Ingredient X-ray
Kojic Acid
A fungal-derived brightener that fades dark spots and melasma by blocking tyrosinase — effective, but strong enough that the EU now caps how much a product may contain.
BrighteningPigmentation
Stated strengths run 1–3% across the catalogue.
Ease into it
A known sensitiser for some skin — patch-test first, and stop if it stings persistently rather than pushing through.
Don’t layer with Glycolic Acid
Why, and what it does pair with, in the layering drawer.
18 products carry Kojic Acid
The Derma Co3% Kojic Acid Dark Spot Corrector Gel with Azelaic & Tranexamic Acid - 30g3%₹16.6/g
The Derma Co2% Kojic Acid Advanced Face Cream - 30g2%₹18.3/g
The Derma Co2% Kojic Acid Cream - 30g2%₹18.3/gThe Derma Co2% Kojic Acid Face Serum with 1% Alpha Arbutin & Niacinamide - 30 mlBest value2%₹20.0/ml
The Derma Co2% Kojic Acid Face Serum for Dark Spots And Pigmentation - 10 ml2%₹24.9/ml
The Derma Co2% Kojic Acid Face Serum with 1% Alpha Arbutin & Niacinamide - 8 ml2%₹26.3/ml
mCaffeine1% Kojic Acid & Glutathione Guava Fizz Soap - 300g (3x100g)1%₹1.5/g
The Derma Co1% Kojic Acid Daily Glow Body Serum-Lotion - 200ml1%₹2.0/ml+10 more carry Kojic AcidLayering — what it pairs with, what it fights
✓ Niacinamide — brightening plus barrier support — a well-tolerated pairing.
! Glycolic Acid — kojic acid can already irritate; stacking an acid raises sensitisation risk — introduce separately.
What the evidence says — 3 papers
Summaries are ours, written from the abstract. Caveats kept.
Topical and Systemic Therapies in Melasma: A Systematic Review ›
Topical Treatments for Melasma and Their Mechanism of Action ›
Management of hyperpigmentation: Current treatments and emerging therapies ›
How we compute the grade and the value
Grade A: 13 of 18 print a strength. One question — did the brand print it? Honesty, not quality.
Concentration bands: 0.5% gentle · 1% eu max. Regulatory max 1%.
Value: serums only, price ÷ active delivered, across the 3 that disclose a %.