9 Best Kojic Acid Serums For Dark Spots

We are living in a scientific world. Everything comes with logic, research, and results. So why skincare should be any different? Actives are a great way to target your skin concerns and Kojic Acid is one of them. Although a lot of dermatologists used it to treat hyperpigmentation and acne back in the day it became popular recently over the years after The Ordinary came through. Kojic Acid is seriously a vegan wonder if anyone is asking. It treats dull skin to acne scarring in a matter of days. An alternative to Arbutin, it causes less sensitivity and less hyper to your soft skin. Today I am going to give you a proper idea about Kojic Acid and some popular products that you can try.

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What is Kojic Acid?

Kojic Acid, a tyrosinase inhibitor, is a product of metabolism which are created by Aspergillus. It came from the name Japanese Koji. Also, it is a by-product of the fermentation process which can be rice sake wine, and malt^[1]. It can lighten the skin, sun scars, and melasma all in one. At its core, it prevents the formulation of tyrosinase which is an amino acid that helps to produce melanin. So typically It can cause sun sensitivity

Benefits Of Kojic Acid

1. Get rid of hyperpigmentation and acne marks.
2. Great for someone with dull skin.
3. Lighten freckles and sun-damaged marks.
4. Works for skin texture as well.

How to use it?

Kojic Acid serums are advised to use in the night as they can cause sun sensitivity to some extreme but according to some dermatologists you can also use it in the morning as long as you use the right amount of sunscreen and remember to reapply every 2 hours. We are a forgetful creature so I suggest you to use it at night and use sunscreens in the morning. Always use the product with a clean face and after hydrating toner and make sure to wrap it up with a moisturizer.

Precautions/Side Effects:

1. Some people may be allergic to kojic acid which is a fungi.
2. It makes your skin sun sensitive so it is crucial to use sunscreen in the morning.
3. Some may develop texture and small pustules as actives can be too much to break the skin barrier and eczema-prone skin.
4. Always patch test first before using and like all actives please use this slowly and steadily.
5. Do not mix vitamin C and retinol when using this product, in the same routine.

9 Best Kojic Acid Serums for Dark Spots and Pigmentation

1. PCA SKIN Hydroquinone-Free Pigment Gel Face Serum

With over 30 years of experience, PCA Skin is a professional-grade skincare brand used by estheticians. This hydroquinone-free face serum is an underrated but great-performing serum in the market in recent times. It is dermatologically tested and loved by everyone. It is a spot treatment infused with antioxidants, Azelaic Acid, and Kojic Acid to target dark spots and discolorations. This does not sensitize the skin or create textures but remember to only use it at night and put sunscreen in the morning.

Pros:

1. Lighten the most stubborn dark spot, it is that good.
2. Contains antioxidants to prevent skin damage.
3. Helps with melasma and acne marks.
4. There is no hydroquinone so it is safe to use long term.
5. You can use it as a spot treatment as well.

Cons:

1. Expensive.
2. It takes a lot of time and patience to show results.

Price*: $80 for 1fl oz

Where to buy? Amazon.com

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2. La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 Serum

French skincare is the second-best thing after K-beauty that has happened to me over the years. And La Roche Posay is the world’s best dermatologist-recommended brand that I adore. This particular product not only lightens the skin but also chemically exfoliates and hydrates at the same time. Talk about a multi-purpose product!

It is formulated with 10% Glycolic Acid and powerful ingredients such as Tranexamic Acid, Kojic Acid, and Lipo Hydroxy Acid – all of which are excellent for fading dark spots and lightening the skin. It is good for sensitive and dry skin with no fragrance and a no-nonsense formula.

Pros:

1. Lightweight, fast-absorbing texture.
2. Has glycolic acid to exfoliate the skin.
3. Doesn’t sensitize the skin and helps to reduce melanin production.
4. Doesnt overly sensitize the skin and helps with clogging pores and whiteheads.
5. Works on textured skin to smooth the skin.

Cons:

1. Can take some time to see results.

Price*: $45 for 1fl oz

Where to buy? Amazon.com

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3. Versed Weekend Glow Daily Brightening Solution

Versed is a clean, vegan, and cruelty-free brand with potent yet lightweight formulas that will give you the skin of your dreams. This brightening serum solution is made with Witch Hazel, Azelaic Acid, Kojic Acid, Niacinamide, and Lactic Acid among the powerful brightening ingredients. It sinks into your skin very easily and within seconds you can see the product working. The brightness is there and the glow is impeccable. Beauty YouTubers seem to love it and for good reasons but if you have sensitive skin then please do a patch test first and use it slowly and steadily.

Pros:

1. Great for aging skin and dull skin girlies.
2. Skin looks brighter and even-toned.
3. Works on texture and big pores as well.
4. Fragrance-free and dermatology tested.

Cons:

1. Can be too much for someone with sensitive skin.

Price*: $17 for 4 fl oz

Where to buy? Amazon.com

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4. Topicals Faded Brightening and Clearing Serum

This beast is the new favorite for skincare influencers and dermatologists. This is also one of the skincare products that contain Licorice Root Extract and turmeric Butter apart from the usual Niacinamide, Alpha Arbutin, and Kojic Acid.

