10 Best Kojic Acid Products for Brighter Skin With Little to No Irritation

If you’re dealing with stubborn dark spots, the best kojic acid products deserve a place in your routine. Vitamin C and niacinamide may get all the hype for brightening, but kojic acid is the latest ingredient that packs a serious punch, This powerhouse antioxidant works by blocking tyrosinase, making it a go-to for tackling hyperpigmentation and skin discoloration.

"Tyrosinase is an enzyme that is critical in creating the pigment, or melanin, in our skin," says Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami. (Another well-known tyrosinase inhibitor is vitamin C.) What sets kojic acid apart is that it's "usually well tolerated in skin care," she says. Although it could be slightly irritating at higher concentrations, most people can use it without worry, Dr. Woolery-Lloyd says—so it's a great alternative if you've ever found vitamin C to be a little too irritating on skin. (Niacinamide, meanwhile, interferes with pigment production via a different mechanism

Whether you’re working with sun or age spots, melasma, or post-inflammatory marks, kojic acid works to even out your skin tone for a smooth, glowing complexion. Ahead, the 10 best kojic acid products to brighten and clear your skin.

Editor's note: Starting in April 2025, the European Union (EU) Commission is enforcing a maximum 1% concentration of kojic acid in face and hand products.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense Serum, $110
• Best Exfoliant: La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 Serum, $45
• Best Face Serum: Dr. Idriss Major Fade Hyper Serum, $68
• Best Eye Cream: Beekman 1802 Mushroom Milk Better Aging Eye Cream, $50
• Best Spot Treatment: PCA Skin Pigment Gel HQ Free, $90
• Best for Post-Acne Marks: Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Micropoint for Dark Spots, $12
• Best for Deep Skin Tones: Topicals Faded Brightening & Clearing Gel, $38
• Best for Redness: iS Clinical Hydra-Cool Serum, $103
• Best for Melasma: Naturium Tranexamic Acid Brightening Treatment 5%, $20
• Best for Body: InnBeauty Project Bright & Smooth Body Serum, $35

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is kojic acid, and what does it do?
• What are the potential side effects of kojic acid?
• How long does kojic acid take to work?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense Serum

Why we love it: Nothing beats Discoloration Defense Serum, a dark spot corrector that actually delivers—which is why it's our top pick among kojic acid products. Dr. Woolery-Lloyd recommends it for her patients dealing with dullness and discoloration, since it “has kojic acid along with other ingredients to manage hyperpigmentation,” she says, adding that it also has studies with good results to back up its claims. Board-certified dermatologist Jeanette Graf, MD, is also a fan, noting that it's lightweight and oil-free—making it suitable for all skin tones. "It combines the power of tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide to brighten skin’s overall complexion and reduce hyperpigmentation,” she says.

Editor’s tip: Clearly, dermatologists swear by this stuff for dark spots. It also counts board-certified dermatologists Roberta Del Campo, MD, Hadley King, MD, and Marisa Garshick, MD, among its many fans. "It contains a great combination of tranexamic acid and kojic acid, both ingredients that are effective for lightening discolorations," Dr. King told Allure.

Key ingredients: niacinamide, tranexamic acid, sulfonic acid | Who it's for: all skin types | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Exfoliant: La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 Serum

Why It's Worth It: La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 pairs the brightening power of kojic acid with exfoliating glycolic acid to target dark spots and smooth rough patches. Dr. Woolery-Lloyd likes the La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 Serum, a glycolic-acid treatment that can be used alone or mixed into a moisturizer for a brightening effect. Plus, “hyperpigmentation is very challenging to treat, so I like to use products that contain a combination of ingredients that target pigment,” she says. “This combines kojic acid with glycolic acid, which has also been shown improve hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone.”

For the uninitiated, "glycolic acid significantly increases skin turnover by speeding up the natural process of shedding dead skin cells, allowing for a smoother and more radiant appearance,” says cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos. To counteract dryness that can sometimes come with exfoliation, this serum also includes panthenol, a humectant that helps attract moisture to the skin. The result is brighter, more even skin that still feels soft and hydrated.

Editor's tip: According to Reshmi Kapoor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City—yet another fan of this formula—the use of kojic acid serums formulated with chemical exfoliants, like this serum, should be limited to two to three times a week.

Key ingredients: glycolic acid, tranexamic acid, lipo-hydroxy acid | Who it's for: oily or acne-prone skin types | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Spot Treatment: PCA Skin Pigment Gel HQ Free

Why we love it: Hydroquinone has long been used to target hyperpigmentation, but it's raised concerns about potential toxicity; in fact, Europe banned it back in 2001. PCA Skin's Pigment Gel HQ Free serves as a worthy alternative, which swaps the powerful active ingredient for a blend of kojic acid, azelaic acid, and phenylethyl resorcinol, an antioxidant that works to even out skin tone. “It also features the proprietary SynerPro complex, which targets existing pigmentation while helping to prevent new spots,” Nicole Lee, MD, board-certified dermatologist in Garden City, New York, previously shared with Allure. “Its elegant, gel-based formula absorbs beautifully into the skin, making it as effective as it is pleasant to use.” Heads up: This is intended to be a spot treatment, so you may need to supplement it with another product for all-over brightening.

