Are you considering buying a kojic acid soap for skin lightening? Are you worried whether the use of kojic acid may have negative side effects? Do you wonder if it’s really effective?
Kojic acid is a “natural” acid. Besides being used for hyper pigmentation, kojic acid works well in removing or fading freckles, moles, age spots, acne and some types of birthmarks.
In this post you’ll learn about the best kojic acid soaps – we selected these two soaps: Marie France kojic soap
and Kojie San Skin Lightening Soap. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of using kojic acid, and explain to you how to use it properly for best results.
Please feel free to leave a comment at the end of this post if you’d like to share your experience with us!
What is kojic acid soap made of and how does it work?
The really good thing about kojic acid is that it comprises of completely natural ingredients which are derived from mushrooms.
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 (source).
The ingredients found in the kojic acid do work by giving a stop to the production of melanin thus giving rise to a mechanism through which the skin gets to have a lighter complexion.
The chemical compounds present in the kojic acid do penetrate the deep layers of the skin and bring out effects which make the skin to appear lighter.
Is kojic acid soap effective?
The answer is yes and no. Kojic acid soap can help your skin if you use it the right way and if you use it continuously. If you are trying to remove acne marks, dark spots or trying to lighten your skin tone, it can take time before you see it happen.
It also depends on the product you use and the concentration of kojic acid.
Some people say it takes only a few weeks to start seeing some results. One of the major benefits of kojic acid soap is that it can be used to achieve skin lightening solutions within a relatively short time. But once again, it depends on many factors.
Are kojic acid soaps safe?
The answer is rather simple – it all depends on the circumstances in which kojic acid soaps are being used and the product you use.
Some people will aggressively apply this acid soap so as to achieve extremely light skin complexion with a limited time span. This trend is highly discouraged as aggressive use of kojic acid can lead to very rapid removal of melanin from the skin surface.
Extremely little melanin pigmentation can make aspects like sunburns to be on the extreme. People who have ended up ignoring this warning have had a sad story to tell. The reason being is that extreme skin lightening gives a person a rather artificial look.
Is kojic acid better than hydroquinone?
The FDA regulates the use of hydroquinone in the U.S. However, studies have shown that hydroquinone has some carcinogenic effects when applied to skin. It’s considered cytotoxic (toxic to cells) and mutagenic.
Studies have also shown that long term hydroquinone use can cause exogenous ochronosis, which is when your skin turns a bluish and black color.
Hydroquinone not only inhibits melanin production to help lighten skin, but long term use can actually damage your pigment cells.
For this reason, it’s better to use a natural source such as kojic acid.
Why buy kojic acid soap vs kojic acid cream?
There are many skin lightening products which can be sourced from the market.
However their main limitation is that they don’t actually deliver the results for which they were bought for.
A host of other active ingredients are often included in kojic acid creams and it’s best to check the label carefully especially if you want to avoid harmful ingredients!
This is perhaps the reason why kojic acid soaps are recommended by many dermatologists. Kojic acid is mostly natural while its effects have been tested and proved to be working just as fine.
That being said, be aware that using pure kojic acid soap may irritate your skin.
Some people have stated that their skin had become highly sensitive after using kojic acid for extended periods of time. There is still a danger of developing allergic contact dermatitis with continued regular use.
This is why manufacturers have now added other ingredients to lower the concentration of kojic acid and help counter this side effect.
A kojic acid cream may be more appropriate for your skin depending on how sensitive your skin is.
The best kojic acid soaps
Now that you know a little bit more about kojic acid, let’s talk about the best kojic acid soaps.
Here are the top 2 kojic acid soaps – according to testimonials, the ingredients that are used and their concentration:
1. Marie France kojic soap
This soap is very strong, but also really effective for skin lightening. The concentration of kojic acid is not specified, but the soap box says: “maximum strength”.
The good thing is that Marie France only uses natural ingredients that are beneficial for skin: glycerin, kojic acid extract, papaya extract (Papain), vitamin E and aloe vera.
Here is what Beauty Regimen says about this kojic acid soap:
This is what I’m currently using. So far, it has exceeded my expectation. Like what I said, I’ve tried so many different brands of kojic soap but this brand is the best by far. I’m currently using it on my butt, bikini and underarms area. I also use it on my face maybe 2-3 times a week.
There are lots of positive comments about Marie France kojic soap on Amazon. It normally takes 8-12 weeks before people see the maximum results, but this depends on skin sensitivity.
Warnings about this product:
- Marie France uses HIGH concentration of kojic acid and papain, both are known for its skin whitening and rejuvenating effect to effectively whiten your skin.
- You MUST use a heavy moisturizer after using this kojic soap. This soap is highly concentrated and you may experience skin peeling depending on your skin type (this is the first step to skin whitening).
- It is NOT for sensitive skin.
- NEVER stay under the sun while using this product and use sunscreen when outdoors.
2. Kojie San Skin Lightening Soap
This soap has lots of positive feedback on amazon too (Testimonials).
But once again, the concentration of kojic acid is not specified. This product is suitable for use on both face and body, and it contains coconut oil to increase the absorption of kojic acid
.
Like Marie France soap, Kojie San soap is not recommended for sensitive skin. Some people reported that it triggered acne and other skin irritations, and this soap didn’t work for them.
Conclusion: Pros and cons of using kojic acid soaps
What are the pros?
- Kojic acid is an effective skin exfoliator as well as a skin whitener.
- It can be used to achieve skin lightening solutions within a relatively short time.
- It is determined safe for use in cosmetics, subject to concentration or use limitations.
- Kojic acid is safer and more natural than hydroquinone (considered cytotoxic and mutagenic).
- Kojic acid soaps are very cheap.
What are the cons?
- If you use of kojic acid on a regular basis, it may cause sun damage to the skin. Because kojic acid inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase which helps produce melanin, the skin is more prone to sunburn. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen.
-
You may experience dry skin. This is why it’s recommended that you apply moisturizing products while using kojic acid.
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It can trigger irritation to sensitive skin. There’s a risk of developing allergic contact dermatitis with continued use.
- It can take time for the ingredients found in the kojic acid to fully give out their intended effects.
One of the major benefits of Kojic acid soap is that it can be used to achieve skin lightening solutions naturally within a relatively short time. But those with highly sensitive skin should perhaps have some thoughtful moments before deciding on whether it would be appropriate for them to use kojic acid for skin lightening.
Be aware that excessive use and failure to follow the recommended guidelines can lead to adverse effects on your health. Please consult a qualified dermatology specialist before using kojic acid soaps for skin lightening or the removal of age spots, moles, birthmarks or freckles.
Also, make sure you choose the right products that don’t contain harmful ingredients. These kojic acid soaps are great options: Marie France kojic soap and Kojie San Skin Lightening Soap as discussed above.
If you have tried kojic acid on your skin, feel free to leave a comment here below to share your experience!
Are kojic acid products safe to use?
- Disclaimer
Article by
J. Beck
DISCLAIMER
The information provided on Optiderma.com is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified practitioner.
If you are allergic to the foods, herbs, essential oils, any remedies listed here, you must of course avoid them. For example, consuming food that you’re sensitive to will only cause more (not reduce!) inflammation.
Please consult a practitioner (such as Naturopath, Homeopath, Doctor of Chinese Medicine, Dermatologist, ...) to follow the most appropriate treatment to heal your skin. All legal mentions »
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