The skin lightening you name, it has it. But remember, it will create havoc on your skin if you do not use sunscreen and barrier-repairing ceramide creams after using it. Also, make sure to remember it is not for the faint heart and always do a patch test. Although it doesn’t work on pores and texture it does what it is supposed to do which is fading hyperpigmentation and acne marks fading.

Pros:

1. Has an array of very good skin-lightening and melanin inhibitors.
2. It is the beast when it comes to acne marks.
3. You can also use it as a spot treatment so you only need a little.
4. Great for sun damage and melasma.

Cons:

1. Has a lot of actives which can be too much for beginners so use it slowly and after patch testing.
2. Might make skin sensitive if not followed with good soothing products.

Price*: $38 for 1.7 fl oz

Where to buy? Amazon.com

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5. Urban Skin Rx Even Tone Super Glow Serum

With antioxidant and anti-aging properties, this product is great for mature and dry dull skin as it gives a lot of hydration. The Super Glow Serum is a Vitamin C Serum with 10% Ascorbic Acid, boosted with Kojic Acid, Ferulic Acid, and Niacinamide. This serum boosts the skin’s glow, helps with sun damage, hydrates your skin, and improves the appearance of the skin. If you can get past the off-putting smell, then this is the best product to achieve ultimate smooth skin.

Pros:

1. Loaded with potent brightening ingredients.
2. Has hydrating properties in it which is great for dull and dry skin.
3. Works on pores and the texture of the skin.
4. Skin looks very smooth and even-toned.
5. It is dermatologically tested.

Cons:

1. The smell can be a major turn-off for sensitive people.
2. Can make your skin very sun sensitive so use sunscreen in the morning.

Price*: $22 for 0.5 fl oz

Where to buy? Amazon.com

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6. Glytone Micro-Peel TranEXamide™ Discoloration Treatment Serum

Another great but underrated formula with 3% Tranexamic Acid for evening dark spots and discoloration, this product also has hyaluronic acid which gives you a boost of hydration. It also does a great job of reducing melasma. It sinks into the skin like a charm and is also vegan and fragrance-free. what else are you asking for?

Pros:

1. Very lightweight and sinks into the skin very easily.
2. Takes care of the sun spots and freckles like a charm.
3. Has some effects on the pores and texture as well.
4. Has Traxenamic Acid which is a great skin-lightening ingredient.

Cons:

1. Can take a little while to see the results.

Price*: $80 for 1 fl oz

Where to buy? Amazon.com

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7. SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense Serum

A lot of celebrities and famous people use this serum in their daily skincare routine. This is the second most popular product from SkinCeuticals, next to their Vitamin C Formula. The Discoloration Defense Serum is a dark spot corrector that brightens and even tones the skin. Infused with 3% Tranexamic Acid, 1% Kojic Acid, 5% Niacinamide, and 5% Hepes, it’s a lightweight, oil-free serum that’s best suited for oily and combination skin.

Pros:

1. Oil-free formula suits oily and acne-prone skin.
2. Potent yet non-sensitizing formula.
3. Works in melasma and hyperpigmentation.
4. Doesn’t clog the pores and works on textured skin.

Cons:

1. Takes some time to see the results and makes your skin sun sensitive.

Price*: $108 for 30ml

8. The Derma Co 2% Kojic Acid Face Serum

Popular for their sunscreens, The Derma Co, is an Indian Skincare brand that rose to fame for their active-based skincare products. This particular serum is easy to absorb and gives great results, and in addition to 2% Kojic Acid, it has 1% Alpha Arbutin and Niacinamide to work on dark spot reduction. The serum is gentle yet it is recommended to patch test first and use sunscreen throughout the day.

Pros:

1. Contains Kojic Acid, Niacinamide, and Alpha Arbutin.
2. Truly does its job of lightening sun spots and hyperpigmentation.
3. Helps in controlling oil and acne.
4. Free from parabens, sulfates, and other harsh chemicals.

Cons:

1. Some people get acne after using this product.

Price*: $17 for 30ml

Where to buy? Amazon.com

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9. Kozicare Skin Lightening Serum

This skin-lightening serum is packed with 2% Kojic Acid along with other active ingredients like 1% Glutathione, 1% Arbutin, 5% Mulberry Extracts, 0.50% Liquorice Extract, 0.50% Niacinamide, 0.20% Allantoin, 1% Aloe Vera and 1% Olive Oil. It is an oil-based serum yet it absorbs quickly and gives a well hydrated and moisturized skin. This is great for dull and dry skin.

Pros:

1. Helps with dull and dry skin.
2. Has a lot of skin-lightening ingredients.
3. Get rid of the aging signs and sun spots.
4. Cruelty-free and vegan products.

Cons:

1. Oil-based serum can clog pores.

Price*: ₹ 189 for 30ml

Where to buy? Amazon.in

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This list includes one of the Best Kojic Acid Serums. I hope this will help you to understand what you are looking for and what skin concerns you need to address.

Parama Sarkar

Parama Sarkar is an enthusiastic skincare aficionado with a pen mightier than a wrinkle cream! She has been writing beauty content for TheBeautyInsideout for more than 5 years. She has a keen interest in Korean Beauty and loves experimenting and sharing her beauty experiences with us.