Editor's tip: This formula also contains an ingredient called phenylethyl resorcinol. "On its own, phenylethyl resorcinol has demonstrated potent skin-brightening properties as well as antioxidant activity," says Dobos.

Key ingredients: azelaic acid, phenylethyl resorcinol | Who it's for: all skin types, even sensitive and rosacea-prone skin | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Face Serum: Dr. Idriss Major Fade Hyper Serum

Why we love it: For all-over brightening, consider the Major Fade Hyper Serum, which was developed by New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Shereene Idriss, MD, and is a favorite of Reshmi Kapoor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Brooklyn Dermatology in New York City. It's not entirely surprising that the treatment gets its brightening benefits from a blend of niacinamide, kojic acid, and alpha arbutin. What is surprising? It also contains glycerin, which gives it a more immediate plumping and firming effect. Plus, the soothing licorice root extract helps calm everything down, making this an ideal pick for anyone who wants to combat discoloration without compromising hydration.

Editor tip's: Feeling puffy? Consider the brand's The Depuffer: Arnica Sculpting Serum Roller, which took home a 2023 Best of Beauty Award for its ability to quickly calm and contour skin.

Key ingredients: niacinamide, alpha arbutin | Who it's for: all skin types | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Eye Cream: Beekman 1802 Mushroom Milk Better Aging Eye Cream

Why we love it: It’s not just a lack of sleep: Hyperpigmentation can contribute to dark circles, which is where Beekman’s Mushroom Milk Better Aging Eye Cream can help. In addition to kojic acid, this Best of Beauty Award winner includes the brand's signature goat milk, which is rich in fatty acids that help moisturize and strengthen the skin barrier. But the real superstar is a peptide called argireline, which is often referred to as “Botox in a bottle." While it’s not as potent as the real deal, it can smooth fine lines by helping prevent muscle contractions—perfect for giving tired eyes or mature skin a little extra love.

Tester feedback: "I love the silky texture of this eye cream," says commerce writer Jennifer Hussein. "It dries down super fast and doesn't irritate my sensitive eyes."

Key ingredients: goat milk, snow mushroom, hexapeptide | Who it's for: those targeting dark circles and fine lines | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Post-Acne Marks: Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Micropoint for Dark Spots

Why we love it: The Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Micropoint for Dark Spots is like a pimple patch, but for your dark spot—simply pop it on before bed and let it work its magic (really, a blend of vitamin C, tranexamic acid, and kojic acid). Each sticker has 395 micropoints, which dissolve into skin upon application for maximum absorption. Pro tip: Apply it to clean skin so the ingredients can best penetrate, and then follow (carefully!) with your usual skin-care routine.

Tester feedback: “When I apply one of the brightening vitamin C-infused dots on a dark spot before going to sleep, I wake up and immediately can see the pigment in the skin lightening to my natural skin color,” says Allure shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis.

Key ingredients: vitamin C, tranexamic acid, niacinamide | Who it's for: all skin types | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Deep Skin Tones: Topicals Faded Brightening & Clearing Serum

Why we love it: Designed with skin of color in mind—as it's more vulnerable to hyperpigmentation—Topicals Faded Brightening & Clearing Gel can help speed the fading process of discoloration and age spots without irritation. How: Instead of using pure kojic acid, it features kojic dipalmitate, a modified, oil-soluble version that’s much gentler on the skin. “This is an oil-soluble form of kojic acid that overcomes some of the product stability issues of pure kojic acid, and due to its lipid-soluble nature, it can penetrate the skin better,” explains Dobos.

This makes it a great choice for daily use, even for those with more reactive skin; because kojic dipalmitate absorbs more gradually, it’s less likely to cause irritation or sensitivity compared to pure kojic acid, according to Dobos, which can sometimes cause issues when it penetrates too quickly. Also inside are soothing Centella Asiatica, which brings down inflammation, with a powerful blend of tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, and azelaic acid (essentially a Who's Who of brightening ingredients).

Tester feedback: "[Dark spots] will stay on my skin for weeks (longer than the damn pimple) — they're not even paying rent!," says Trakoshis. "Faded brings down the darkness without lightening my skin, so it works not only for my olive skin tone but for all skin tones."

Key ingredients: tranexamic acid, niacinamide, azelaic acid | Who it's for: everyone, but especially those with melanin-rich skin in mind | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Redness: iS Clinical Hydra-Cool Serum

Why we love it: While kojic acid is primarily found in brightening products, iS Clinical Hydra-Cool Serum bucks the trend, incorporating the ingredient into a supremely refreshing hyaluronic-acid serum instead. Alongside hyaluronic acid, Centella Asiatica, and vitamin B, it helps reduce redness and dial down inflammation, making it great for acne-prone and otherwise compromised skin. Try it during the summer to keep sun spots to a minimum.

