OriginKojic acid is a hydroxypyrone compound synthesized from the fungus Aspergillus oryzae or produced through chemical synthesis pathways. It is manufactured by fermentation of rice bran or through organic synthesis involving acetylacetone precursors.
5-Hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-4-pyrone
Solubility Soluble in ethanol, ethyl ether, acetone, DMSO; slightly soluble in benzene
Formula
C6H6O4
Mol. Weight
142.11
CAS #
501-30-4
Form
Liquid
State
Solid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Hyperpigmentation
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
Functions
Antioxidant
Fights free radicals — the unstable molecules from UV, pollution, and stress that break down collagen and cause premature aging.
Evens pigmentation
Brightens uneven skin tone
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
7
CIR
Insufficient data
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
3 studies / 3 not sensitizing / plus 4 case reports (CIR 529)
Mixed Phototoxicity Results
Both phototoxic and non-phototoxic results in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 529)
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
4 studies / 2 irritating / 2 not irritating / reactions slight to mild (CIR 529)
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