Soap Base + Kojic Acid. This soap is cheaper because the base is already made, and kojic acid is added. It is less work for the manufacturer but is not as effective as the cold processed soap.
  

Kojic Acid is soluble in water. Therefore, it needs to be dissolved in the water phase of soap making for it to work effectively. This makes the cold-processed soap more effective than the melt and pour. When kojic acid is added to the existing pre-made soap base for melt and pour. It doesn’t dissolve properly, making it less effective than the cold processed soap. 

BENEFIT OF KOJIC ACID SOAP

Kojic acid can be used on the face and the body:

FOR THE FACE, IT:

• Get rid of skin pigmentation from acne
• Age spots
• Freckles
• Melasma
• Sun damage (like sunspots)

FOR THE BODY, IT:

• Exfoliates and smoothes out the skin
• Brighten skin tone
• Remove pigmentation from Inner Thigh Discoloration, Dark Underarms, Back Acne Scars (Bacne), Butt Acne Scars (Buttne), Knees, Knuckles, Elbows, Neck. 

SIDE EFFECTS FROM USING KOJIC ACID SOAP

There are side effects that can occur from using kojic acid soaps. 

Please Note – Not everyone will experience these side effects.

• BURNING SENSATION – People with sensitive skin might experience some burning sensation when using the kojic acid soap or leave the soap on the skin longer than it’s needed. To minimize the burning sensation – Do not use kojic acid more than twice a week and gradually increase usage as the skin gets used to the ingredient. Please follow the instructions on the soap that you are using and use the soap properly. 

• DRYNESS – Kojic acid exfoliates the skin and can cause dryness and flakiness. It is essential to moisturize the skin after using kojic acid to bring moisture back to the skin. You can read this blog post on how to treat dry or dehydrated skin.          

• INCREASED SKIN SENSITIVITY  – Kojic acid can have a sun-sensitizing effect on the skin. So it is essential to stay away from the skin when using kojic acid and use sunscreen with SPF for protection.

• SKIN ERYTHEMA – Erythema is a skin rash caused by injured or inflamed blood capillaries. The symptoms are redness, rashes on the cheeks and forehead. It can be a side effect for people with sensitive skin. When the skin gets inflamed, use an anti-inflammatory product to soothe the inflamed areas.  

• CONTACT DERMATITIS – Contact dermatitis is a red, itchy rash caused by direct contact with a substance or an allergic reaction to it. It is essential for people with sensitive skin to test out the kojic acid to prevent irritation. In contact dermatitis, treat the skin with a soothing gel to calm the affected area. You may also use antihistamine if affected areas start to itch.

Note: If symptoms of any side effect mentioned persist, discontinue the use of kojic acid soap and consult your dermatologist.

HOW TO USE KOJIC ACID SOAP

STEPS ON USING THE KOJIC ACID FACE BAR:

1. Apply water to the face.
2. Lather and apply the soap to the face.
3. Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
4. Apply a facial moisturizer.

PLEASE NOTE

• If you’re using kojic soap for the first time, you should only use it on the skin once a day for a week.
• After a week, you may use the soap twice a day.
• Never leave the soap on the skin for more than 10 minutes, ideally 2–3 minutes for your face.

STEPS ON USING THE KOJIC ACID BODY BAR:

1. Apply water to the body.
2. Lather the soap all over the body.
3. Rinse thoroughly with cold water.

PLEASE NOTE:

• If you’re using kojic soap for the first time, you should only use it on the skin once a day for a week.
• After a week, you may use the soap twice a day.
• Never leave the soap on the skin for more than 10 minutes, ideally 5 at best for the body.

FAQ ABOUT KOJIC ACID

• IS KOJIC ACID BAD FOR YOUR SKIN? Kojic acid is good for the skin and is a safe ingredient for targeting hyperpigmentation. It has some side effects and should not be overused and left on the skin for an extended period. Please follow the instructions that come with your product on how to properly use the soap.

• CAN KOJIC ACID PERMANENTLY BRIGHTEN SKIN – No, and there is no such thing. There is no ingredient or product in the marketplace that can permanently brighten the skin. Once you stop using the soap, the skin pigment will come back.

• WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I STOP USING KOJIC ACID SOAP – When you stop using kojic acid soap, the skin’s pigment will come back. Once all the skin pigment is gone, use the soap twice a week for maintenance. 

• HOW LONG SHOULD I LEAVE KOJIC ACID ON THE SKIN? Ideally, 2–3 minutes for the face. Never leave the soap on your skin for more than 10 minutes. Never leave the soap on your skin for more than 10 minutes, ideally 5 at best for your body.