Editor's tip: TikTok star Alix Earle is a fan, as is singer Normani. “It kind of soothes my skin, and I put that on right before I put my moisturizer on,” she says. “It gives me an extra boost of hydration.”

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, Centella asiatica | Who it's for: those with dehydrated or reactive skin | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Melasma: Naturium Tranexamic Acid Brightening Treatment 5%

Why we love it: Naturium Multi-Bright Tranexamic Acid Treatment 5% is a go-to for patients who get post-acne dark spots, according to board-certified dermatologist Karan Lal, DO. "This is an affordable gentle product that has tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and alpha arbutin," he previously told Allure. The lightweight lotion can also be helpful for managing melasma, too, he said. Its main ingredient, tranexamic acid, works alongside other skin-brighteners for a one-two punch against dark spots and hyperpigmentation

Editor's tip: Since the formulation is potent, consider acclimating your skin as you would retinol: Use it a few times a week, then gradually increase the frequency.

Key ingredients: tranexamic acid, alpha arbutin, acetyl glucosamine | Who it's for: all skin types | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Body: InnBeauty Project Bright and Smooth Body Serum

Why we love it: Move over, body creams: this serum is the next game-changer in your body-care routine. The InnBeauty Project Bright and Smooth Body Serum combines gentle exfoliators like lactic and glycolic acids, along with willow bark, to smooth skin and clear pores. Kojic acid and tranexamic acid work together to fade hyperpigmentation, while niacinamide helps smooth out bumps and supports your skin’s natural moisture barrier. “I like this product because it’s made for the body, and it’s a serum, so it applies very well,” says according to board-certified dermatologist Nava Greenfield, MD. “It can be used on extremities and trunk to brighten spots that may have resulted from insect bites or pimples.”

Editor’s tip: Never used body serum? We’ve got you: “Body serums give your skin below the same love that your face gets. We often neglect our body in terms of skin health, focusing on the favorite child, the face,” board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, previously told Allure. “Body serums use actives to address skin concerns, bring out radiance, even out the tone or firm up the limbs and trunk."

Key ingredients: lactic acid, glycolic acid, mandelic acid, niacinamide | Who it's for: Anyone with discoloration below the neck | Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

Kojic acid is a substance derived by funghi—namely, mushrooms, according to Dr. Graf. It's best known for its skin-brightening properties, since it acts as a tyrosinase inhibitor (which, like we mentioned, interferes with and slows the pigment production process, resulting in less pigment and therefore, more even skin tone). Unlike, say, salicylic acid, its primary function in skin doesn't involve exfoliation.

“Tyrosinase inhibitors are commonly used in skin care products due to their ability to help with dark spots and uneven skin tone,” says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. And they work best in groups, which is why you can find kojic acid paired with other tyrosinase inhibitors like vitamin C, licorice extract, and tranexamic acid. (The benefit of vitamin C is that it also functions as an antioxidant, thus neutralizing the free radicals that can lead to more discoloration when left unchecked.)

Since acne scars, sun spots, and hyperpigmentation benefit from a multi-pronged approach, you'll also find it alongside niacinamide, which works in a different way—by inhibiting the transfer of melanosomes, or bundles of pigment, to skin's surface, if you want to get nerdy about it—to even out skin tone. As it's an active ingredient, you can usually find it in face serums and treatments instead of toners and cleansers—as they allow for high concentrations.

While at the levels found in over-the-counter products, kojic acid is unlikely to have any side effects, it can cause “skin irritation, redness, and dryness, especially with higher concentrations or prolonged use,” says Dr. Graf. For that reason, if you know you have sensitive skin, consider patch-testing it or taking a gradual approach (use it twice a week and work your way up from there).

And, although sunscreen use should be a habit anyway—especially if you're dealing with discoloration—“it can also increase skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, so I recommend always wearing sun protection during use,” she says.

While it can vary from person to person, “some may see improvements in skin tone and a reduction of dark spots within four to six weeks of consistent use,” says Dr. Graf. Again, that assumes you're wearing sunscreen, since sun exposure can undo kojic acid's hard work. And she does warn that severe hyperpigmentation can take longer to fade—think three months or more.

When using kojic acid, it’s important to be aware of the ingredients in other formulas you’re using. According to Dobos, skin-care products with a very low pH, like those containing AHAs or BHAs, can lead to increased irritation and dryness when paired with kojic acid.

Dr. Greenfield also advises against using harsh acids or prescription retinoids alongside kojic acid, as they can further irritate the skin. To minimize the risk of adverse reactions, Dobos recommends performing a patch test before introducing kojic acid into your routine. Also, if you regularly use a retinoid, alternate usage of the two—retinol one night, kojic acid on the other.

• Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, Florida
• Jeanette Graf, MDm a board-certified dermatologist in New York, New York
• Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New Haven, Connecticut
• Nicole Lee, MD, board-certified dermatologist in Garden City, New York
• Reshmi Kapoor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
• Karan Lal, DO, a double board-certified cosmetic and pediatric dermatologist at Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, Arizona
• Nava Greenfield, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best kojic acid products, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors — along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best kojic acid products, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

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