Kojic Acid (Brightening & Even-Tone Cosmetic Active) - Essentially Natural

• INCI Name: Kojic Acid
• Ingredient Type: Cosmetic active
• Format: Fine powder
• Function: Brightening and tone-evening support
• Recommended Usage Rate: 1%
• Best For: Serums, creams and targeted spot products
• Formulation Notes: Add during cool down
• Dissolution Tip: Gentle warming of the water phase to 25-35°C can help dissolution
• Stability Notes: Sensitive to light and heat
• Packaging Tip: Use dark, protective packaging for finished products
• Suitable For: Brightening Serums, Creams, Targeted Spot Products, Water-Based Formulas And Emulsified Skincare Products

• Supporting the look of a more even skin tone
• Helping reduce the appearance of dark spots over time
• Brightening serums and creams
• Targeted skincare products for uneven-looking areas
• Formulas focused on skin clarity and radiance
• Water-based and emulsified products where careful stabilisation is possible
• Tone-supporting routines when used in a properly formulated finished product

This Product Is For:

• DIY formulators making brightening serums and creams
• Skincare makers focusing on the appearance of uneven tone and dark spots
• Formulators looking for a well-known brightening active to include at low percentages
• Customers wanting an ingredient to build a targeted skincare formula
• Makers who can manage cool down addition, stability and protective packaging

This Product Is Not For:

• Ready-made, finished skincare use
• Direct application to skin as a raw powder
• Immediate overnight results from a single use
• Simple oil-only formulations
• Products where careful stabilisation and protective packaging are not possible
• Broken, irritated or highly reactive skin
• Use without accurate weighing and formula testing

• As a Serum Active: Use at 1% in a water-based serum, adding during the cool down phase.
• As a Cream Active: Use at 1% in emulsions, adding during cool down once the mixture has dropped in temperature.
• As a Dissolution Aid: If needed, gently warm the water phase to 25-35°C to help the powder dissolve.
• Stability Tip: Use antioxidants such as Vitamin E and ferulic acid where suitable for the overall formula.
• Packaging Tip: Package finished products in dark, protective containers to reduce exposure to light.
• Testing Tip: Check colour, scent, pH, stability and skin feel before scaling up.

• For cosmetic formulation use only
• For external use only in properly formulated products
• Do not ingest
• Do not apply the raw powder directly to skin
• Avoid inhaling powder
• Avoid contact with eyes
• Do not use on broken or irritated skin
• Patch test finished products before broader use
• Discontinue use if irritation occurs
• Daily sun protection is recommended when using leave-on products containing brightening actives
• If pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use
• Store tightly sealed, away from heat and direct light
• Keep out of reach of children and pets

Q: Is Kojic Acid a ready-to-use skincare product?
A: No, it is a cosmetic active ingredient that must be properly formulated before use.

Q: Why does packaging matter with Kojic Acid formulas?
A: Kojic Acid is sensitive to light and heat, so dark, protective packaging helps preserve formula quality and performance.

Q: Can Kojic Acid be used in a toner or facial mist?
A: It can be used in water-based products, but stability and packaging become especially important. A serum or cream is often easier to stabilise and apply evenly.

Q: Can Kojic Acid be combined with other brightening ingredients?
A: Yes, but compatibility depends on the formula design, pH, stability needs and the other ingredients used.

Q: What should I do if my finished product changes colour over time?
A: Colour change can indicate oxidation or instability. Review the antioxidant system, reduce heat exposure during manufacturing and use more protective packaging.