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Ahead, the 10 best kojic acid products to brighten and clear your skin.

Kojic acid cosmetic products overlapping on a light pink background. Product brands include SkinCeuticals Dr. Idriss…

Source images: Courtesy of brands; Collage: Laneen Wells forAllure

This combines kojic acid with glycolic acid, which has also been shown improve hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone.

The result is brighter, more even skin that still feels soft and hydrated.

It also contains glycerin, which gives it a more immediate plumping and firming effect.

SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense Serum in branded white bottle with silver and black pipette on light gray background

Tester feedback:“I love the silky texture of thiseye cream,” says commerce writerJennifer Hussein.

“It dries down super fast and doesn’t irritate my sensitive eyes.”

Each sticker has 395 micropoints, which dissolve into skin upon app for maximum absorption.

La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 Serum in branded white bottle with pipette on light gray background

with your usual skin-care routine.

Try it during the summer to keep sun spots to a minimum.

The lightweight lotion can also be helpful for managing melasma, too, he said.

PCA Skin Pigment Gel HQ Free in branded amber bottle with black pump on light gray background

Kojic acid is a substance derived by funghinamely, mushrooms, according to Dr. Graf.

Unlike, say, salicylic acid, its primary function in skin doesn’t involve exfoliation.

What are the potential side effects of kojic acid?

Dr. Idriss Major Fade Hyper Serum in branded purple component on light gray background

How long does kojic acid take to work?

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 fadethink three months or more.

Beekman 1802 Mushroom Milk Better Aging Eye Cream in branded white and yellow tube on light gray background

What should you not use with kojic acid?

When using kojic acid, its important to be aware of the ingredients in other formulas youre using.

We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies.

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Micropoint for Dark Spots in branded box packaging on light gray background

To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our completereviews process and methodology page.

We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies.

To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our completereviews process and methodology page.

Topicals Faded Brightening & Clearing Serum pink tube on light gray background

Read more on skin-care ingredients:

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iS Clinical Hydra-Cool Serum blue serum bottle with silver and white cap on light gray background

Naturium Multi-Bright Tranexamic Acid Treatment 5% in branded yellow bottle with light gray background

iNNBEAUTY Project Bright and Smooth Body Serum in branded component on a light gray background